Student Report
Name of the University: EDHEC Business School. MSc Strategy and Organization
Consultancy
Exchange semester: Fall 2013 – Spring 2014
I. PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Before leaving Norway
- When and how did you receive information from the exchange university, and did you
encounter any difficulties?
The first letter from EDHEC was received in the beginning of May. They gave me access
to school’s Blackboard where I could find all the necessary information about the onlineapplication I had to submit, courses that were to be taught, visa procedures, housing and other
practical information. Everything was quite clear, and when I had some questions, their
international office answered me very quickly.
Applying for a visa (if applicable)
- How did you apply for your visa, what did it cost and did you have difficulties?
Not applicable
Travel
- How did you travel to your destination?
I took a direct flight from Oslo to Charles de Gaulle airport with SAS. The TGV-train
departs directly from CDG to Lille, and I ordered tickets in advance. From Lille to campus it
is possible to use metro, tram and taxi and it takes approximately 30 minutes.
Housing
- Was housing provided by the university? If not, did you receive support from the
school?
EDHEC suggested several housing options, both on and off campus. The application
process was very easy, as the school provided a step-by-step procedure. I lived in a studio
on campus. This was very easy, as I practically lived in school. The campus residences
also include someone to clean your room two times a month. In addition, there is a
building manager on campus, if there should be any problems or questions.
Costs
- Approximately how much per month did you spend on rent, books, food,
transportation, and other personal expenses?
Rent
Books
Food
Transport
Other
EUR 490
NOK 0
EUR 250
EUR 50
EUR 250
Culture and language
-
Did you have any language problems with the faculty or other students?
All students and faculty speak English but in the beginning I had to get used to French
accent in English and then I became easier to communicate.
- How were the possibilities to experience the country and the culture?
The school has an association called Open Up that is “responsible” for international
students and are facilitating their integration. Among others, they organize trips to different
cities (and countries as well). There are also numerous events held by other associations,
however, most of them are conducted in French. Regardless, it is still possible to enjoy the
food, music and wine at these events. In the MSc. SOC there is also a very helpful programme
secretary, who knows the answers to most of your questions.
The French railway-system is relatively good, and quite cheap if you book a couple of
weeks ahead. This implies that it is possible to travel around and explore the country. There is
also an airport, with national (and international) flights.
II. ABOUT THE SCHOOL
Please describe:
- The school (location, size, study structure, special academic areas etc.)
The school is located in the suburb of Lille city, Croix. The walking distance to the
nearest metro station is about 20 min. To get to Lille centre is takes 40 min in total. Also, 10
min from the school there is very nice and big park, with a tram station.
The Campus is not very big. It has 3 main buildings. The first is the study building, where
most of the courses will be thought, the second one is an administrative building (but it also
has some places to study), and the last one has cafeteria, canteen and restaurant. There is also
a separate building for the sports facilities and 3 buildings for student housing.
The studies at Master of Science programme are organized in the form of successive
courses, i.e. there is only one course taught at one time. There are courses lasting from 3 days
to 2 weeks, however, most of them lasts for one week. For most courses 100% of the grade is
based on group work and individual participation. Only a few of them have exams at the end
of semester.
The academic year also includes several workshops held by known companies. There was
usually one workshop every week, and the theme was often related to the last course.
Course registration
- When and how did you register for courses?
All the courses were mandatory so we didn’t have to register for them.
Academic calendar
Arrival date:
First day of the semester:
Last day of classes:
Examination period:
Any special events/holidays:
26.08.2013
02.09.2013
04.12.2013
09.12 - 13.12.2013
Mid-term break 28.10 – 03.11.2013
Arrival date:
First day of the semester:
Last day of classes:
Examination period:
03.01.2014
06.01.2014
04.04.2013
21.04-25.04.2013
Any special events/holidays:
Mid-term break 24.02-28.02.2013
Arrival
- Describe the introduction week
The introduction week was organized pretty well. On Monday we first had a Welcome
Session for exchange student where we received all the necessary information on academical
and practical matters. After that we had a guided city bus tour where we had a possibility to
learn something about Lille and to meet and talk to other exchange students. On Tuesday
there was a Global welcome session for all the Master of Science students and in the
afternoon - Kick-off & Welcome Session with the Director of the MSc Strategy &
Organization Consultancy program. On Wednesday we had a social event for students at our
program – we went to bowling with Program Director and his Assistant. We have been
divided into teams of 5-6 people and the teams were the same as for the group work for the
first course. This provided an opportunity to get to know our group members before working
with them. During the week there were also several integration events organized by the
student association Open Up.
The International Office
- As an exchange student, did you receive sufficient and relevant information?
All the necessary information was available online since May, so I had no difficulties.
And the International Office in EDHEC provided comprehensive support.
Social activities
- How was the relationship with native students and that among exchange students?
There is a very friendly atmosphere in my group and at school in general. People are
very open and ready to help you with any issues. However, outside the class, French
students usually gather among themselves, as they prefer to speak French.
-
Are there any special activities, student organisations, and gatherings for exchange
students?
There are lots of student association at school. Everyone can find something that fits
his or her own interests. However, most associations enrol as new members only 3rd-year
Bachelors or 1st-year Masters (MSc is considered to be the 3rd year in Master studies).
There was however several people in our class that participated in associations. Be aware
that for some of the associations speaking French is mandatory.
III. ACADEMICS
In the classroom
- Describe the teaching style (practical, theoretical, cases/lectures, formal/informal etc.)
The teaching in EDHEC is very practical and business-oriented. Every course includes
solving at least a couple of cases and doing presentations. Lectures are also very
interactive, with high level of student participation. In most courses, participation is at
least 25% of the overall grade, implying that the students are expected to arrive prepared
for each lecture.
- How is the level and workload compared to that at BI?
The workload in EDHEC is roughly the same as was at the first year of Master
program in BI, but it is more evenly distributed throughout the semester. During the exam
period the workload is lower than at BI, but you have to work more during the semester.
Course materials
- Describe the course materials used (books/literature, online articles, PowerPoint, level
of course material etc.)
There are no textbooks for the courses. In some (one or two) courses there will be a
recommended reading, but these are not crucial to the course. The main study materials
are ppt presentations and articles. Everything is available on the blackboard.
Exams
- Was the exam based on the course materials or on the lectures?
The exams are based on the lectures and similar to the cases solved in class.
- How was the course evaluated (include all that apply)?
There were several different evaluations of courses taught. For example:
1) 25% class participation, 75% group work
2) 25% class participation, 25% group work, 50% final exam.
Class participation also included class attendance, as they will deduct points if the
students didn’t show up to class. Group work could include in-class assignments, papers and
presentations.
There were no mid-term exams or in-class quizzes throughout semester, but for some
courses we discussed cases that we were expected to read beforehand.
Library and technology
- Describe the facilities
The library in EDHEC is quite small with few places to study. However, since there
are no textbooks for the courses, it is not necessary to study in the library area. There are
several places in the administrative building where most of the students are studying.
The computer facilities are a lot worse than in BI. Computers work very slowly and
sometimes it is impossible to send documents to the printers. Printers can also be out of
order sometimes. Therefore, I would recommend printing as little as possible, to save your
energy.
Description of courses
Course code & name
Master/
Bachelor
Exam form
Prerequisites
Approved as
Comments
Strategy and
Business Modelling
Master
3-hour
written exam
Mandatory
M&A and Strategic
Alliances:
Performance &
Management
Tools for Case
Studies &
Consulting Projects
Master
3-hour
written exam
Basic concepts
in corporate
and business
strategy
Basic courses
in Strategy
Mandatory
Many inclass cases
Master
No exam
None
Mandatory
Strategic analysis &
Critical Thinking
Master
No exam
Understanding
of the basic
functioning of
Mandatory
Very easy,
preparation
for master
thesis
Very
intensive
course
the firm
None
Mandatory
Mandatory
Organization
Performance:
Assessment and
Improvement
Advanced Corporate
Finance
Cracking business
cases: Techniques
and capabilities
Change
management
Master
No exam
Master
3-hour
written exam
No exam
None
Master
1,5 hour
written exam
None
Mandatory
Compliance and
legal performance
Master
No exam
None
Mandatory
Due diligence
Financial
accounting and
reporting
IT Strategy
Master
Master
No exam
3-hour
written exam
Mandatory
Mandatory
Master
3-hour
written exam
Operations
management and
performance
Master
2-hour
written exam
Risk management
Master
Sales and marketing
strategy
Strategic leadership
Master
1,5 hour
written exam
No exam
None
Basic
understanding
of accounting
Basic
understanding
of strategic
concepts
Understanding
of the basic
functioning of
the firm
None
None
Mandatory
Master
No exam
None
Mandatory
Transformation
consulting
Master
No exam
None
Mandatory
Master
Mandatory
Mandatory
Big project in
the end based
on McKinsey
model
Preparing for
consulting
interviews
Easily
relatable to
own
experience
Will most
likely be
restructured
in 2014
Many inclass cases
Mandatory
Mandatory
Related to
knowing your
own
leadership
style
Business case
lead by
Capgemini
consulting
Finally, I think that my exchange experience helped me a lot both in
academic and personal experience terms. From the academic point of view, the
diversity of the courses provided by EDHEC has given me insight into several
important business areas and cases. In addition, the amount of presentations we
have had to make has greatly improved my presentations skills, to a level far
beyond what I would have achieved by staying at BI.
From a personal point of view, the day-to-day life in France is quite different
from the one in Norway so I have gotten valuable international experience and
cultural input. Last, and most important, I have gotten numerous interesting
acquaintances and gotten friends from all over the world. I would strongly
recommend EDHEC Business School as an exchange option for students.