Student Report
Name of the University: Pole ESG
Exchange semester: Fall 2013
1. ACADEMIC INFORMATION
General Information about the School
Describe the school and its surroundings – very short
The school is divided into 5 different campuses situated around Paris, mainly the 11 arr. My main
campus was "Saint Ambroise", but I also had some courses in campus "Parmentier", witch is close to
the first campus.
The international office is located at Phillip August, I had no courses in that campus.
Current faculty divisions and special areas
The school offers programs in Business, Management, Finance, Computer Engineering and Marketing.
They offer programs both in English and French.
Is the school a typical graduate or undergraduate institution?
Graduate
Study structure
Class participation for all of the lectures is mandatory, and you can only miss three lectures per class
each semester without documentation from a doctor. You will automatically fail the course if you have
more absence than 3 lectures.
Depending on the course, the grade depended on a mix of class participation, midterms, projects
assignments, presentations and final exam.
The school is not very well organized compared to BI. The lack of information was a problem
sometimes, and it was more up to the students to take responsibility to know which campus and where
the lectures were hold using the extranet page or the weekly scheduled paper on the wall.
The Teaching situation
In which language are the courses taught? Any problems?
The school has many courses and programs in both English and French. I attended to the English
courses, and one French course for beginner. The professors were native/fluent English-speakers, and
the French beginner teacher spoke slowly and clear so it was easy to understand her, she could also
translate to English.
How would you evaluate the level of study in relationship to the level at BI?
The workload is heavier, with lots of presentations and case studies throughout the semester.
The teacher of each course had to give 3 grades to the international office (Midterm grade, Final grade,
and presentation/assignment/homework/ participation grade).
The relationship between professors and students
The classes are small, and the relationship is closer than in BI.
What is the relationship between the students in the classroom?
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The relationship between the students in the classroom is very good, because you have many of your
courses with the same students and there are only about 20 students or less in each class.
Course materials
Is the literature in English or local language?
English, except the French course.
Describe the course materials used
The books were not important; because we almost get everything we need on the extranet, or from the
teachers.
Is the literature used for detailed knowledge or a broad overview?
It depends on the course, but mostly a broad overview.
Is exam based on the literature or on the lectures?
Mostly lectures.
Exams
What types of exams were you given?
In all courses the final exam were written, and it counts 50% of the final grad
What knowledge level was required to pass the exams?
It depends on the course, as the teachers have different expectations. Normally the knowledge for the
exam was based on the lectures.
Library and technology
There is a small library with 3 computers, no books, and the Internet quality is very bad.
The campus has one printer machine and two copy machines, we could print using a printer card (5€
for 150 pages), but there were some problems with the machines sometimes.
How is IT used in the teaching or as a distributor of information?
The school is quite old fashion concerning the use of IT. However, they use something called extranet
which is similar to its learning. Some of the teachers use it regularly, while others never use it.
When the teacher is absent, they send emails to the students.
Description of Courses
Course name
Economics
Of Innovation
International
Marketing
Strategic
Management
French Beginners
Master/Bachelor
B
International
Economics
Financial
Management
M
B
B
B
M
Exam form
Midterm,
written exam
Midterm,
written exam
Midterm,
written exam
Midterm,
written exam
Midterm,
written exam
Midterm,
written exam
ECTS
3hours 6
3hours 6
3hours 6
3hours 5
3hours 2
3hours 5
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2. PRACTICAL INFORMATION ON THE SCHOOL AND THE EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE
Information before you left
When did you receive the information package from the University?
I received the information by e-mail in the beginning of august.
Visa Procedure and travel experiences
Does the visa cost anything?
I did not need to apply for visa.
How did you order your ticket – any problems?
I booked my plane tickets from Stavanger to Paris in august. It was difficult to find a direct plane in
this season.
Academic Calendar
Arrival date – introductory week
There was an integration day on the 5th of September; they showed us the different campuses and some
information about school.
First day of school
Wednesday the 25th of September. They sent us the information about the bachelor program, which
started at the 30th of September, I knew fortuitously about my first class when I visited the international
office to sign some papers.
The last day of classes
My last day of classes was Monday, the 9th of December. And my last exam was on Tuesday the 17th of
December.
Examination period
From the 12th of December to the 17th of December.
Reception
How was the reception at the school?
The reception opens from 8.00 until 17.00; the secretaries do not speak good English, and I did not get
much help from them.
Was the administration and faculty well prepared for your arrival?
A kind of.
Housing
Did you have housing at your disposal or did you have to find your own housing?
I had a room at Maison de Norvège. The Norwegian house, Situated in the 14ar, south of Paris at the
“student city”; Cite Universitaire. Here you have your own 12-square feet room; with bed, desk,
closets, sink etc. You share toilets, shower and kitchen; the monthly rent is 481euros per month.
You can also join the schools’ Facebook page, or the international students page in order to get in touch
with other students looking for accommodation.
Or you can find apartments through agency’s www.lodgis.com or www.parisattitude.com
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What support did you receive from the school in locating housing?
None. Only some information about online housing websites
Any special issues or good ideas for prospective students?
You will be some pessimistic the first week, but you will like the place after getting some friends from
the same floor.
Costs
Describe the most important expenses such as rent, books, food, etc.
Rent and food are the most important expense in Paris.
The International Office
Is there an international office?
Yes, located at in Phillip August.
Who is responsible for incoming exchange students?
This depends on which country you come from, but Joséphine Murasiranwa was in charge of exchange
students from Norway. She was a very pleasant and helpful person.
How does the international office function?
You can go and talk to them whenever you want. And before the semester starts you will need to book
an appointment with them to work out your schedule. And it is also possible to write emails to her if
you have any questions, but she will be busy the first month.
Social Activities
How is your relationship with other students?
I had a good relationship with the international students, but less relationship to the French.
How are the relationships between other exchange students?
All the exchange students were very open, friendly and eager to make new friends, so there was no
problem getting to know new people and to go out with them.
Is there a student organization, and if: are the exchange students connected with this?
There is a student organization, but I do not know much about it, because I did not attend to any of its
arrangements.
Are there any special activities and gatherings for exchange students?
Yes, throughout the semester students arrange activities and gatherings. The best way to update you on
what’s happening is through the Facebook page or school.
Culture and Language
Do you have any language problems with the faculty or other students?
No, all the international and French students speak a good English.
How are the possibilities to experience the country and the local culture?
There are great possibilities to experience the country, by taking the train; it is easy and cheap. You
will see it complicated at the first, but it is not.
There are lots of cultural things to do in Paris, and most museums offer discounts or free for students.
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Cultural and Social Effects from the Exchange Experience
How do you think the exchange experience will affect you from a cultural and social viewpoint?
My exchange semester has made me more confident and independent. I have extended my social
network and made friends from all over the world.
How do you think the exchange experience influences your future career possibilities?
The exchange period is very positive for my future career possibilities, it gives me a good experience
and more knowledge. First of all, I improved my English, which might be important for my future
career. In addition to this, I met many new people from all over the world. I also feel more selfconfident, independent and flexible. I think my exchange experience gave me some more opportunities
to find a job.
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