Student report for spring 2010.
Name of the University/College: Paris Graduate School of Management/
Ecole superieur de Gestion, Commerciale etc.
Names of the students: Karina Lombardo, Siri Skjerping and Kristine
Haraldsen
Exchange semester: Spring 2010
1. ACADEMIC INFORMATION
General Information about the School
 Describe the school and its surroundings – very short
The school is devided into 5 different campus situated around Paris. The
main campus, which is called Nation 1 and 2 is situated near Place de la
Nation – close to a major metro station.

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.

Number of students - graduate and undergraduate – number of
exchange students
The group consists of 5 different groups. In total there are 5500 students,
whereas 20% of this are international students.

Is the school a typical graduate or undergraduate institution?
Graduate.

Study structure
The lectures are mandatory, and you can only miss two lectures per class
each semester without documentation from a doctor. You will
automatically fail the course if you have more absence than 2 lectures.
(Some teachers were really strict on this matter, while others did not care)
Depending on the course, you will be given homework and project
assignments throughout the whole semester. Some courses do not have a
final exam, and the grade depends on class participation, midterms,
projects/presentations and in some cases finals.
The school is less organized compared to BI. The communication between
the school, students, teachers and administration were not very good. The
lack of information was a problem sometimes, and it was more up to the
students to take responsibility to know which room the lectures were hold
etc.
The Teaching situation
 In which language are the courses taught? Any problems?
The school have many courses and programs in both English and French.
Most of the English courses were hold at the Nation 1 and 2 campus, while
St. Ambroise and charonne were more for the French courses.
We had no problems with the language because most of the professors
were native English-speakers, and the French intermediate course was
hold by a native French madame, but she spoke slowly so it was easy to
understand her.

How would you evaluate the level of study in relationship to the level
at BI?
We felt that the academic level were lower than at BI, and Karina and Siri
had accounting 2 which was a lower level than they had at BI. We took
mostly courses from third- year undergraduate. In some courses,
especially within the marketing courses, there was some a repetition from
the English business course we have had at BI before we went on
exchange.
The quality of the courses varies a lot. In the Quantitive business method
subject, similar to “metode-faget” at BI, we had to read the book and
understand it by ourselves. In other courses the quality could be high, but
still not follow the original syllabus etc. So some teachers were strict and
organized and others were more focused on dialogue in class and the
students own opinions. This is a bit different from the BI structure.

Is the teaching primarily practical or theoretical?
The emphasis is on practical teaching.

Are the professors using cases, group work or lectures (or a mix)?
The professors use a mix of all the above mentioned components. Mostly
team work and presentations, but still we had mid-terms in all the subjects.

How is the workload compared to BI?
The workload is about the same, but they give homework for each session
so we were forced to work more regularly and we felt we became more
structured. Because at BI it is only the final that counts, which can make it
harder to work as often as we should.

How is the relationship between faculty and students?
Since the classes are small, the professors know your name and you get
to know your fellow class mates. The professors are easy to talk to. The
only negative part is that the communication between school and students
is not very good. We got a message 2 days before the method finalexam
that the date and time were changed to the day after, so we went to have
the exam, and then someone had made a mistake so the date and time
were not changed after all. And they did not give us the new message.

What is the relationship between the students in the classroom?
We felt it was a bit difficult to get to know the other students, because
many of the students were there for a whole year, so they had already
been there a semester and made friends. Still it was easy to talk to the
students, and it was easy to get to know them since we often worked in
teams at the projects.
Required Literature
 Is the literature in English or local language?
English (except the French course of course), but we never used the
books they required us to buy, except in the quantity method subject and
accounting.

How do you estimate the level of the literature?
In some courses we did not have any required literature, only notes from
the professor. In other courses we used text books which held the same
level as at BI. In the marketing strategies subject that Siri and Kristine had,
the book was written by an American author, so all the examples were
taken from the American point-of-view. The teacher did not like that, since
she thought that America is no longer the major country within marketing,
so she gave us other reading assignments and examples instead of using
the book. The book was only used for case-studies and some background
material for her lectures, other than that we read her powerpoint
presentations which she put on the schools website, mypgsm.fr

Is the literature used for detailed knowledge or a broad overview?
It depends on the course, but we felt for the most a broad overview.

Is exam based on the literature or on the lectures?
Both – as we mentioned some courses do not have text books. Some
courses do not have an final exam.
Exams
 What types of exams were you given?
Since Siri, Karina and I (Kristine) Are writing this report together we have
some different views since we did not have all our subjects together.
Karina and Siri do a major in Economics and administration, while I
(Kristine) do my major in Marketing. We did not have a final exam in all our
courses. Kristine had a final exam in French intermediate, Quantity
business methods (QBM) and marketing strategies. Siri had a final in
accounting, QBM and marketing strategies, and Karina had a final in
Operation management, QBM and Accounting. The exams were almost
like the ones at BI, just that it lasted shorter. The normal time-period was 2
hours. The final exams were only in written form, while the final
presentations were oral with a written report.
 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.

How is the library?
There is no library or study hall. You have to study at home or at a public
library/cafes etc.

How is the access to the computers?
There are two computer labs, but they are occupied with classes almost all
the time, since the space is limited the school needs all its classrooms for
lectures. Do not use your USB key on the machines – they all have
viruses! Only one of the computers is connected with a printer – a printer
which for the most time is in use or out of order. You need your own
computer at this school. You have internet access at the school, but it is
very slow at times, so it is better to go at public places as McDonald’s or
have internet at home. We did not need to print out a lot, so we did not
have this problem.

How is IT used in the teaching or as a distributor of information?
The school has an equivalent to “Blackboard” called myPGSM, but only
two of my (Kristine) professors used it. Both In marketing Strategies and in
Public Relations. E-mail is used frequently to give messages if some
teachers are absent or if there is roomchange. In order to do your
homework internet is required, so you need your own computer.
Description of Courses
Please list all the courses you are taking in the form below:
 Name and code of the course
 Prerequisites, if any
 Exam form
 Comments: Relevance, Difficult/easy, Practical/theoretical, Enrolment
problems
Kristine’s course description
NAME
Marketing
strategies
Public Relations
Quantitive
Business
Methods
French
Intermediate
Business
Intelligence
PREREQUISITES
None
EXAM FORM
COMMENTS
Presentation,
case-study, midterm and final
written exam
None
Presentation,
mid-term
Math
Midterm,final
knowledge/statistics exam,
participation
French “B-språk”
Written,
presentation
None
Mid-term,
Presentation
Karina’s course description
NAME
Operations
Management
Principles
Accounting 2
Quantitive
Business
Methods
French
Intermediate
Business
Intelligence
PREREQUISITES
None
EXAM FORM
COMMENTS
Presentation,
mid-term
and
final
written
exam
of Principles
of Mid-term
and
Accounting 1
final
written
exam
Math
Midterm,final
knowledge/statistics exam,
participation
French “B-språk”
Written,
presentation
None
Mid-term,
Presentation
Siri course decription
NAME
Marketing
Stratregies
Principles
Accounting 2
Quantitive
Business
Methods
French
Intermediate
Business
Intelligence
PREREQUISITES
None
EXAM FORM
COMMENTS
Presentation,
Case-study,
midterm and final
written exam
of Principles
Accounting 1
of Mid-term
and
final
written
exam
Math
Midterm,final
knowledge/statistics exam,
participation
French “B-språk”
Written,
presentation
None
Mid-term,
Presentation
2. PRACTICAL INFORMATION ON THE SCHOOL AND THE EXCHANGE
EXPERIENCE
Information before you left
 When did you receive the information package from the University?
Kristine applied late, since she was accepted in Mexico, but changed to
Paris. But the information package came shortly after they had registered
her at the school.

Any difficulties?
No difficulties.
Visa Procedure and travel experiences
 What problems, if any did you encounter?
We did not encounter any problems. Since France is a part of the
European Union, we do not need Visa or any documentation for
living/studying here.

Does the visa cost anything?
As a Norwegian citizen, no VISA is required.

How did you order your ticket – any problems?
I booked a ticket with Norwegian – there should not be any problems
finding cheap tickets to Paris.
Academic Calendar
 Arrival date – introductory week
The semester started 18th of January. Kristine arrived on the 7th of
January. Which was actually a bit early, but then I got long time to get to
know Paris before starting school.

First day of the semester?
Monday 18th of January.

Last day of classes?
It depends of which courses you take, but our last day was 19 th of April.
And our last exam was Wednesday the 28 th.

Examination period?
From the 19th of april to the 28th.

Any special events?
When it comes to which campus and classroom the classes will take place
in, this changes from week to week and it’s your responsibility to check the
schedule in the main campus for changes or on myPGSM.
In some courses you will not get a syllabus which means that you do not
know when the midterm is or not when the final exams are. This was a bit
stressful and different from BI. We did not know our final exams before the
last week of school. Midterms and presentations were postponed all the
time causing some difficulties and frustration as it was difficult to allocate
study time for each subject. But at the other hand, you learn to be flexible
and patient.
Reception
 How was the reception at the school?
Very good! The Buddy Network arranged several events for the exchange
students throughout the semester.

Was the administration and faculty well prepared for your arrival?
Yes. Once you arrive in Paris, you have to schedule a meeting and work
out your schedule with Elvire or Ben.

Did the school’s students participate in the reception of the
exchange students?
Yes, the Buddy Network was highly involved.
Housing
 Did you have housing at your disposal or did you have to find your
own housing?
All of us three found housing through Cité universitaire, which is area
where 40 different countries have their own house. Siri and Kristine were
placed in a house called MINA ( Maison Internationale de l’agricole), and
Karina were placed in a house near by which were called MIAA (Maison
de l’industrie, Alimentaire et Agricole)
 What support did you receive from the school in locating housing?
None, since we found it ourselves.

Any special issues or good ideas for prospective students?
We Recomand to start early to find housing, because Paris is expensive.
Cité Universitaire is very very popular both for international students and
for French students. So start early. This place is fantastic, lots of activities,
tennis, football, swimming pool, vollwyball etc etc.. And there are always
student parties every week-end if you’re interested.
Costs
 Describe the most important expenses such as rent, books, food, etc.
The rent for the room at Cité varied from 400 to 600 euros per month. This
included internet, warm water and electricity. Books were the same as in
Norway. Food is a little bit cheaper, and the alcohol at supermarkets was
very cheap. A bottle of wine could cost 2 euros= about 16NOK. The price
range at cafes/bars etc depends on the district.
The International Office
 Is there an international office?
Yes, located at the main campus Nation 1.

Who is responsible for incoming exchange students?
Elvire Avalle

How does the international office function?
You can go and talk to them whenever you want. Once you have arrived in
Paris you have to go see them to work out your schedule. And it is also
possible to write emails to her if you have any questions.

Do you receive all relevant information?
Yes, and if you have any questions, you can just ask.
Social Activities
 How is your relationship with other students?
Very good! It is easy to get to know other exchange students as well as
the French students. The Buddy Network worked well. They arranged
several activities throughout the semester, and we got to know a lot of
international and French students at Cité, where we lived.

How are the relationships between other exchange students?
Very good!

Is there a student organization, and if: are the exchange students
connected with this?
The Buddy Network arranges several events for both French students and
exchange students. There are also several associations you can be part of
if you want to.

Are there any special activities and gatherings for exchange
students?
Yes, through the Buddy Network and the associations.

How do you enjoy yourself at the school?
We preferred to hang out with our friends from Cité Universitaire, but there
was good communication between us as students and the Buddy Network.
Culture and Language
 Do you have any language problems with the faculty or other
students?
No, all students in the English BBA program speak English well, and
Karina and Kristine speak well French. Siri learned a lot of French
throughout her stay as well.

How are the possibilities to experience the country and the local
culture?
You can get to know the city easily on your own or through events
arranged by the Buddy Network. We also had one week Spring Break
where we could travel around.
Cultural and Social Effects from the Exchange Experience
 How do you think the exchange experience will affect you from a
cultural and social viewpoint?
We have learned a lot about different cultures – including our own
Norwegian culture. Now we have a more open mind to other cultures and
we have learned more French. We will recommend all BI students to do a
semester abroad, since you learn to be more independent and to be open
to other cultures and people in general. You also learn a lot about yourself,
and to handle some situations that you maybe not are used to in Norway.

How do you think the exchange experience influences your future
career possibilities?
We think it will be seen as positive for future employees, because it shows
that you are willing to meet new challenges, that you are open-minded,
flexible and that you have international experience and knowledge. It is
also a way to make new contacts and to build international relations and
networks.
Any other experiences:
Paris is the most romantic and wonderful city in the world, except that the
parisiens can be a bit arrogant from time to time, and that you have to handle
the stress and the tempo that this people are living in. Other than that you
learn to be very independent and international.
Names and e-mails:
kristine.haraldsen@hotmail.com
miss_lombardo@hotmail.com
siri_skjerping@hotmail.com