Expert Advice
Opportunities to Learn Abroad
Study abroad opportunities aren't just for undergraduate students. An increasing number of students are beginning to realize the benefits of incorporating experiences abroad into their MBA program. In addition to learning about cultural and geographical differences, students who spend time in another country gain a global perspective and truly experience how businesses function in other environments.
Candice Bazley attended Brandeis International Business School for her MBA. Brandeis's program provides grounding in the international dimension of business, incorporating international experience through study or an internship abroad. Therefore, during her program, Candice spent a semester at ESSEC (Ecole Supérieure des Sciences Economiques et Commerciales) in Paris, France. Now a graduate, Candice works at Liberty Mutual in New Jersey.
Our interview with Candice gives you one student's perspective on the process, the experience, and how it enhanced her education and career.
What made you decide to study abroad?
As a student of Brandeis International Business
School, it is required to work abroad for a summer
or to study abroad for a semester.
How did you choose your study abroad destination?
I chose Paris because it was always a place that
I wanted to visit. I was exposed to France and
the French language in high school. My French
teacher would always discuss Paris—"the City of
Lights"—and the magnificent art of Picasso and
Leonardo da Vinci. I thought that Paris would be an
easier transition for me, being that I was exposed
to the language in my earlier years.
Describe the application process.
You had to choose three countries in which you
would like to study and submit them to the
graduate office. I chose France, Spain, and Brazil.
The staff at Brandeis took care of the rest of
the application process. Brandeis has already
established relationships with these schools, so it's
a matter of match and interest.
What were your first impressions of Paris?
My first impression was that it was everything that
I had imagined. It sort of reminded me of New
York City; it is very fast paced, and everyone walks
everywhere.
Where did you live during your semester?
I lived in the dorm at ESSEC in Cergy-Pontoise, a
western suburb just 30 minutes outside of Paris.
What classes did you take?
I took an intensive French language course, service
marketing, international luxury distribution,
strategy and management, and organizational
behavior. All my classes were taught in English.
What were the major differences between life in
the United States and life in France?
In France, everything is closed on Sundays. The
French shut down their stores from 12:00 p.m. to
3:00 p.m. for lunch. Also, calling cards are required
for all pay phones. These are just a few differences
I encountered.
What are some truly memorable experiences you had?
Attending the Opera de National de Paris to see a
real French opera is a moment I will never forget.
What impact did your study abroad experience have on your professional career?
I can discuss with my co-workers my experience
abroad and the countries that I visited. In addition,
it enables me to relate to all types of people from
various cultures and backgrounds.
How did your experience abroad translate
into the coursework you did while in the MBA
program? How do you feel studying abroad
enhances an MBA program?
My experience abroad immersed me in another
culture and allowed me to explore a different
view on business ideas. I am very interested in
marketing, so the international luxury distribution
course allowed me to study and learn about
brands in the fashion industry such as LVMH,
Chanel, and Gucci. The curriculum was very
exclusive. To learn from the top French professors
from the fashion capital of the world was just
wonderful.
Would you recommend studying abroad to other MBA students? Why or why not?
I would definitely recommend studying abroad
to other MBA students because it is an enriching
experience that allows you to learn from a
different viewpoint.
