A Semester in Dijon: Loo Kynie’s Exchange Experience at Burgundy School of Business
Hey! My name is Kynie from BCM. ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø has proudly selected me to be part of the student exchange program in Dijon, France. It has been a wonderful four months there and at the Burgundy School of Business. I chose to go to France because of what we have learnt in Sunway, related to French, and because of its rich culture of gastronomy. Studying in France was quite an eye-opening experience for me. Studies are more ‘laid back’, interactive and hands-on with our own study materials. We got to discuss our materials out and about on the campus, enjoying the breeze of spring, which was really relaxing. A very different situation studying in Malaysia, as we are mostly indoors. A cultural experience that stood out to me is that the people in Dijon are very patient. Whenever I’m out ordering food, bakery or coffee, people will patiently wait in line for the employee to attend you, and there is only one employee working. They often have small chats with their customers, and it takes a couple of minutes to complete 1 order, so sometimes it takes quite a while to be your turn! But no worries, this is all about the differences in culture, that’s what we are here for. With enjoyment comes challenges. When you’re alone without close ones, you’ll realise many problems come your way. I had faced accommodation or minor academic problems. I have learnt to solve problems myself and realise that everyone is here for you, from France and Malaysia. It benefited me mostly internally, mentally. It gave me a different perspective in my own living, learnt to be more independent, even when you’re unwell.
To the upcoming exchange students, just step out of your comfort zone and explore different places. Time is precious; make the most out of it. It is a time for you to make more connections and experience a totally different lifestyle in France! I believe you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
A huge highlight from my trip is that I never expected that I would make any close connections in France; despite having a different culture, we often came together in the dorm, cooking our different cuisines and had late-night chats in one room; sharing each other’s lifestyle in their home country. Hopefully, one day we will reunite again, visiting each other’s countries.