We went to meet Lisa Gautier, a student in 3rd year of Master's degree in Management currently on an exchange semester at the University of Quebec Trois-Rivières, partner of the IAE Metz School of Management.
What are your study projects, your plans for the future?
After my degree, I would like to go for a Master's degree in the field of management, even though it is not yet clear which specialisation I will choose. It is very possible that I will do this Master's degree on a block release basis in order to gain real professional experience in parallel with my studies.
Why did you choose Canada?
I chose Quebec because it is a real change of scenery and another way of life. I had wanted to study elsewhere for a long time, and the snow and the kindness of the people there charmed me.
Is the organisation of courses in Canada different from the organisation in France?
Yes, I find that in France most of the work is done in the classroom at school. Whereas here in Quebec, most students have a maximum of 5 different courses which represents 15 hours of classes per week and most of the work is done at home (about 30% of the work in class and 70% at home I think).
Do you consider this experience as enriching for your professional future?
Yes, I think that this experience will be interesting for my professional future, because travelling allows you to see a lot of different things and therefore to open your mind.
Has the health crisis prevented you from meeting people and integrating since your arrival?
The health crisis was indeed a real obstacle (beginning of remote learning courses, closing of restaurants and cultural activities...), but Trois-Rivières is a city with many international students who were in the same situation as me. Thanks to the Facebook groups of international students, I could easily meet new people.
What is your best memory, experience, since your arrival?
I have many good memories since my arrival, but the main one is the kindness of the Quebecers. I found myself with my French group at a party organised by Quebecers who didn't even know we were coming. Instead of being reluctant and closed, they were happy to see us even though we were strangers. Of course, the landscapes I had the opportunity to see are also exceptional.
What would you say to students who, like you, would like to do a semester abroad?
To throw themselves into it! It can be stressful at the beginning, because it's the unknown, but I think it's super rewarding, you have to do it at least once in your life in my opinion.
What advice could you give them?
Honestly the steps to go to Quebec are complicated, because there is a multitude of information and steps to follow (the one for Canada, the one for Quebec...). I would have liked to have been able to question a student. I would be happy to answer questions from future international students for Quebec.
