South of France

Journey of Thousand Miles

Reflections on Studying Abroad

As I write this journal, I am reminded that every journey begins with a single step—or, perhaps, a single glance. For me, that glance led to a world of discovery, growth, and unforgettable memories and I will always cherish the thousand miles that followed.

A journey of a thousand miles began with a simple glance—a glance at a bulletin board in the university advertising an opportunity to study abroad for a semester. It was an ordinary moment, but one that sparked an extraordinary adventure. I asked myself: "Why not?" It was my first semester as a transfer student at San Francisco State University, studying decision science, and the idea of immersing myself in a foreign culture seemed exhilarating.  Since I'd been learning French since the first grade, choosing France felt natural and almost inevitable.

After exploring my options, I decided on Skema Business School, located in Sophia Antipolis, nestled in the stunning Côte d’Azur in the south of France. Sophia Antipolis, often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of France,” is an expansive hub of innovation and academia.  The area is not residential per se and most people working there, commute from nearby cities such as Nice, Cannes, Antibes and Valbonne.

I chose studying at Skema for one semester but decided to travel different parts of Europe for 4 months after. Over the course of seven months, the people I met, the places I explored, and the knowledge I gained all left a permanent mark on me.

My aim in writing this journal is not to only showcase the beauty of places that I’ve visited but also to provide a guide for those planning to explore these areas, making your journey easier and more enjoyable. 

Studying in France (Undergrad) and Skema Business School:

Skema Business School in Sophia Antipolis is indeed one of the many campuses of this globally recognized French university. It is renowned for its programs in entrepreneurship, business analysis, and luxury branding. According to Figaro, a well-respected French newspaper, Skema Business School was ranked as the 6th best business school in the country. Compared to San Francisco State University, the campus is small, and the buildings are limited to a handful of structures set amidst a forest. 

The difference between the education system in France and the US is the following:

-       There is no open-book concept in France.  You must study hard, thoroughly understand the concepts, and even memorize the formulas for your calculations.

-       There are many group presentations and teamwork in France, while in the U.S., more focus is on individual work.

-       In our U.S. curriculum, critical thinking in the form of writing was a constant requirement, whereas in France, it was not a requirement, and most of the work was done in class as group work. We would rate our peers’ contributions anonymously at the end of the semester.

Skema Business School, Sophia Antipolis