One of our students, Fabrice Durupt, in Ms2 Management and Business Strategy at Ascencia Business School, ventured to study in China. A very enriching and inspiring experience, carried out as part of the Double Degree program offered since last year within the network. We draw his portrait thanks to his interview.
Why did you decide to go abroad as part of your studies?
There were many reasons for me to leave. To be concise, I would say that firstly, I decided to go abroad in order to get out of my comfort zone and develop skills such as adaptability and perseverance. Secondly, I want to improve my knowledge of international trade. And to conclude with a third point, the study tour is an experience that is rarely offered to you and it deserves to be experienced.
In which country and at which university are you studying?
I am currently in China in the capital of the Shanxi region in Taiyuan at the University of “Shanxi University”.
What steps did you need to take to study abroad?
The first step was to meet the school’s “International Mobility” referent. I expressed my wishes and determined the best possibilities based on multiple factors such as my future plans and my ability to adapt. In the latter, there are 3 determining points: the desired level of comfort, the intensity of the language barrier and the intensity of the cultural barrier.
It is necessary to choose conscientiously your destination in total objectivity with yourself. You must know how to evaluate your motivation and organize your personal life in order to leave in optimal conditions.
The second step was to get in touch with the Collège de Paris intermediaries around the world. They gave me all the necessary information about obtaining a visa, enrolling in the desired institution, accommodation, living in the country and more.
The third step was finally the validation of the project with the referent professor who follows me and guides me in the writing of my thesis.
How is your apprenticeship going?
I am learning Mandarin in particular. It is the most popular language in China and has the largest number of speakers in the world. My class hours are every day from Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 12:10 pm precisely. All afternoons are free but actually devoted to practice with Chinese citizens and memorization of Hànzì. The university also offers us multiple artistic, cultural and sports activities in order to better integrate us.
What professional and personal enrichment can you draw from this experience?
Both personally and professionally, this experience will bring me the knowledge of the Chinese culture. It will give me a different vision of the world around me. It will allow me to discover new business methods and will help me to obtain the confidence of my Chinese interlocutors.
This experience will make me grow personally and make me stronger professionally.
Have you identified any entrepreneurial opportunities in your host country?
I have been in China for only 1 month and I already have multiple entrepreneurial ideas.China has already dethroned the United States as the world’s economic leader in 2013 and the following year in purchasing power parity. In addition, we have the Silk Road project, the Belt and Road Initiative, which will strengthen China’s position in the world. This country keeps growing and keeps surprising me.
Do you plan to stay here after your studies or to set up a project?
After my studies, I plan to take advantage of this experience to create a company. I can’t project myself at the moment. I am still discovering my environment but what is certain is my willingness to set up an international project.
