Ayomide
BSc Accounting and Finance
IESEG School of Management
Hi guys, my name is Ayomide Amolegbe and I’m currently in my 2nd year studying Accounting and Finance and heading into my final year. This summer I have had the opportunity to study at IESEG school of management in France.
Honestly, one of the best parts of being here has been learning from professors who teach in completely different ways than back at Surrey. The French approach to everything just hits different, and it’s made me see business concepts from different angles I never would have considered before. But what’s been even more eye-opening is studying alongside other international students – I’ve got classmates from South Korea, Italy, Spain, Portugal, America, Mexico, you name it – and hearing their take on things during seminars and group work is actually mind-blowing. We’ll be discussing the same topic, but everyone brings such different perspectives based on where they’re from, and it’s made me realize how important that global mindset is going to be for me in the business world.
Outside of lectures, I’ve been properly exploring Paris and the surrounding areas, trying foods I can’t even pronounce, going to random cultural events, and hanging out with people I never would have crossed paths with back home. It’s pushed me to try things I normally wouldn’t and be way more open to new experiences. These friendships and adventures have honestly changed my perspective or the world, different culture and philosophy and this will be something that I will take with me beyond this trip.
I’ve been fortunate to receive a bursary to support my time in Paris, which has significantly enhanced my exchange experience. This financial assistance helped me purchase a train pass, allowing me to travel extensively around Paris and truly explore the city beyond just my university campus.
The bursary also enabled me to participate in a wide variety of activities and cultural experiences that I might not have been able to afford otherwise. Having this additional financial support removed the stress of constantly worrying about expenses and allowed me to fully immerse myself in Parisian life, from visiting museums and attending cultural events to trying local cuisine and joining social activities with other international students. This financial freedom has been invaluable in making the most of my study abroad opportunity.
Looking back on my time here in Paris, I can honestly say that this exchange has been one of the most transformative experiences of my university journey.
It’s not just about the academic credits or adding an international experience to your CV – though those are valuable too. It’s about becoming a more confident, open-minded, and globally aware person.
The skills I’ve gained, from adapting to different teaching styles to collaborating with people from completely different cultural backgrounds, are things you simply can’t learn in a classroom back home. The friendships I’ve made, the perspectives I’ve gained, and the personal growth I’ve experienced will stay with me long after I graduate.
If you’re even slightly considering applying for a study exchange, my advice is simple: just go for it. Yes, it can feel daunting to leave your comfort zone, but that’s exactly why it’s so worth it. Surrey has given us this incredible opportunity to see the world and expand our horizons – don’t let it pass you by. Trust me, you’ll come back a different person, and your future self will thank you for taking the leap.
