The exchange experience in NEOMA Business School, Rouen (France) is one of the greatest highlights in my undergraduate years in SMU!

I had the opportunity to meet many international friends who were curious to know more about Singapore (as they always read on news that Singapore is a very advanced and modern country) and they also shared with me a lot about their own country.

Besides, it was interesting to work with them in school projects as they brought many valuable insights to the table and this allowed me to really view our project from different perspectives.

Another cultural exchange I had is the regular cook-outs together in our hostel whereby all of us would cook and share our home dishes with one another. 

The flexible school curriculum also allowed me to travel out of France frequently to other European countries. One memorable occasion was when I decided to travel on a weekend by myself and I hopped on ablablacar (carpooling service) and Couchsurfed in Brussels, Belgium.

On this solo trip, I met a bunch of friendly Spanish friends and we had a lot of fun travelling together! Similarly, on another separate solo trip to Amsterdam, Netherlands for their iconic music festival, I met a group of Singaporean students from NTU who treated me like family and brought me around! All of my travel trips are filled with different fond memories and I am grateful for such once-in-a-lifetime experience! 

All in all, this exchange experience has opened my eyes to the world and I have grown a lot as an individual - from learning how to cook to appreciating different languages and cultures.

I also learnt to not take the efficient public transport and personal safety in Singapore for granted and to lend a helping hand to tourists who appear lost in Singapore.

Jayme, from Singapore Management University, previously on exchange at NEOMA Business School, Rouen (France).

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