1. Hello, first of all, please introduce yourself and the university you are dispatched to.
Hello. I am Lee Yu-jin, class of 23, Department of Business Administration, currently pursuing a dual degree program at Sungkyunkwan University and Emryong Business School.

2. What prompted you to participate in the dual degree program?
I took a short class in Germany during my freshman year through the Business School’s Global Challenge program, and I was very impressed by the way the classes were conducted overseas. I also wanted to actually use the French I learned in high school, so I decided to participate in the dual degree program.

3. What is the basic life like in France?
If I were to describe Lyon in one sentence, I would say “quiet Paris.” Public transportation is very good, and I especially use the subway a lot, and it comes very frequently, about every 3 to 5 minutes. Also, the school is located in the city center, so it’s good for spending time with friends after class. In terms of security, there’s no need to worry too much, except for the well-known “Guillotie” area. You only need to be careful around the subway station, so there’s no need to be overly afraid. I haven’t been pickpocketed in Lyon yet, and I usually feel comfortable walking around. Of course, Lyon doesn’t have as many things to see as Paris, but I prefer quiet, clean, and not-too-crowded places, so I’m very satisfied with my life in Lyon!

4. Do you have any tips for finding accommodation?

There are no separate dormitories provided by the school, so you have to look for private dormitories. I had a hard time finding accommodations before my visa was issued, but it is enough to find accommodations after my visa is issued. You need to receive documents such as a visa and school acceptance letter to apply for accommodations, so you can narrow down your candidates until then and proceed with the actual contract after receiving your visa. Some of my friends signed a contract for a house a month before going to France, and some friends were unable to find a house until the semester started and stayed in a hotel for about two weeks before moving into a private dormitory. You can find private dormitories through various platforms, but I think the most important thing is the attitude of the dormitory manager. I am staying in a dormitory called ‘Floor 7’, and my manager responds to emails quickly and fixes problems immediately when there are problems with the house. However, according to my friends, the manager is always away and does not respond well to calls. So it is a good idea to refer to Google reviews before looking for a dormitory. Some of my friends live in a flat, not a private dormitory, and those who have flatmates from the same school seem to be very satisfied. Flats require you to share living spaces such as a kitchen and bathroom, but they provide a large refrigerator, oven, and various dishes, and some Flats even provide cleaning services, so you can choose according to your personal preferences.
In addition, in France, CAF (housing subsidy) is provided, and I am receiving 196 euros out of my 536 euros in dormitory fees.

5. I wonder if French skills are necessary. And do you have any study tips?
School classes are conducted in English, so French skills are not very necessary. However, in Lyon, there are not many people who speak English in places that tourists do not visit often, so having basic French skills would be very helpful in daily life. I have been studying since high school, so I studied at Siwon School and obtained a B1 certificate before going to France, and it definitely helped me a lot in daily life! Of course, most administrative procedures are done by email, so you can easily solve them by using a translator. However, since you will often have to speak in French at the supermarket or restaurant, it would be very helpful if you study simple conversation before coming to Lyon. Also, Emlyon offers French classes, but even in the lowest level, A1 class, French is taught in French, and the professor uses English minimally, so if you go without knowing anything, it may be difficult to follow along.

6. What are the cultural differences between France and Korea?
In every class I took in France, there was always a team project such as writing a report or giving a presentation. And in France, the proportion of practical training was higher than in Korea. Most classes, such as data, finance, and CX, were in the form of learning the theory and then applying it based on materials provided by the professor. Often, when students who couldn't keep up asked questions, the professor helped them right away, so it was easy to follow the practical training during class.
Also, the class schedule in France is not fixed compared to Korea, and the classrooms are always changing, so you have to check it carefully. In particular, the schedule was very different from Korea, so in the first semester, I took 4 subjects in February and March and 2 subjects in April. Emlyon also has vacations during the semester, and there was a week-long vacation before the exam in March, and after the last class on April 30, there was vacation until the exam on May 23, so it was good to travel with friends.

7. Please share your feelings and concerns as a student participating in the dual degree program.

First, in terms of academics, February was a bit difficult. There were too many team projects and assignments, and I went to school for 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon, about 4 days a week, so it was hard to keep up. However, starting in March, class hours were reduced, and I got used to team projects and assignments, so it gradually became easier.
Outside of academics, when I first arrived in Lyon before the semester started, I felt lonely. However, after the semester started, when I met my friends, the loneliness quickly disappeared, and every day was a series of enjoyable days. After school, I went to parties with my friends, cooked together, and traveled, and it felt like I had a new family.

8. Please tell us about your experience as an actual dispatched senior.
Before going to Lyon, my biggest worry was whether I would be able to make friends. However, my worries were for naught, as I was able to make many friends and spend time without feeling lonely. Also, my personality changed while spending time with my friends. I became more proactive than before and enjoyed talking to foreigners. Above all, while living in France, I was able to have more peace of mind and re-establish my life priorities.

9. Lastly, if you have any stories to share with fellow business school students who are considering participating in the dual degree program, please let me know.
I think the dual degree program will be a great opportunity for students who want to study abroad and have a more in-depth overseas experience than an exchange student. I hope the experience I shared was of great help. Thank you.