Croissants, Culture and a Double Degree

I spent my third year of Global Commerce at the Burgundy School of Business in Dijon, France, where I studied for a Double Degree in International Business Management. I learned from professors with first-hand experience, travelled to new destinations and made irreplaceable memories.

During my first semester, I went interrailing with some friends who were also on Erasmus in BSB. Our trip began in Amsterdam, where we visited the Van Gogh museum, the Ice Bar and tried Stroopwafels. From there, we headed to Berlin to see Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall, and the Brandenburg Gate. We spent Halloween in Prague, enjoying sights like the Astronomical Clock, a boat tour, and tasting Chimney Cake. Then made our final stop in Munich before returning to Dijon. That week was easily one of my favourite weeks ever.

I visited small French towns near Dijon, called Beaune and Dole, both of which were very authentically French. Here I tried beef bourguignon, which is the French dish native to the Burgundy region.  

The Christmas markets opened at the beginning of December and were spread all over the city, with an ice rink and Ferris wheel in the main square. The city was full of lights and decorations and looked truly magical. I even got to experience snow on my birthday!

During my second semester, I met with two of my friends who were on their Erasmus in Germany and Belgium. We met in Amsterdam for a few nights, where we visited Anne Frank’s Annex, before getting the overnight bus to Copenhagen to see Nyhavn and the Little Mermaid.

I embarked on a road trip down to Montpellier, in the South of France, with three of my friends I met at BSB. We stayed for a long weekend and spent our time playing volleyball on the beach.

I was lucky enough to have my parents come to visit me during the semester. We visited all the tourist spots in Dijon, like the museums and the lookout tower, which was really nice to actually see the sights in Dijon.

As an end-of-year trip, a group of us flew over to Marrakech, Morocco, for three nights. During our time, we walked through the Riads, ate authentic Moroccan tagine, hiked up the Middle Atlas Mountains, boat tripped under the OuZoud waterfalls, rode camels through the Agafay Desert and attended a fire show. This trip was nothing short of incredible.

My year in BSB will forever be one of the best years of my life. Not only did I grow academically, but I grew so much personally. Saying yes to every opportunity allowed me to make lifelong friends, explore more of the world and create memories I’ll cherish forever.

Words and images thanks to Sophie, Bachelor of Commerce (Global Experience)