Student Exchange Program Experience - Varun Maheshwari, IIM Ranchi

Nothing worries me but time, I wish I could control

I am walking all along, yet no crumbling that I feel

 

I salute those, without whom this journey would be incomplete

You reside in me as memories, and the feelings I will cherish

It’s a journey less known, with such a great experience

I am walking all along, yet no crumbling that I feel

Moving along in search of hope, a hope that makes me feel alive

I am walking all along, yet no crumbling that I feel..."

 

We have heard a lot about the first impression being the best impression, but for me, it’s the journey of 3.5 months as an exchange student at EmLyon Business School, in Lyon, that mattered to me the most. Although the duration was short yet it evolved me a lot. Since no one is there to judge you, you experiment, try out different things and that’s what makes you fearless, creative and open.

Since I had classes for only 3 consecutive days a week, the remaining 4 days I used to explore other parts of Europe and as a result, I was able to cover around 16 countries. The academics there are not much hectic and are practical in nature. The discussions among the diverse set of international students are quite encouraging and are the best way to learn about the culture and trends worldwide.

I lived a dual life there, not only as a student but also as a traveller; both were quite unique and enriching in themselves. Whenever I travelled, I used to enrol for free tours, and that enriched my historical knowledge. I made long lasting friends there and we exchanged culture and cuisines of our home countries. Also while I was in Lyon, there were various events being organized each day.

Not a single day passed by when I was alone or doing nothing and hence not a place for the devil to hover around me. My journey started with an International Student Party and ended up with Christmas celebrations. For the first time, I shared a traditional Christmas lunch with a family of 11 members in Lyon. The celebrations lasted for more than 4 hours, which was fun and enriching in itself.

This entire journey changed my perspective, opened me culturally and expanded my horizons. It gave me chance to explore my other side and brought out a solo traveller in me. It gave me a new purpose and a new dimension to my living.

 

- By

Varun Maheshwari

PGDM (2017-19)