Student Testimonials
Janneke Smith
Rennes School of Business (International Dual Degree)
Rennes, France
I had the opportunity to participate in Lakehead's Dual Degree program and attend Rennes School of Business (RSB) in France. My eight months in Rennes allowed me to experience French culture while learning in English. The city of Rennes is located in Northwestern France and has a great local and national transportation system, so I saw many local tourist sites and travelled to other countries, and Paris is 1.5 hours away. Regional Sites I would recommend to anyone going to Rennes are Mont Saint Michel, Cap Frehel, St Malo, and Dinard. There are some awesome local foods, such as Kouign-Amann and Galettes, and the city of Rennes is really fun to explore!
RSB has many international students, and the city of Rennes has a large student population, so I made many friends with both local and international students. I enjoyed the courses I took at RSB, my favourites being Negotiations, Digital Marketing, Mindful Decision Making, and French Culture. Overall, to anyone wanting to experience the world, I recommend that you go on an exchange as it is worth it!
Favour Okom
Rennes School of Business (International Dual Degree)
Rennes, France
My dual degree program at Rennes School of Business (RSB) in France was a truly remarkable and unforgettable experience. Moving to a new country was something out of my comfort zone, but it helped me grow a lot both personally and academically. Meeting people from different cultural backgrounds was one of the best parts. The classes were very hands-on which made learning more engaging. Living in Rennes was also amazing, it’s a vibrant, walkable city that has amazing people.
Although travelling around Europe was really exciting, I honestly loved travelling within France even more, especially the communes. The train and bus rides I’d take alone or with new friends ended up being some of my favourite moments. I’m not usually one to explore but being in a new environment pushed me out of my comfort zone. Simple things like trying new boulangeries and patisseries, going to the Saturday markets, walking around the city and discovering new places became really enjoyable, and it helped me become more open to new experiences.
The transition was pretty smooth with support from both Lakehead and RSB. I’m truly glad I did it. I’d definitely do it again if I had the chance.
Aaisha Patel
Rennes School of Business (International Dual Degree)
Rennes, France
Experiencing living a whole year in France was definitely something else. The person I am today would be a stranger to Aaisha the year before I went to France. I have learned a lot through this experience both academically and personally. It has been a year that has brought me memories and connections from around the world that I will cherish for life.
Baihe Liu
Swansea University
Swansea, United Kingdom
Spending one semester abroad in the UK is definitely a wonderful experience. I was studying at Swansea University. There are different educational system and culture there, compared with Canada. But it’s good to learn about various things in different institutions and countries. The sightseeing there was fabulous too. When I wanted to take a break from studying, I always took a walk on the beach. It healed me when I was tired. I also have got a few great friends with different backgrounds there. It’s always nice if you could build connections with people around the world and share ideas with each other. I got the chance to visit different places in the UK, like Cardiff, Birmingham, Bath, London, and Bristol as well. I highly recommend everyone to take this opportunity and explore more of the world.
Aja Melanson
York St. John University
York, United Kingdom
I attended York St. John University in England while pursuing my Honours Bachelor of Commerce in my third year. I loved being away; Europe and the surrounding areas are so much more travel friendly than North America and I managed to visit 3 countries in 4 days! Everyone was very helpful while I was planning my exchange and provided constant support, even when I was away. I look forward to returning to England one day and seeing all the friends I made when I was away!
Tasen Metseagharun
Stockholm University
Stockholm, Sweden
I had an amazing opportunity to study abroad in Sweden through the North2North program. My semester in Sweden was filled with unforgettable memories. Initially nervous, I quickly felt at home at Stockholm University, immersing myself in Swedish culture.
Meeting people from around the world was a highlight, and exploring Sweden's famous spots with my new friends, such as Gamla Stan, Drottningholm Palace, and holiday night markets, was a blast. I even took a side trip to Italy, experiencing places like Verona and immersing myself in Italian culture for a week.
The academic experience at Stockholm University broadened my understanding of business practices and diversity. As my semester ended, I realized that going on an exchange program is a transformative experience that opens your eyes to a world of possibilities. I wholeheartedly recommend it – don't let anxiety hold you back from exploring our incredible world!
Chiara Zussino
Rennes School of Business
Rennes and Paris, France
Having the opportunity to take summer courses at Rennes School of Business completely opened my eyes to new opportunities! Learning about luxury and first hand seeing where these types of businesses began in Paris was incredible. It is an extremely well-organized program and is conducive to easily making new friends and exploring France. I have made memories that will last a lifetime and enhanced my understanding of cross-cultural collaboration and made professional connections that have undoubtedly increased the value of my degree!