Introduction: Xia Shimeng, studied at Fuzhou Foreign Language School; majored in management in foundation to master program for Reims Management School in 2006; entered the second year for Master of Finance in Reims Management School with IELTS 7.5 and outstanding academic scores in 2009; currently a junior student at Reims. Reims Management School is one of the leading management institutes in Europe fostering talents in business administration.

Q: Why did you choose the foundation to master program in Xiamen University International College for Reims?

Xia: The teaching resource in the International College is shared with Xiamen University, which allows me to study in a good environment. In terms of 3+2 program, I need to study for 3 years in XMU before going abroad, which lays the foundation for my future study. I improved my language, self-care ability and professional knowledge. I could study French during these three years and didn’t have to spend another half a year in language courses.

Q: What was helpful during three-year study in the International College?

Xia: The three-year is a very good transition period. I became more independent and more mature. Learning professional knowledge laid the foundation for my overseas study. Reims Management School sent teachers over for us, so that we could have a general understanding for foreign teaching methods and adjust to future life in advance.

Q: You got 7.5 in IELTS test before going abroad. Can you share your experience on this?

Xia: I got 7.5 was because my firm foundation on one hand. On the other hand, I suggest students create an English speaking environment. Reading newspapers, watching American TV series or talking with foreign people will affect you unconsciously. Additionally, most of the courses provided by the International College are in English, which helped me a lot with my English.

Q: How is your study at Reims Management School in France?

Xia: In one sentence, intense study and colourful holidays. We have many courses in France and we close a course every three weeks. Group projects are considered vital. Apart from the final exams, we have all kinds of group discussion and speeches. The good part is France has a lot of holidays that can relieve our stress. France provides privileges for young people under 25, so you can take this advantage and tour around the European Union.

Q: What impressed you the most during the two years’ study in France?

Xia: Other than improved language skills, the teaching methods and the university’s management principal impressed me a lot. Almost all professors there have rich experiences. They also invite professionals in their fields to teach. In this way, we can have deeper understanding on the real work. Professors often adopt methods like case study and group discussion which attract me. These training methods have improved my analysis skills and strengthened my abilities.

Q: What’s your after-class life be like at Reims?

Xia: We have a lot of leisure time in France compared to life in China, but we don’t feel bored at all. The socialisation culture in France is parties. We often team up and go to clubs at nights or classmates’ places to chat, which is very soothing. Reims is a famous for champagne, so that many related activities are held, such as wine cellar tours and wine tasting. Tourism is what you can’t miss. France is in Schengen area, so you don’t need another visa to visit the countries around it. It truly has the advantages of timing and location.

Q: What’s plan after graduating with a Master’s Degree?

Xia: I hope that I will work at an international company. I believe with my overseas experience, I can better adapt to the working environment and I also have language advantage.

Q: What suggestions you can provide for students who are preparing for overseas study?

Xia: I think good language is essential. Chinese students usually have equal level of professional expertise with local students, but poor language will affect your understanding and communication, so you need to improve your French as much as possible. After I went abroad, I didn’t find myself dysfunctional as I thought. I believe the experience of studying abroad will give you a beautiful memory.