Temple’s study abroad programs offer students the chance to have a unique academic experience both on Temple’s main campus and abroad. External study abroad programs allow students to go to countries of their choice and participate in various types of programs run by study abroad companies and international universities. Students who choose to do external study abroad programs take the time to research program options to take classes that fulfill their degree requirements. The following is from an interview with Jamy Mershon, a Temple University Marketing major who studied abroad with the American Business School in Paris.
How did you decide that this was the program you wanted to pursue?
Jamy Mershon, a senior marketing major at Temple, went to the American Business School in Paris, France. She decided to pursue this path because she had already been to Rome and Tokyo and wanted to experience going to school abroad with students outside of Temple. Her goal was to meet new people, live outside of Philadelphia, and attend a school which aligned with her major but also satisfies her graduation requirements. Jamy also noted that as Paris is a major hub in Europe, it would allow her access to travel to other countries freely as well.
While abroad Jamy studied marketing, fashion business revolutions, international marketing, French art of the 18th century, and French language. These courses were especially interesting to Jamy, as someone who would like to go into marketing and fashion retail. The classes and culture added much to what she wishes to do in the future.
Did you have initial concerns, and how were they addressed?
Jamy explained that the initial concern she had was being able to balance her classes and explore the city. However, after experiencing the program she stated that they had balanced the workload really well. Not only did she have other students to work with but also went to classes 3 days a week for 2 hours, with Mondays off. She said that the school really wanted to make sure that you got the experience that you were looking for.
Who did you contact, how did you find out more about this program ?
She decided to contact the school directly, as well as students from Temple who has previously studied at this university. She said that another major person of contact was Ms. Marie Odele, the North American advisor of the American Business School in Paris.
Did you have initial concerns, and how were they addressed?
Some initial concerns were the paperwork, doing the external programs paperwork took a little more time than studying at a Temple campus. But staying focused and organized allowed her to stay on track. As well as reaching out to Temple and ABS Paris staff who addressed all her concerns, over all she said all the work was worth the experience.
How did you feel this program impacted your educational career, and who would you advise to do this program as well?
“Opened my eyes a lot” as someone who had not traveled as much previously Jamy really wanted to experience not only living abroad but also studying there. She said she learned so much about the culture, and now taking classes at Temple again, she states that experience makes her so much more open to thinking about how her job not only affects her but people in other countries.
How did you find living there? Were there any temple students?
The school provided housing but also you were able to find your own. Paris has student housing which you can sign up online for. She said she loved living there and wasn’t totally shocked by the culture. Learning the language was easier everydays, and everyone was understanding and willing to help when there was a language barrier. She loved grocery shopping as it wasn’t just going to a supermarket, but was able to build relationships with small business owners at markets and bakeries, and this experience made her feel like she was living in a community.
What was the best part of the program?
Even though it was a business school mostly saturated with business students, she notes that there were other classes which were open to all other types of students. Additionally, she says that as all the other students were studying abroad from countries such as Australia and Brazil it made everyone more open to making friendships and experiences together.
Some of her most memorable experiences were the school sponsored trip. Even though there were several, her favorite landed on her birthday. She spent 4 days in the French riviera visiting Monte Carlo, Monaco, Khan, Saint Tropez spending time on the beach and city which was super memorable. Lastly, since travel was easy she said she could decide the night before whether she woke up in Italy or Copenhagen and really travel as much as she wanted to make the experience that much more exciting.
