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SKEMA's international campuses buzz with new energy as students begin spring semester

Published on January 19, 2024

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SKEMA's international campuses buzz with new energy as students begin spring semester

This January, more than 900 international students began their spring semester at our Belo Horizonte, Raleigh and Suzhou campuses. The informative orientation sessions, organised at our different campuses, are an opportunity for our students from across the world to immerse themselves in the 'Global Experience' of SKEMA Business School.

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Belo Horizonte​​ campus

 

Our international students started their new semester at the Belo Horizonte campus in Brazil, with the southern hemisphere in the midst of summer. Geneviève Poulingue, the campus director, began the orientation day with a speech about the challenges of this new semester for the students. She highlighted 'SKEMA's unwavering commitment to providing a rich and comprehensive experience'. In her speech, Geneviève emphasised the importance of integration, support, and academic excellence.

 

Student li​​​​fe

 

During a networking session, the new students interacted with the student office, the campus marketing and communication team, and representatives from SKEMA Ventures, SKEMA's incubator-accelerator. Student associations also participated in this event. Currently, there are seven associations on the campus: SKEMA Athletic Association, HeForShe, SKEMA Consultoria JR (SKEMA Conseil), SKEMA Ventures Club, HOPE Belo Horizonte, The Sustainability Committee and Ateliê.

Special attention was given to university life, the campus, and off-campus activities. Mirlir Cunha, a major in the Military Police of Minas Gerais (PMMG), provided valuable advice on safety in Brazil, highlighting the importance of a safe and inclusive environment for the well-being and development of students.

 

Raleigh ​​campus

 

Our Raleigh campus kicked off the 2024 spring semester by welcoming more than 400 students from about 25 countries. At the various events organised by the campus team, students learnt more about their academic programmes, the campus facilities provided to them by SKEMA and North Carolina State University, US laws and cultural tips to be mindful of, career services, entrepreneurship opportunities, and much more.

​​They also got the opportunity to watch a performance of the US national anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner, by singer Catina Ray. This semester, the Raleigh campus welcomed about 50 professors who joined the campus from the US and abroad to teach a variety of classes, ranging from marketing, finance and strategy, to ethics, HR, and languages.

 

Suzhou campus

 

At the orientation week from 3 to 4 January, SKEMA Suzhou ushered in the new semester as 161 new students from France, the United Kingdom, Morocco, and other nations converged on the campus. The vibrant event marked the beginning of a unique academic journey, filled with anticipation and cultural exchange.

Addressing the challenges of adapting to a new study life in a foreign country, the campus assured students of comprehensive support. “I encourage you to embrace the vast opportunities within SKEMA's global network. Studying in China is not only an academic choice but also a valuable life experience that transcends borders and enriches understanding of the world," said Matthieu Dumont, director of SKEMA China.​