For some students, a semester abroad is just another step in their academic journey. For Karylle Madrid, a sophomore in the International Bachelor in Management program at Paris School of Business, this experience became a true turning point.
Having grown up and studied in the Philippines, Singapore, China, and France, going on an exchange to South Korea was a natural fit for her international journey. She quickly settled on Yonsei University, one of the country’s most prestigious universities.
“I wanted to challenge myself academically while discovering a new culture. Yonsei offered exactly that balance.”
A challenging and stimulating academic experience
At Yonsei University, Karylle discovered a challenging academic environment that helped her develop her critical thinking skills and approach management issues from a new perspective.
Among the courses that particularly left an impression on her was “Corporation and Its Legal Environment,” which focused on analyzing real-world business cases and the interplay between law and strategy.
Beyond the courses, it is also her relationship with her professors that leaves a lasting impression.
“A simple conversation with my professor about my ambitions gave me the confidence I needed to believe even more strongly in my plans.”
An experience far beyond the classroom
In Seoul, learning doesn’t stop at the lecture halls.
A vibrant campus life, student festivals, university traditions, learning the Korean language, trips across the country… every day is a new opportunity to learn.
Living at Yonsei’s International House, Karylle shares her daily life with students from all over the world.
“I’ve learned Korean, discovered a new way of life, and made friendships that will last long after this exchange is over.”
An unexpected recognition: the Global Korea Scholarship
One of the highlights of her semester, however, came completely out of the blue.
Without even knowing it existed, Karylle was selected by Yonsei University to be a candidate for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for Outstanding Exchange Students, a merit-based scholarship funded by the South Korean government and awarded by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED).
A few weeks later, she learned that she was among the students selected.
“Receiving this scholarship was one of the most memorable moments of my journey. It showed me that staying true to your ambitions can open doors you never imagined.”
Growing in confidence
While this experience allowed her to acquire new academic and intercultural skills, her most important lesson lay elsewhere.
“I arrived in Korea with goals. I left with the same goals... but this time, I was convinced that I could actually achieve them.”
Adaptability, independence, intercultural communication, and open-mindedness: these are all skills she developed over the course of several months, but above all, she gained a newfound confidence that will stay with her as she moves forward on her journey.
Studying abroad: a life-changing experience
For Karylle, going on an exchange program is an opportunity that all students should consider.
“Don’t be afraid. An exchange isn’t just about studying in another country. It’s about discovering a new culture, making lifelong friends, and learning a great deal about yourself.”
At Paris School of Business, students receive personalized support throughout their international mobility experience, from preparing their application to arriving at the partner university.
Karylle’s experience fully illustrates the School’s international mission: to prepare graduates to thrive in the professional world while empowering them to realize their full potential.
