Questions and Answers
MIB at GGSB: Questions and answers (written in 2007)
The idea behind this page is to answer some of the questions you might have before applying or accepting an offer for the Master in International Business Program at Grenoble Graduate School of Business. I created this page because I received lots of emails from people who have seen my website and emailed me about the program at GGSB. Because I am simply unable to take the time to reply to everyone's emails answering questions about the program, I hope this page will answer most of your questions.
How many hours do you study per week?
It is difficult to say how many hours on average we have per week as during the first semester we had only a few hours per week at the beginning of the semester and then at the end of the semester we had over 30 hours per week! At the end of term it is difficult to manage time with presentations and work to do etc. However at the same time you learn how to manage your time so it's good in a way! Basically my advice to you would be to enjoy the time off when you have it - make the most of it, go to the mountains and travel etc, because at the end of term you will struggle to find time to do much other than work! In the second semester, the schedule is much less busy, however you will need the time to look for a job or internship after when the term comes to an end!
How are the other teachers?
Teachers on the whole are good. I was pleased with them. The ones on this video are nearly all of them from the first semester. I am happy with the teaching quality however some were quite disappointed with certain professors. Honestly though I think they were ok, although I personally found the academic teaching quality better at my first University (the University of Birmingham). The good thing here in Grenoble is that the classes are much smaller than my undergraduate degree at the University of Birmingham, so the learning experience is richer.
How are the exams? Difficult?
Personally I didn't find them too hard, I didn't fail any. I don't think the majority of people don't fail unless they had a real problem with a subject. I would say that if you do all the reading, homework and preparation for class during the term, you shouldn't have any problem when it comes to writing the exams. My advice: keep up to date with your work!
How was the international recruitment day?
It was ok, however it was held in December and so it was aimed at students graduating in Decemeber, so the recruiters were there for these students really. As a result it wasn't useful for those of us who were finishing in June. There was not another careers fair in the second semester so that means you need to be more proactive in finding something. The careers office is meant to offer quite good support but you musn't expect to have everything done for you, you will have to find your own placement.
Have the majority of students already work experience?
I had already completed two internships before coming to the school. Some people had done internships before coming too. Some people worked for a few years. Some people had done little or no work experience at all. Basically, it's a mix and there's no problem if you haven't worked at all or if you have worked for 5 years!
Do you think that to be a successful student you need to have a business administration background?
No not at all. Personally I do, but there were a few people in my class who didn't have any business studies background at all. Don't worry if you haven't, although you will need to accept that the course will be harder for you, as I would say probably over half the people have already studied some business subjects. Therefore if you are coming to the school without a business background be prepared to work hard!
How much does it cost to live in Grenoble: accomodation and bills?
I rented my accomodation for €380 a month. I received €150 per month in housing aid from the government. In addition to that I had to pay around €30 a month in water and €30 a month in electricity. Plus I paid €30 a month for the internet. They were the main bills really. My accomodation came unequipped: there was just 1 table, 1 bed, a fridge and 1 stool... If you are coming to Grenoble, it is actually possible to find some accomodation equipped, so its worth looking round!
What is actually the best time to reserve accomodation?
It's hard to say, basically you can always find something. However if you come early, say July, you are sure to have a good choice and more likely to be able to reserve something good for when you start. Personally I would recommend that if it's not a problem for you to come and look early, take that opportunity!
Is it very difficult studying and writing exams in English for those whom English isn't their first language?
Some of the exams you are required to write long essays in English - for example, marketing and strategic management. It is harder for people who don't have English as their first language to write essays etc, however you should note that the majority of people don't have English as their first language!
How much do exams count for in the first year?
When I studied at Grenoble Graduate School of Business on the MIB (September 2006 to May 2007), exams made up on average about half of each module studied, the other half of the module grade was taken from a combination of coursework, presentations and class participation.