Ninety students from the Business and Administration Management (GEA), Marketing Techniques (TC) and Civil Engineering-Sustainable Construction (GC-CD) departments of the IUT of La Réunion, a component of the University of La Réunion, began a study trip to the North American continent this Saturday, March 22, with planned stays in Montreal and then New York. During their trip to these two cities, they will have the opportunity to visit several major schools, institutions and companies, while meeting fellow Reunion Islanders to discuss the experience of expatriation, cultural differences and how the world of work works.

The main objective of this initiative is to encourage open-mindedness among students. The scheduled meetings, in a French-speaking and then English-speaking environment, will allow them to consider internship opportunities, further studies, or professional integration in two countries far from Reunion Island, offering different lifestyles and cultures but also rich in opportunities.

The academic program of the University Bachelor of Technology in Management and Accounting prepares students for careers in management, administration, human resources, and accounting, while the Marketing Techniques program focuses on the management and marketing of physical and online retail outlets. These skills are applicable both in France and abroad upon graduation.

It is essential for the IUT and its teachers to demonstrate to students that their professional prospects are not limited to the borders of Reunion Island.

To illustrate the expatriation opportunities for Reunion Islanders around the world, students will have the opportunity to meet Mr. Grégory LARROQUE, originally from Saint-Pierre, Vice President at CGI, a global information technology consulting firm based in Canada. They will also have interviews with other Reunion Islanders working in Montreal in fields such as management, law, finance, marketing, and IT.

In addition, students will have the opportunity to visit prestigious institutions such as HEC Montréal, the Université du Québec à Montréal, McGill, and Columbia University in New York. This will allow them to interact with teachers and students, compare the French and North American education systems, and discuss their similarities and differences.

Finally, they will be received at the Montreal City Hall and at the General Consulate of France in New York.

Testimonial

Financial partners

In addition to contributions from the IUT and students to finance their trip, partners have lent their support to this initiative. Air France offered preferential rates and the Tipopei brand for jams that the students were able to sell to finance part of their stay. The students have also organized various fundraising activities since the beginning of the academic year, such as cake and coffee sales.