ブリュッセル自由大学ソルベイブリュッセル経済経営学院 (ベルギー)
馬 欣萌
交換留学
2024年9月～2025年1月
留学を決めた理由を教えてください。
ヨーロッパの博物館巡り
You only have one life, and studying abroad in Europe was an opportunity I had to seize. Since childhood, I have had deep interest in literature and history. Consequently, my appreciation for European art, philosophy, as well as its rich cultural heritage made me eager to immerse myself in that environment. Moreover, I aim to become a multilingual professional and hence to contribute to cross-border business. This exchange at ULB was a great opportunity to broaden my perspective beyond Asia and to further develop diverse and innovative business thinking as an MBA student.
履修した講義（例）
Strategy and Strategic Analysis
Banking and Asset Management
Banking and Asset Management
留学先での講義・研究の様子を教えてください。
Having over 100 students in a single class is common, so self-motivation is key for those who want to learn more. Professors make their own decisions about lectures, making the timetable and number of sessions flexible. Final assessments vary and may include oral exams, written exams, group assignments, or presentations.
大学の環境はいかがでしたか？
ULB has 3 campuses in Brussels, and the main one is located not too far away from the city-center, which is also next to a beautiful forest and lake. French is the primary teaching language, besides some Dutch and English-taught courses. Exchange students come from over 60 countries, creating a diverse environment where Asian, Spanish, Arabic, and many other cultures are respected and coexist harmoniously.
講義・研究以外に取り組まれた活動はありますか？
I participated in an Frech learning program to improve oral speaking skill of French.
留学を振り返った感想を聞かせてください。
自宅のバルコニーから見た早朝の景色
My five-month exchange in Belgium was filled with so many beautiful memories. First of all, I built genuine friendships with amazing people there. We often cooked together, hosted parties, and enjoyed Belgium’s world-famous beers, chocolate, fries, and waffles. We also shared both happy and difficult moments, which helped us form a strong and lasting bond. Besides that, driven by my interest in literature, history, and arts, I traveled to around 30 European cities and towns, exploring many incredible museums along the way.
However, life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. The high living cost, gloomy and damp weather, safety concerns, and staying up late for workshop studies under 8-hour time difference with Japan were all challenges I had to overcome. Despite these difficulties, these 5 months in Belgium were one of the most relaxing and mentally peaceful times of my life. They gave me unforgettable experiences and friendship—a true gift that I will cherish forever.
However, life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. The high living cost, gloomy and damp weather, safety concerns, and staying up late for workshop studies under 8-hour time difference with Japan were all challenges I had to overcome. Despite these difficulties, these 5 months in Belgium were one of the most relaxing and mentally peaceful times of my life. They gave me unforgettable experiences and friendship—a true gift that I will cherish forever.
留学の経験を経て、あなたにどんな影響や変化がありましたか？（就職、将来のビジョン、考え方など）
Brussels, the heart of the European Union (EU), is an international city that offers a great opportunity to deepen my understanding of Europe's economic environment and cultures. With students from over 60 countries on campus, I could engage with diverse perspectives both in class and daily life. This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and into a completely new lifestyle, developing a global mindset and gaining valuable experience for international career.
将来留学を考えている学生へのアドバイスやメッセージをお願いします。
同期の交換留学生とキャンパスにて
There are always different perspectives on the same thing, and studying abroad opens up a new window to appreciate the world in different ways. From my own experience, after completing my bachelor's degree and working for several years in China, studying at GSM in Japan was an incredible experience. Then, going to Europe for an exchange further broadened my cultural and professional horizons beyond Asia. Both studying abroad experiences have helped me grow and gain new insights, so I truly believe that an exchange program will benefit you greatly as well.