Saying "Yes" to the World: My Global Business Journey With Wilfrid Laurier University

How a Laurier BBA student turned an exchange semester in France into a life-changing global learning experience.

This article was written by Jenna Edelstein.

Stepping out of your comfort zone and heading overseas can completely reshape your university experience and future career post-graduation.

Making it possible: From inspiration to action

When I first started my Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree at Wilfrid Laurier University, studying abroad wasn't part of my original plan. However, after hearing about my cousin's amazing exchange experience, I realized I wanted to take advantage of the travel options offered through Laurier's Global Engagement department and experience education in a different country. Heading to France was also the perfect chance to take the French immersion skills I'd been building since grade 1 and apply them in a real-world setting.

The journey to another country isn't always a straight path, and there were moments when the dream felt almost out of reach. I was worried I couldn't go because exchange semesters don't always match up with Laurier's academic schedule. That's when I reached out to both the BBA Advising and Global Engagement teams, who collaborated with me to find a solution. They helped me shortlist several schools that allowed me to return to Laurier for my final term and spend my winter 2026 semester at the Rennes School of Business in Rennes, France.

Tackling the nerves: Stepping stones to living abroad

Taking that first big step toward independent living can feel incredibly intimidating, but I found that the transition from home, to Laurier, and eventually to Europe offered a gradual approach to moving abroad. Starting out in Waterloo gave me time to adjust to living on my own, which made taking the next big step to Europe feel exciting rather than intimidating.

Since Laurier requires students to be in their third year (or have completed 10.0 credits) before going on exchange, this prerequisite gave me the time to settle into university life first without having to manage everything all at once. By building a solid foundation on campus, I felt much more prepared for the prospect of living overseas on my own. Once the possibility of exchange became a reality, I overcame my anxieties by organizing paperwork, visas and housing into bite-size pieces. Knowing I wasn't alone and having a network of fellow Laurier students and supportive alumni to connect with helped me overcome my initial nerves.

Lessons from Rennes: Real-world business with an international edge

A vibrant student city in the northwest Brittany region of France, Rennes opened my eyes to entirely new ways of learning. In my courses, I collaborated every day with students from all around the world, while navigating diverse viewpoints. I also had the opportunity to adapt to a curriculum that deeply integrated elements of sustainability and net-zero principles into business practices (which is a topic that really interests me).

These experiences taught me how to manage unexpected challenges, speak on the spot during impromptu presentations and approach negotiations with genuine empathy. The intercultural communication skills I developed will directly benefit my dream career in brand management when working with international partners.

Reflecting on my time abroad, I will always remember sitting at a sunset lookout point in Porto, Portugal on a final trip with fellow Laurier exchange friends, feeling incredibly grateful for how far I'd come. I realized that by taking on this challenge, I had completely broken down my old ways of thinking and gave myself the confidence to know I can thrive anywhere.

To students interested in the opportunity to study abroad, I have one final piece of advice: your exchange experience will be over before you know it, so savour every moment and say yes to everything. For me, the best semester and the best memories were made this way.