Paris, you’ve been an absolute dream!

Bonjour from Paris! Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to embark on a two-week short exchange program at the Paris School of Business, a journey that delved deep into the realms of Fintech and Business AI. This program wasn’t just an academic endeavor; it was a cultural and professional immersion, blending learning with real-world exposure in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

What truly set this program apart was how perfectly it combined study and exploration. Paris, with its iconic landmarks and vibrant culture, became an extended classroom. We had plenty of time to balance academics with the adventure of discovering a new city. This blend of study and sightseeing was truly inspiring.

During the program from the first day, we were tasked with creating a business element involving an AI concept, and mine centred around customer personalisation in e-commerce. For my project, I envisioned a system that could analyse a customer’s past purchase history, browsing behaviour, and preferences to predict and recommend products they’d be genuinely interested in. The aim was to enhance the online shopping experience by personalising their shopping experience. We’re talking about a smart interface that could tailor the website in real-time, creating personalised product sets, and even recommending entire outfits complete with sizes based on past purchases. This was built on the foundational AI concepts we had learned in class. We discussed sentiment analysis, machine learning phases, and the importance of balancing bias and variance in model training.

Another highlight was visiting Station F, France’s largest start-up hub. What made it a spectacular experience for me was witnessing the vibrant ecosystem where a thousand start-ups thrive under one roof. What really stood out to me was the sense of community and diversity. The entrepreneurs I met came from all walks of life, each with unique stories of perseverance and innovation. It was here that I saw the future of business and technology being shaped, and it has left me with a newfound excitement for what my own future may hold in this rapidly evolving field.

Reflecting on my time in Paris, it wasn’t just about learning new concepts in Fintech and Business AI. It was about seeing how these technologies are transforming our world. This experience broadened my horizons, connected me with global peers, and provided a platform for cultural and professional exchange. As a young student, this journey was more than just an educational trip; it was a step into a world where technology meets culture, innovation, and real-world application. Paris, you’ve been an absolute dream! 🌟🇫🇷

Alina Stojcevski
Bachelor of Business
Paris School of Business, France
Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship recipient