The moment I set foot on this land, I felt an indescribable thrill, like reuniting with an old friend after years apart, familiar yet distant. There I stood beneath the Eiffel Tower, gazing up at this steel giant that symbolizes countless dreams. My eyes traveled across the Seine, over sculptures and bridges, and I couldn’t help but ask myself, Am I really here?

As a cybersecurity master’s student at the University of Technology Sydney, securing an exchange opportunity at KEDGE Business School in Paris felt like achieving a long-held dream. I hadn’t just been looking for a specific country or school; I’d been searching for an experience, for a life I’d never known. Among many possibilities, France stood out—a country shrouded in mystery and allure, promising an entirely new way of living.

In the beginning, my courses at KEDGE felt like an intellectual feast. Every class wasn’t just about absorbing knowledge; it was an arena where ideas clashed and blended. We debated Harvard business cases, analyzed global trends, and questioned every theory’s logic. It felt like standing on a vast open plain, seeing endless possibilities and re-evaluating who I am. What I learned was far beyond textbooks; it was about finding my footing in a world that changes every second.

Beyond the classroom, the nights in Paris captivated me entirely. This is a city
of duality, magical both day and night. By day, it’s dignified and composed—The Louvre’s sculptures and paintings quietly narrate stories from centuries ago. By night, it transforms into a grand masquerade. Thousands of lights flicker to life, and the city hums with an energy that’s impossible to ignore. With my new friends, I roamed Parisian streets, tasting baguettes and cheese from street stalls, sipping coffee and wine, and talking about life, aspirations, and everything in between under the open night sky.

KEDGE also organized activities that allowed me to dive deep into the local culture. We visited the Louvre, where I marveled at the elusive smile of the Mona Lisa. We dined at authentic French restaurants, where each dish felt like part of a carefully choreographed performance. The rich flavors, the atmosphere—these experiences were more than outings; they were cultural immersions that made me feel like I was becoming a part of this land.

What moved me most, though, were the people I met along the way. I formed connections with professors from Australia, students from the UK, local Parisians, and even first-year undergraduates. Each one of us came from vastly different backgrounds, yet we all shared a passion for life and an eagerness to explore. Paris became our bridge, where our ideas intertwined. We discussed the latest tech trends in cozy cafés and debated life’s joys and sorrows over glasses of red wine. These people became an inseparable part of my Parisian memories.

This journey extended beyond Paris. I ventured across the European continent—to the azure coasts of southern France, the historic streets of Florence and Rome in Italy, the vibrant neighborhoods of Barcelona in Spain, the tulip fields in Amsterdam, the mystique of Prague, and the banks of the Danube in Budapest. Each city had its unique rhythm and color. The warmth of the southern French sun felt like a gentle embrace, while the nighttime shadows of Prague hinted at secrets waiting to be discovered. Every place offered a glimpse into a different lifestyle, a different world.

Paris didn’t just open my eyes to a bigger world; it allowed me to see deeper into myself. Each corner of the city held stories, and mine slowly unfolded among them. I learned to let go of unnecessary worries, to appreciate life’s simplest joys, and to listen to my inner voice amidst the noise. Paris didn’t try to mold me into someone new; instead, it allowed me to become more of who I truly am.

When I finally left, I didn’t just take home a few photos and souvenirs. I carried with me the moments of awe, insight, and the subtle transformations that occurred within me. Paris, this city filled with stories, left an indelible mark on my life, speaking to me in ways I had never experienced before. I know that no matter where I go from here, this memory will stay with me, a reminder and a source of strength, urging me forward in my journey through life.

Chang Liu
Master of Information Technology
KEDGE Business School
France

For more information about the UTS Global Short Program visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal