Hi from Monaco! I’m Dasha, a Finance exchange student at the International University of Monaco (IUM). Studying here is an incredible experience, but it comes with its fair share of surprises. Today, I’m taking you behind the scenes to share what a day at IUM really looks like.
Studying abroad at the International University of Monaco (IUM) is an unforgettable experience, but you should be ready for a few surprises – especially with the university’s unique academic structure and scheduling. If you’re considering studying at IUM, here’s an honest look at what to expect.
On my second day at IUM, we had an academic orientation session. Right away, I noticed some major differences compared to Drexel. At IUM, everyone shares the same core classes during their first year, no matter their intended field. After the first year, students choose a specialization, such as finance (my choice), luxury marketing, or four others. Once you pick your specialty, your classes are already decided for you, and you’ll take all of them with the same small group of 30-40 students. This group of classmates becomes incredibly close, almost like a family, since you’re together for every lecture, every project, and every exam for two or three years.
Another unique aspect of IUM is that it’s a very small university where everyone knows each other, which can be both an advantage and a challenge. Friendships here feel easy and natural, as you see familiar faces everywhere on campus. But your reputation and interactions with others matter a lot more than in a larger university, as the community is close and relatively high-profile. Many students come from wealthy backgrounds, and some treat IUM as a chance to broaden their horizons or network rather than solely for academic achievement. This adds to the intensity of IUM’s social dynamic, where getting along with others can shape your experience.
IUM’s academic staff, on the other hand, are highly qualified, with many professors having graduated from top-tier schools such as Harvard, MIT, and other Ivy League institutions, as well as top universities worldwide. This brings a wealth of expertise and diverse perspectives to each class, and as the student body itself is incredibly international, there’s always something new to learn from each other’s perspectives. I was surprised by the diverse cultural experiences and viewpoints that students brought to discussions, which made classes dynamic and engaging.
Now, let’s get into the schedule—where the real surprises start. Unlike Drexel’s predictable quarterly schedules, IUM runs on a flexible, somewhat unpredictable system. You don’t get to choose your courses or even select class times. The schedule is given monthly, but it can change weekly or even daily. Once, I had a class added just one hour before it started! This system means you need to stay on your toes and check your schedule frequently. Attendance and participation are essential, too. If you miss more than two or three classes without a doctor’s note, you could be required to retake the entire year. Grades rely heavily on attendance (25%), participation (25%), and a final exam (50%). And failing just one exam means failing all courses that term—there’s no option to retake only the one you struggled with. Exchange students have only one chance to pass exams. Sounds great, right?
One of the biggest shocks? Classes aren’t confined to a Monday-through-Friday schedule. Due to IUM’s small size and high enrollment, we have Saturday classes. In one week, you might have just two days of classes; the next, you might have six.
IUM offers a one-of-a-kind learning experience, combining academic excellence with an international environment and a close-knit community. This system takes some adjusting, but if you can stay organized and embrace the cultural differences, studying at IUM is an opportunity worth taking!
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