Manon Lemonsu

My favourite thing about Montreal is the atmosphere.

Fun fact

My guilty pleasure is a grilled cheese from Olive&Gourmando ever since I tried it.

Favourite thing about Concordia and the campus

The ability to choose your classes with respect to your interests and the campus location, downtown, puts you at the heart of Montreal.

Why did you choose Concordia and the John Molson School of Business?

I chose Concordia for the focus on practical, hands-on learning in addition to the theoretical approach. I also wanted to live abroad and get to know another culture with a different climate from Europe. 

What was your best university experience?

Definitely the friends I made throughout the years of my degree; from attending Frosh at the beginning to the friends I made through my major.

What does campus life look like for you?

I lived in a different neighbourhood every year of my studies. Walking to school, I was able to explore every bit of Montreal.

In my first year, I often went to the library to study for midterms and finals but throughout the years, I found the John Molson building more appealing because of the natural light in the classrooms.

The type of classes depends whether it's a core course or a major/elective course. You will find yourself in big amphitheater of 300 people but also in small classes of 30 people.

The French community is pretty big and as a French student, I got along pretty easily. You will get a chance to meet more people during group projects.

How did you gain experience outside of the classroom?

I gained experience through the internship I did during a summer in France. I was a financial controller intern for two months. Apart from that, my engagement in the Heart for Africa club helped me grow not only personally but also socially. I developed interpersonal skills that helped me for my Master's interviews.

What's your advice for new students?

My advice: get into volunteering and clubs during your first year and make the most of the many events organized by John Molson. It's a huge opportunity!

Favourite things about living in Montreal?

My favourite thing about Montreal is the atmosphere. You get to experience the amazing summer life (the terrasses, bixis, boat ride in Esterel) as well as the skiing at Mont Tremblant during the winter. The student life is thriving and you will always find something to do!

What was your experience living in French and studying in English?

It was the first time I studied in English and I must say that I loved the style of teaching and the close-knit relationships I made with the professors. I definitely had to make some efforts at first with the vocabulary related to my studies.