An unforgettable journey: My MBA Exchange at Emory Goizueta Business School 

Full-time MBA student Iris Li reflects on her transformative PIM Exchange experience at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School in Atlanta. From hands-on, practical coursework to vibrant student life and cultural exploration, she shares how the exchange broadened her skills, confidence, and global perspective, making it one of the most rewarding decisions of her MBA journey.

I’m Iris Li, a Full-time MBA student from WBS. I’m here to share my PIM Exchange experience at Emory Goizueta Business School in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. If you’re considering applying, take it from me: say YES! 

Taking the leap: Why Exchange? 

The PIM Exchange Programme is a brilliant opportunity to experience the local culture and the MBA study environment in a new country after completing your UK studies. When I was considering applying, a senior student told me something that stuck: "You have to maximise your MBA time; say yes to all opportunities." That advice was all the motivation I needed. I chose Atlanta, Georgia, and Goizueta Business School, arriving in the peak of summer. 

One of the highlights of my exchange was the incredibly rich selection of courses at Goizueta. I had the chance to dive into modules including Data Science, Data Visualisation, Investment Banking, and Private Equity. 

The American education style here is heavily focused on practical application. It’s a busy schedule - no long theses, but weekly assignments, group presentations, midterms, and final exams mean learning is intense and engaging. This hands-on approach really deepened my understanding of these specialised areas. 

Goizueta makes sure you’re supported outside of lectures, too. The school has a Career Center offering various professional consultations. Furthermore, the student life is vibrant, with a wide array of student clubs that regularly organise activities ranging from academic to purely recreational. It’s a fantastic environment for meeting people and expanding your network. 

If I had to pick the biggest benefit of the exchange, it would be the immense improvement in my self-reliance - both in living and studying in the US. This experience forced me to step out of my comfort zone, tackling one daily challenge after another. It was a journey of cultural exchange and discovering the strengths of the local people. 

Life outside the classroom in Atlanta was truly something special. Atlanta, known for its mild, year-round climate and abundant sunshine, is wonderfully relaxing. On weekends and during holidays, I often took my car to explore the national parks nearby. 

I also got to experience the passionate American sports culture firsthand, from football and basketball to rugby. I even travelled to other US cities, communicating with locals, learning about their culture, and experiencing different customs. 

My absolute favorite part of the exchange? Travelling across the United States. This country is vast and full of beautiful scenery; every place is worth a proper visit and experience. 

Final thoughts: A strong recommendation 

To all future Full-time MBA participants: I strongly recommend you apply for the exchange programme. This has been an unforgettable experience where I gained not just knowledge, but a wealth of other experiences that you truly cannot miss. It was intense, rewarding, and transformative. 

The PIM Exchange doesn't just put a stamp in your passport; it expands your world.