It’s that time of the year when Tuckies have to make a very hard decision – whether to go on an exchange program to one of the many business schools around the world with whom Tuck has a relationship. Exchange programs themselves happen in the second year fall and winter term (for one quarter only) but the applications and decisions are completed in the spring quarter of the first year.
The decision is indeed a very difficult one. I was just talking to a second year student about whether he went on an exchange program and his answer was unambiguous: “Business school goes by so fast. I want to maximize the time I spend with these great friends and classmates here. I also have so many more things that I want to do at Tuck – be a part of the diversity conference, etc. After comparing the exchange program with what I would lose out on if I was not at Tuck, my choice was clear.”
It’s questions similar to these that we first years face now. Are we willing to tear ourselves away from this place where we’ve had such amazing experiences when business school itself just a two year opportunity? Are we ready to spend one whole quarter away from the friends we have made during this time? What about the academic experience? Is it the right choice for us? What about recruiting? Are we putting ourselves in a tenuous situation by studying abroad when we could be spending the time cementing our career opportunities right here? There are so many amazing activities that go on at Tuck year long. Can we afford to be away from this exciting atmosphere and miss out on the fun? For those of us that have come here with partners and families, as you can imagine, the dilemma only amplifies.
There’s no correct answer to any of these questions we are grappling with. There are so many factors and variables, pros and cons. Just as in business, you have to make a decision now, with incomplete information, and do it to the best of your ability.
Whatever the decision, I’m sure it will only the best!
Read the full article: Exchange