Keti NAUMCESKA

Keti NAUMCESKA – Slovenia – Master in Management

Where do you come from?

I’m from the Republic of Macedonia, a small country located in the central Balkans in Southeast Europe, a landlocked country bordered with Serbia and Kosovo in the north, Albania in the west, Bulgaria in the east and Greece in the south. It is one of the states of the former Yugoslavia, from which it declared independence in 1991.
Macedonia is a place with a unique history, tradition, folklore and cuisine. An ancient land of unbelievable beauty: a natural paradise of mountains, lakes and rivers, rich historical remains and idyllic villages that have resided practically unchanged for centuries. It is a country where life moves in a different rhythm, with impressive opportunities for leisure and adventure travel.

What studies have you already done, and what exact programme are you doing at TBS?

I have completed my Bachelor’s degree in Economics, study program Accounting, Finance and Revision, at “St. Kliment Ohridski” University in Macedonia, with the thesis in Revision, with the support of my professors Gordana Vitanova and Pece Nikoloski.
For my master studies I’ve decided to continue them in Slovenia, in one of the best and largest universities in Southeastern Europe, the University of Ljubljana, where I’m finishing my master degree in Bank and Finance Management at the Faculty of Economics. At my university we don’t have major subjects but students can specialize in a field such as marketing, management, finance and so on. As I have decided to specialize in finance, I’m planning to do my master thesis on this topic.
At Toulouse Business School I’m taking my second year of master studies. For the first semester I chose the Master in Management (Grand Ecole) program, and I also took all the core courses; and for the second semester I’m taking my major in Finance.

Why did you choose TBS over other schools?

I chose TBS firstly because it is one of the best universities in France, which provides quality education from enormously qualified professors. It has a really high reputation and I’m sure that I made the right choice, I feel really lucky that I got this opportunity. Secondly, I wanted to live in France for some time now, to explore the country which has one of the oldest architectures in the world, a country of unique culture, history, recognized for the great wines, cheeses and so on… And thirdly, I always wanted to learn the French language.

How was your integration into TBS gone? What do you feel after your first few weeks at TBS? 

My integration in TBS was truly remarkable. The beginning was a little tough: a new country, new language and a lot of paperwork to be done, but with the help of the International Student Office and schoolmates everything was made so much easier. I’m so grateful to them, especially to Jessica, in the International Student Office, for the huge support and understanding.
Also, the Welcome team students have helped a lot to make us feel just like at home. These students have organized such a good parties; they make my time here so worthwhile.

So far, what do you appreciate about Toulouse: the people, the town, the School etc.?

Every single of these :). I love the city, it’s so beautiful and romantic, the climate is great and there’s something (new) happening every moment, it’s the city that never sleeps. People are so warm and calm, and always ready to help. And for the school, I really admire the level of education they have here, the classrooms and the studying material.
Can you give us a small anecdote concerning your time so far at TBS? It can be informative/funny/whatever you wish.
Yes, actually there is one that I will never forget. During the first week I came here I was not able to find any place, I kept getting lost and I had no choice but to ask for help from the staff in the nearest hotel. The guy working there did not speak any English and I didn’t speak French. He managed to understand me somehow but he was not able to explain anything, so he tagged along with me, walking 10 minutes to show me where the place I was looking for was. I was dazzled by his act; I would have never expected that. This, as you can notice, does explain a lot about the people living here.

What advice would you give to a future incoming international student?

Learn French, at least some basic knowledge, to be able to understand the people, because it’s really difficult if you are not able to.
And if you have opportunity to come here, don’t hesitate at all. TBS is an extremely exquisite and vivacious school, not just for the quality education they provide but also for the great night life you can find here.