Poire Belle Hélène » In English please ;)

Dinner with my DSP brother in Paris!

helene — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 17:50:10 +0000

As you must know, I have been a brother of Delta Sigma Pi, an american professional fraternity for almost 2 years now. Time flies! I must admit I would have never imagined how great was this community!

I came back to France in May, 2014. It was terribly sad to leave my roomates, my friends and my brothers. We had a special link together. Delta Sigma Pi became a huge part of my american life. Every week, I had the opportunity to meet for a special executive meeting on Sundays and I also discussed with the brothers and the pledges about my culture, my life and my career.

Last week, I had the pleasure to have dinner with one of my DSP brother, Anna, in Paris. She is currently in France for a Summer School in Strasbourg. This is how the exchange program works: American people come for 2 months while we go to the US for two semesters. She arrived in Paris on Thursday morning and I met her at the Anvers station at 7pm the same day… Anna was very tired but also excited to visit the city. We walk to the Moulin Rouge and then we got into the metro in order to go to the « Bourse » station.

Then, I took her with her friend Stephanie to a French restaurant named « Brasserie Gallopin ». She reminded me good memories, I was so nostalgic! They tried to eat snails! And actually, Anna loved them! It was a great moment. Afterwards we ate delicious main dishes (fresh meat !) and we ended up our dinner with fantastic desserts!

This moment shows me that people in the US were not only present for me when I was in the US. They are here whenever I need it. I hope Anna will enjoy her trip in France and above all studying at the EM Strasbourg school !!

Vous le savez sûrement mais l’EM Strasbourg organise des Summer School très fréquentes dans les pays étrangers pour permettre aux étudiants de venir étudier en France pour 6 semaines. Cela permet ainsi de renforcer les liens avec plus de 180 universités partenaires dans le monde !

My Nashville trip

helene — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 21:24:26 +0000

I spent one week end in Nashville, Tennessee for Easter Break. I took the bus for 6 hours in order to come to the country music city. It was actually very cheap (16$) for a round-trip. Another exchange student decided to visit this city with me: Alexia, it’s her name, is currently studying at Canisius College in Buffalo. At first, we were supposed to go to a concert but the singer was sick. We were a little bit disappointed but then, we found out that Nashville was an amazing city for young people and students.

Despite the fact that Nashville is totally lost in the middle of nowhere, this city is constantly in move. There is always something to do. Alexia and I found an accommodation in a hostel (Nashville Downtown Hostel) very well located, cheap, very spacy and, more important, very clean. The real thing I found really important while choosing the hostel was the cleanness. You cannot imagine how hard it is to stay in a disgusting place with bugs and dirty beds… We shared our dorm with two nice American girls.

Nashville is very famous for its Broadway Street which gathers all country bars. It is very easy: each bar hosts a music band and the ambiance is just awesome. Prices are very cheap, especially for alcohol drinks. On Saturday afternoon, at 4, all the bars were crowded and people were singing, screaming and dancing. They were very friendly and welcoming. Being a foreigner is not a problem since we met an American singer who allowed us to get free drinks into a bar. Really nice, isn’t it?

The most wonderful time I had in Nashville was in the 417 restaurant downtown. First, this place looks like a post-World War II restaurant with the decoration and paintings on walls. Second, the breakfast was cheap (as usual) and delicious. Their pancakes were the best I have ever tasted. They were so sweet and chewy. Third, I think we were the luckiest girls on earth: we had the chance to meet an actor from the Walking Dead (if you don’t know the TV show, you really miss something.!) while we were eating. I was just so excited and we asked him for a picture. This actor named Scott Wilson plays Hershel in the show. He was absolutely nice and willing to take a picture with us. We were afraid of bothering him during his lunch but you know how it is: this happens once in a life. I think we aroused his interest because he really wanted to speak with us a little bit. He was probably surprised to meet two French girls in a Nashville restaurant! He proposed us to come to the Horror and Tattoo convention downtown during the afternoon. We bought tickets at the convention center and we got into the big area. We finally figured out that we had to pay 40$ for an autograph and a picture with the actor… Well, at least, we saved money today and we already had our picture!

Coming to Nashville without visiting the Country music Hall of Fame & Museum was not an option. We paid 25$ for one day-pass and then, we had the opportunity to walk into the museum. As a matter of fact, it is really hard to stay focused on each part of the museum because as a French student, I did not know many of the country singers. Some of them are obviously famous worldwide: Elvis Presley or Taylor Swift (two opposites, right!)

We also had a great time visiting the Nashville Farmers’ market with typical farmers from the state. The market is open 362 days a year: ranchers, bakers, soaps, milk or cheese for instance can be purchased from locally-owned and operated businesses who have been in the market for generations. Smells and colors were fantastic.

The last evening we spent in the city was exceptional. We had the opportunity to assist to the Grand Ole Opry, the longest running live radio show about country music, which occurs weekly. As the advertisement says, this show makes the country music famous hence its popularity in the USA.

Everything went well in Nashville: this week end was just fabulous. I really encourage you to visit this capital of Tennessee! (as Johnny said: “on a tous quelque chose en nous de Tennessee!”)

Initiation Day (Fraternity Delta Sigma Pi)

helene — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 02:35:15 +0000

Yesterday was my first initiation as a brother of Delta Sigma Pi. I should tell you that it is an amazing experience to be on the other side… It is less stressful obviously. I have never experimented something like that before. I will not explain to you what is exactly initiation in details because I am not allowed to. Indeed, being a brother is the only way to figure out what is the process to become a brother. That was my first and last initiation as a brother… so emotional! (Business professional attire was required)

Me and my chinese brother Zhenni

I could not stop thinking that I had just one month left here… Time flies. I keep in mind that everything is going to be over soon. American people tend to exaggerate by saying “this is the saddest thing ever!” This time, I totally agree with them… I don’t say that I am not happy to come back home. As a matter of fact, I miss my family and my country. However, this experience has been exceptional and I have learnt so much about me. Anyway, let’s talk about the initiation and stop digressing.

After 12 weeks of pledge process, which means “promesse” in French, the chapter determines if each pledge is ready to become a brother through a voting meeting. A few days after, the ceremony takes place on campus. As far as I am concerned, I got initiated in November during Fall 2013 but not at IUPUI. I missed that ceremony so I got to go on another campus at Bloomington. I was not alone so this experience allowed me to discover a new city! It was still Indiana University but another campus. Business clothes are almost always required as you can see on pictures.

What I can tell, and with a great enthusiasm, is that it is again a new event to meet people and to enjoy your time. I am really glad that I could meet my new brothers. Even if you don’t know them, you are related to each other through the fraternity. That’s it. Everyone depends on you and you depend of them.

After this initiation, we went to a social event mixed with Relay of Life. Relay for Life is a overnight fundraising event dedicated to raise money for cancer research.

The opportunity to share great moments with your brothers and to support a noble cause is real. It lasts 10 hours from 5 pm to 5 am. I stayed a little bit but at midnight, my entire body was exhausted (and frozen!). After my great performance at the Zumba activity at 11:30pm, I almost fell down and then I decided to come back home. The brutal winter in Indianapolis is not totally over!

Having a rich social life makes you feel alive here. All American students are involved in at least one student club. If you have the opportunity to join one of them, wherever you are in the US, grasp it and be really involved. It is the “win win” principle: the more you give, the more you get.

Pictures taken by Maria L. and Zhenni L.

The main differences between France and the USA (Studies)- US side

helene — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 17:06:32 +0000

I posted an article on the Kelleybizblog about the French side. Now, I think it would be nice for you to know more about the US Side.

First of all, when you get admitted at a business school in the US, you follow a program where you may be able to choose your classes. In addition, you can choose a class not related to your major. Obviously, a student can organize his class schedule like he wants to. When you only have 4 classes, I admit it’s very nice! A student might decide to be graduated one semester later in order to take less classes the semester before, if he knows he will be busy.

Then, exams are really different. In the USA, your exams last mostly 1 hour. Multiple-choice questions and short answer questions are asked. Sometimes you have to write more than that but it is rare. Your home assignments must be between 3/5 pages with a double space. If you want to know more about grades, you can figure it out on my last article. However, I noticed that American people tend to study at the very last minute… not easy to organize your work!

Consequently, professors grade your exams quickly. I see a lot of American students who are looking forward to hearing back from their professor about exams. After one week, they are so impatient! In France, you have to wait at least one month to get your results. One month is generally the shortest time. I love the fact that you know if you have passed almost immediately thanks to this system.

Then, professors don’t change exams each year. There is actually a risk of copy but students have to give the exam back immediately after seeing it to the professor.

The main difference is about the price of the university. In France, universities are almost free for everybody (almost 300 euros for one year and you also have your health insurance provided). Buildings are not modern at all and it is really hard to find a printer for instance! You don’t have the best conditions to study but you can study anyway! I have to tell you one more thing: business schools are private in France so they are not related to universities. Business schools cost between 5000 and 15000 euros per year. Consequently, it is most of the time better to study there because you get better conditions to study and you get the network! In the USA, you pay 15 000$ per semester, and if you are an international student, it is the double of the initial price.

Last but not least, US companies care about your grades while they are recruiting. They usually require a 3.0 GPA which is not too hard to get if you are serious. Your school and its ranking are not as so important. Then they look at your experiences and skills as well. Of course, it depends on the company’s culture and size. It is also common here to have a part-time job while studying. They are at the same time involved in student clubs. An american student life is so BUSY ! They all have one or two part-time jobs.

I would not say it is a better system than in France. It is merely different and I enjoy studying in a new and international environment. I hope I could provide you information about the US system. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions!

100th article: « Meet the chapter »

helene — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 03:46:57 +0000

Hello everyone, I am glad to write you a new article, the first one in the US for the year 2014 (Happy New Year!). I finally arrived last week to a -20 degree weather… I must add that American people have never seen such a bitter cold weather since 20 years. Well, for my 100th article, I wanted to write something special and important to me. Obviously, this article is going to concern Delta Sigma Pi, the fraternity I have joined. According to the DSP traditions, today was the event « Meet the Chapter« . After 2 weeks of recruiting, Meet the Chapter is THE event when all the potentials (business students who want to join the fraternity) can meet the brothers and also have an interview to get admitted in the pledge process.

This event was really joyful. After the Christmas break, students are not motivated to come back to school. Being together helps a lot! We could meet some new potentials and explain to them how the fraternity works. It was actually -25 degrees outside: it is almost impossible to stay out more than 10 minutes without freezing. Despite the cold temperatures, some potentials pledges braved the cold. I think thus people who came were really interested in pledging at Delta Sigma Pi.

In addition, Professional attire was mandatory: you can’t imagine how many girls were in the bathrooms to change their clothes! I was effectively wearing two sweaters, a jacket, one dress, a jean, a legging, my socks and my boots. I was glad when an IUPUI service employee gave me a ride to the business building. Americans are always helpful!

We took pictures and then, after interviews, we went to the Campus Center in the game room. We had such a great time there, singing karaoke, playing guitar hero and eating pizzas. I think that joining this fraternity was the best idea I have ever had since I am here. I encourage you to follow DSP_IUPUI on Twitter if you want to know more about that.

PS: As you can see, I changed my camera for a new one… My pictures seem better, don’t they?

Second semester is about to start!

helene — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 14:59:14 +0000

According to my advisor, I had to take two classes in marketing (again). A student in marketing, Lydia, gave me good advice to choose them. Even if my french school hasn’t checked them yet, I think they will be really interesting. This semester will be stressful because I don’t know my professors, how they organize their classes… My roommate told me they are really nice and available if you have some difficulties. As far as the second semester is concerned, I’m going to focus more on school but also on my gap year. I have a clear idea as to what I want to do for this year. I would like to carry out 6-12 month assignments in a communication department of a big company or in an agency. As you can see, my schedule is unchanged compared to the first semester… the only difference I have is that my are classes on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

BUS M426: Sales management
BUS M412: Physical and distribution management
AMST A303: Topic in american studies (the american society and its critics)
BUS F305: Intermediate corporate finance

It’s also time for me to realize that I just have one more semester in the US. I’m in the middle of the year.. (that’s scary but it’s also very exciting!) I have planned so many activities and trips… I hope I could do everything I want to. I can’t slow down the time but… I can try to enjoy each day I will spend in this beautiful country.

Christmas Party

helene — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 19:07:47 +0000

Merry Christmas !

Last week, I organized an Ugly Sweaters – Christmas Party at my apartment. Of course y two roommates helped me to prepare everything. I decided to invite some friends to participate to a Secret Santa: what does it mean? Secret Santa means that each person has to bring one present. Then, we pick up one number and we have to take the present related to it. It’s a really funny game! Moreover, everybody is happy with this. After all, Christmas encourages people to share and express their feelings. I cooked sugar cookies (« biscuit » in french) and also, crepes, guacamole… In addition, we watched Christmas movies such as ELF. I had never seen it before and I finally thought this movie was very funny (I felt asleep at the end though but I swear it’s a nice movie!).

As you can see, our sweaters are obviously ugly but the tradition has existed for a while: normally, your grandma offers you every year an ugly sweater and you have to wear it! I was relectant to wear such an ugly sweater but finally, it was a great moment. I have to admit that Josh got the worst one!

Becoming a new brother of Delta Sigma Pi

helene — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 00:39:59 +0000

Once I passed the final exam of the Pledge Process, I was relieved. I became a brother of Delta Sigma Pi on November, 7th, 2013, exactly 106 years after the creation of the fraternity. Since my initiation, I have had the pleasure to experiment what it means to be a brother.

My roommate Maria, the vice president of fundraising at DSP, encouraged me to be a part of a fundraising event. There are many fundraising events organized to raise money for the fraternity. For example, the fraternity works at the Lucas Oil Stadium selling concessions for american football games. The concession stand sells food and beverages. Recently, I had the opportunity to work in the stadium. In order to be successful, each brother has to work as a team member electing to be a cashier or a cook. As a matter of fact, I was totally exhausted at the end of the day: I worked for 7 hours. Nevertheless, the stadium’s ambiance was amazing and working in team made work easier and funnier. My pair was the fraternity’s president, Josh, and we had a lot of fun. In the end, I know that I was working in the interest of the fraternity and that brings me joy! I want to point out I think it’s a very good opportunity to gain experience.

Cliquer pour visualiser le diaporama.

In other news, I I started thinking about running for a position in the executive board of the fraternity. I had time to balance the pros and the cons. I knew that a position would take up a lot of my time: however, it is another way for me to become more involved in the fraternity. I decided to run for the VP Information Technology position with a great enthusiasm because my responsibilities in this position would be very diverse. As a VP Information technology, I have to manage social networks’ pages and work on the website renewal…The good news is, after a voting competition, I have been elected for the position and will be working with my brother Chuwen, for the rest of the school year. Lastly, we shared a potluck lunch with special recipes from around the world !

My favorite burger places

helene — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 06:22:57 +0000

After spending three months in the US, I personally think that I am able to determine what are my favorite burger places. Ok, I haven’t been everywhere in the country but I went to Chicago last month, I also visited Toronto and I have been in Indianapolis for a while. The american food has not a good reputation in France: however, it’s possible to try another places, different from fast foods. I admit it: fast foods are a part of the culture. I have never seen so many of them: Taco Bell, Subway, Wendy’s, McDonalds, Burger King, KFC and many more! But I don’t have american friends who enjoy going there. Indeed, they would rather go to other burger places than to fastfoods. That’s why I can today let you know my burger places’ ranking.

1. Five Guys

My number ONE. I will love it unconditionally. I have never tried something like that. They don’t propose many choices of burgers but it is almost the only weakness. The flavor is wonderful: you get what you pay for! It’s a little expensive for a burger place (25$ for 2) but I think Five Guys offers the best burger a man can eat. Order online, by a phone call or directly, this place is perfect! I beg FG to come in France as soon as possible! Five Guys’ restaurants are located in all states (normally!) in the USA.

2. Johnny Rockets

Johnny Rockets is an american franchise with a special concept: creating a very classic American atmosphere, like in the 50′s. Fries are always unlimited and from Mondays to Thursday, some huge burgers are only 5$! My advice will be simple: try their Milk-shakes!! They are so amazing (the Chocolate Vanilla twist is my favorite). The restaurant proposes many offers a wide choice of burgers. The brand has been developed internationally except in Europe. The only european restaurant is located in Germany (in an american military base..) Sorry guys!

3. Steak’n Shake

The third place goes to Steak’n Shake. This famous american franchise, created in 1934, is almost 80 years old.. It obviously has a strong american reputation and I endorse it! 4$ meals are proposed and they are famous for their steakburgers. Restaurants are opened 24 hours a day, with happy hours from 1 to 5 am/pm. I was a little disappointed by milk-shakes: there was too much ice in it.

If you have the opportunity to try one of them, let’s do it! You won’t regret !

Si vous avez besoin d’une traduction française, merci de me contacter

Initiation: I do !

helene — Sat, 09 Nov 2013 00:32:27 +0000

I have officially become a brother of Delta Sigma Pi, 106 years after the foundation of the fraternity. I came to Bloomington for my initiation at Indiana University. The Chapter Alpha Pi was very nice with me. You can see a picture of my big brother and me below (with the brother’s pin !)

I can’t tell you how was the initiation (secret !) but this experience is AMAZING. More questions ? Comment or email