An Exchange Journey at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business

As part of Sasin’s exchange program, Natchanya Anantarangsi (Sasin MBA 2024) spent the Fall semester at the Fuqua School of Business, Duke University, in Durham, North Carolina. She shares her reflections on the academic experience, classroom culture, and life in the U.S. Q: What is studying at Fuqua School of Business, Duke University, like? A: The school is well known for its strong emphasis on teamwork, collaboration, and leadership, which is referred to as the “Team Fuqua” culture. Classes are highly interactive, and students are encouraged to actively participate, share diverse perspectives, and learn from one another. The school facilities are also very well-equipped and modern. In addition, the campus is only about 20 to 30 minutes by car from the airport, which makes traveling very convenient. Q: Can you tell us about the exchange program there? A: The exchange program allows students to take MBA elective courses together with full-time Fuqua MBA students. The classes are mostly case-based and discussion-driven, with a strong focus on real-world application. For most courses, students are expected to read cases or complete group discussions before coming to class. Active participation is strongly emphasized, and students are expected to contribute their views and collaborate closely with their classmates. Q: Why did you decide to study at Fuqua for your exchange? A: Initially, I was deciding between studying in the U.S. or China. In the end, I chose the U.S. because the program offered a wider range of elective courses, especially in finance, which aligns with my interests. Among the available options, I chose Fuqua because of its strong academic reputation, its collaborative team culture, and the supportive environment for exchange students. Another factor was the weather, as I prefer a milder climate. I also wanted to experience a different learning culture that emphasizes open discussion, debate, and teamwork. Fuqua’s diverse student body made it an ideal place to broaden my perspective and challenge my way of thinking. Q: How was your learning experience there compared with Sasin’s? A: Both Sasin and Fuqua offer rigorous and high-quality MBA programs, but the classroom dynamics are somewhat different. At Fuqua, there is a stronger emphasis on speaking up, sharing opinions, and openly challenging ideas during class. Participation is very active, and discussions move at a fast pace. At Sasin, class discussions are also strong, but the approach is sometimes more structured and context-driven, with some courses being more lecture-based. For students without a strong background in a particular subject, Sasin can be more suitable as it provides a solid foundation. Fuqua, on the other hand, places more emphasis on learning from classmates’ professional experiences, which creates a very rich peer-learning environment. Q: What are your thoughts on the U.S.? Is it different compared to Thailand? A: One noticeable difference is the culture of open communication. In the U.S., people tend to express their opinions more directly and comfortably. The learning environment encourages questioning and debate, regardless of seniority or background. Both cultures have their strengths, and experiencing the U.S. firsthand helped me better understand how cultural context influences learning styles, teamwork, and leadership. Through Sasin’s exchange program, students like Natchanya gain the opportunity to learn in diverse academic environments, build global perspectives, and experience different leadership and learning cultures at leading business schools around the world.