Sinead Hossain tells us about her time spent studying in Strasbourg and then on a work placement in Paris. Take it away Sinead!
For my year abroad, I decided to take on both a study and work placement in France to make the most of both experiences. I spent my first semester studying in Strasbourg, and an internship in Paris. From these two experiences, I’ve gained valuable insights into the benefits and challenges of each.
Study in Strasbourg
One of the best things about studying in Strasbourg was the flexibility it offered. I could choose my own courses and class times, which gave me more free time to participate in ESN events and pick up new sports through the university clubs. This was a great way to meet local students and try different things! Strasbourg’s location, right on the border of Germany and Switzerland, also made it easy to travel, and I made sure to always have a weekend trip planned to explore nearby cities!
The semester exchange program, specifically for international students, allowed me to meet people from all over the world! However, since most students only spoke English, I didn’t have as many opportunities to practice French. Working on group projects with people from various cultural backgrounds was challenging, as it required time to adjust to different working styles. That said, I truly loved learning about different cultures and hearing the unique perspectives of others along the way!
Internship in Paris
With my internship in Paris, I’ve settled into a routine. While the workdays are longer, the work experience is incredibly insightful. The office primarily uses French, which gives me the opportunity to really improve my language skills!
With a busier schedule, I’ve learned to make time during the week and taking advantage of the weekends for exploring. I’ve enjoyed meeting other interns in the office for lunch and connecting with people my age. While it can be harder to meet new people outside of work, joining Erasmus student groups has been a great way to build friendships.
The biggest challenge so far has been how quickly time is flying by—it’s been a reminder to enjoy every moment of this amazing experience!
