The students of the UTM Faculty of Economic Engineering and Business, Nicoleta POCIUMBAN (2nd year within the “Business and Administration” program) and Andreea CAZACU (2nd year within the “Marketing and Logistics” program), received the chance to study in France for 5 months – an opportunity which they acknowledged as one of the most beautiful experiences of their lives so far.
Nicoleta considers this mobility program to be an incredible period in her academic experience:
“Ever since I was little, I had a special passion for the French language and culture, and I’ve always wanted to visit this wonderful country once I get the chance. As a student of the “Business and Administration” program at UTM, this dream became achievable for me through applying for the Erasmus+ scholarship at IUT Louis Pasteur, Université de Strasbourg, within the “Erasmus+ MIC Entrepreneuriat Étudiant” project.
My joy is doubled: besides the delightful opportunity to study at one of the most prestigious universities in France, I also get to live in a city with impressive architectural beauty and Alsatian uniqueness, which is one of the headquarters of the European Union.
Ever since I arrived in Strasbourg, the bliss and splendor radiating from this city has overwhelmed me. It is one of the most beautiful French cities, the base of multiple tourist attractions, and every day I am amazed to see how many visitors come to enjoy this blend of German-French features. Regarded as the parliament capital of the European Union, Strasbourg hosts multiple European institutions, such as the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, etc., which we had the chance to visit, as well as participate in several events held inside the Council of Europe.
I am, without a doubt, happy to study economics in a French city, at a prestigious university in France! It’s certainly not easy, but it’s a truly captivating experience and an excellent opportunity to gather knowledge, best practices and insights that we could later implement at home, in Moldova.
From the first day, I was surprised by the warmth and enthusiasm with which we were welcomed. My colleagues and teachers were very hospitable, but also curious to learn as much as possible about us, the 6 Moldovan students within the project.
The courses here are fascinating, the teachers and colleagues are always open to help and explain anytime we encounter difficulties or don’t understand certain things, and the most gratifying thing is that all of us have managed to build beautiful friendships. Since Erasmus is about friends, intercultural exchanges, and unique experiences, we also invited our friends from abroad to visit Moldova.
Our mobility program is coming to an end now, and I can say with certitude that such projects are not easy for everyone. You need courage, ambition, active involvement in university life and, of course, perseverance and doubled effort in studying. However, I affirm, beyond any doubt, that all the people I have met here, all the knowledge gained, the picturesque places visited, and the whole interaction with French culture, will play a major role in my further journey and growth”.
Meanwhile, Andreea believes that this mobility program was the experience that made her rediscover herself:
“French was the first foreign language I learned since I was in the first grade, and when I found out about the possibility of spending a semester in Strasbourg, I said to myself: I surely cannot miss this opportunity, I must apply to this project.
In Strasbourg, I was incredibly impressed by the whole ambience and architecture of this old Alsatian city, and the diversity of cultures found here is a true example of tolerance.
The university life here is as interesting as in Moldova, but still quite different, based on the interaction between students during courses. We interact much more during group projects. Here, studying involves quite a lot of teamwork, the tasks are complex, the workload is heavy, oftentimes requiring vigorous brainstorming.
I’m happy and proud for experiencing all the interesting, sometimes difficult, but extremely wonderful moments I’ve had here, for studying at the University of Strasbourg, for the friendships I’ve developed, and for everything I’ve discovered and learned from French people and their culture”.
Ultimately, we want to thank UTM, FIEB, and the teachers from Moldova for these opportunities, including the coordinators Nina PUȚUNTEAN and Jean Claude MILLION for creating the project, and last but not least, the people here, who welcomed us very warmly”.
The students come with a message for those willing to apply for the Erasmus+ scholarship: Although it might be hard, it’s still worth it. Why? Because leaving to study in another country will bring you a great deal of advantages: you will improve your level of knowledge of the French (or English) language, you will discover new things and places, live an academic life that allows you to learn a lot about the country you are studying in and, last but not least, create memories that will last forever.
A reminder from us to you is: Life is beautiful and short, take advantage of it and apply wherever you think you will be able to learn new things, gain unusual experiences, and fully enjoy any opportunity you come across!
Nos salutations distinguées,
Nicoleta et Andreea
