Last year, Maxim CERTAN and Iana ROBU were enrolled in the Faculty of Economics of the State Agrarian University of Moldova. This year, following the Agrarian University’s merger with the Technical University of Moldova, the young people became students of the UTM Faculty of Economic Engineering and Business – “Business and Administration” study program. For Maxim and Iana, university life is about surprises and adventures, hence the two benefited from an ERASMUS+ student mobility program in Strasbourg, France.
Maxim CERTAN:
– Studying abroad has always seemed like a distant dream for me. I didn’t even dare to imagine that I could study in a city like Strasbourg. ERASMUS+ made this dream a reality!
Since Strasbourg is famous for the high-ranking European institutions based here, my first chosen destination gratified my passion for history and politics – I was really curious to find out what the official seat of the European Parliament actually looks like. Thus, during the period of adjustment before the start of the academic year, I took advantage of the opportunity and visited the famous building, which hosts the plenary sessions of the Parliament.
The trip impressed me greatly – the level of development of the city, its architecture, the people here, and the way they interact with each other. I was suddenly overwhelmed by the realization of the responsibility I have as an ERASMUS student! I kept asking myself: what is there in store for me in this “new world” – a world completely unknown to me, with a totally different culture?
Gradually, things became more clear, and I felt more relaxed. My new teachers and colleagues were always open and willing to help me when I needed it. I adapted, and that’s when I started to notice how interesting and engaging the courses are. I was impressed by the teachers’ persistent effort and usage of innovative teaching methods. Thus, I made the most of this unprecedented opportunity to accumulate new knowledge and learn new information. Sometimes it was difficult, since I had to study new courses in another language, but little by little I managed to perfect my level of knowledge of the French language.
Now, at the end of my mobility program, homesickness has reached an upmost degree, but I know that the time I spent here will always be part of my most cherished memories, which I will never forget. I can say that this experience was, without a doubt, a chance to rediscover myself, and to reinvent myself.
Iana ROBU:
– For me, learning that I was accepted to study for a semester at IUT LOUIS PASTEUR in Strasbourg was an indescribable moment! The opportunity to be an ERASMUS+ student became a unique experience that changed my understanding of the world and the people around me entirely.
We arrived in Strasbourg a week before the beginning of the academic year, during which we managed to register at the university, to open a French bank account for the scholarship, and last but not least, to adapt to this new way of life. I noticed that the locals of this small town are very welcoming, kind, and always with a bright look on their face.
My first classes at the university were a bit difficult because of the language barrier, but that eased along the way. Thanks to the openness of the community which I was a part of, I felt comfortable asking for help from my colleagues whenever I needed. The courses are mostly based on the principle of communication, teamwork and practical solutions.
Now, at the end of this mobility program, I can say for sure: it was not easy, but I am proud of myself and grateful for the chance to participate in this project. During this time, I managed to gather valuable knowledge, develop new views, become more tolerant and more open to new experiences.
Thank you to UTM and FIEB for this great opportunity! Special thanks to all our teachers, especially to the coordinators Nina PUȚUNTEAN and Jean Claude MILLION, for creating this project! And last but not least, we thank Strasbourg and the people here for the warmth with which they welcomed us, but also for the fact that we were chosen to be here!
