Perseverance and Your Dreams. Tales form My Study Trip to France

Studying in another country (France) was academically enriching, especially after lockdown. I could regain the practical skills I had lost in the laboratories and become familiar with new techniques and biological analysis equipment.

One challenge I faced when leaving UNAM’s Faculty of Sciences, where I study Biology, was adapting to a new school system at Université Paris-Est Cretéil: the changing schedules, the way classes are taught, and the structure of exams, but it was definitely worth it. Thanks to these obstacles, I was able to develop new study techniques, notetaking, and even time-management skills.

The courses were rich in information, and I selected subjects interesting for my research. They all exceeded my expectations. The lessons were very comprehensive, and I saw different approaches to the topics.

By taking subjects such as Molecular Biology, Energy Metabolism, and Genetic Engineering, I noticed they were heavily weighted with biochemical theory, which was very useful for my research area. Besides being a subject of personal interest, my knowledge of biochemical theory was not broad enough. Fortunately, I was able to reinforce and expand it.

Another subject I took was Analysis of Scientific Articles, taught in English and French. In this subject, I also faced an intellectual challenge, as I had never considered the importance of this skill. I noticed how I used to omit aspects of the French language that are key to a good understanding of the information.

In addition to this class, practical sessions were also taught in French. Before I arrived in France, my proficiency in French was nil. Still, thanks to the courses given at the university and the relationships with native speakers, I could quickly understand the lessons, write, speak, and even work on my accent.

All my learning during these months contributed to my professional training and future career.

Moving far from home to another country, where you don’t know anyone and your mother language is not spoken, can be thrilling and daunting. Adapting to a new daily routine, navigating unfamiliar social norms, forging new friendships, and overcoming language barriers can all present significant challenges.

Finding accommodation, completing immigration procedures, and other activities were significantly formative, as I had never dealt with such situations alone. Mobility broadened my view of the different ways in which these procedures are carried out in other countries.

After almost six months, I feel I am a different person. Perhaps if I had stayed in Mexico, I would still be growing personally, but the people and experiences I encountered during this semester of mobility certainly accelerated it.

The most remarkable aspect of my learning was valuing Mexican culture more and cultivating a more significant pride in my identity. Interacting with people from many parts of the world makes being Mexican part of your personality since, most of the time, it is your way of introducing yourself to others. Likewise, foreigners’ appreciation for our culture, gastronomy, and landscapes motivates you to appreciate your own country even more.

My experiences with other cultures taught me the importance of avoiding prejudices and stereotypes based on nationality. For example, French people are often considered bad-tempered and rude to tourists, but my experience was totally different. Throughout my stay, I met very kind and hospitable people who showed me how wrong those prejudices were. Of course, I also met unfriendly people, but their nationality did not determine their behavior.

I MADE FRIENDS AMONG FELLOW ERASMUS+ STUDENTS WITH WHOM I HOPE TO KEEP IN TOUCH FOR LIFE

Besides, even though I considered myself very independent, I learned that family and friends are always missed and contribute significantly to mental and emotional health. So, constant contact with them was crucial for enjoying my time alone when I often had to deal with mood swings and anxiety.

Meeting new people was easy, but building relationships with them took work. I had to work a lot on that aspect, as I normally pay little attention to it. However, had I not done so, it would have affected my academic performance.

Thankfully, I became friends with fellow Erasmus+ students with whom I hope to keep in touch with for life. Despite being far away, they remain an essential part of my life.

This experience has been one of the best in my life; it filled me with good memories and helped me mature. It also exemplified that perseverance helps people fulfill their dreams.

The experiences that have remained most marked in my memory were those of meeting other Mexicans and Latins who also lived in France because there was a feeling of closeness and identification in all these encounters.

I have a vivid memory of my initial days in class. It was not until I met a professor from Mexico that I felt at home, even when the university officials extended a warm welcome and offered assistance with any university-related matters. Our conversations were more familiar, and I felt her help was sincere. Without me even having to ask, she kindly recommended some great places to enjoy delicious Mexican cuisine, suggested some must-visit spots, and even provided some helpful tips on how to save money.

During various instances, whether it was while taking public transportation, waiting in line to enter a store, or attending international student parties, I had the pleasure of meeting a lot of Mexicans. We would often discuss the challenges of living far from home, and share our experiences. Meeting them was rewarding because I am still in contact with many.

These experiences encouraged me to be just as hospitable; when I met the student from my faculty who would be doing her mobility the following semester, I could give her recommendations based on everything I would have liked to know before and during my arrival in France. I personally understood with the situation she was going through.

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