Name: Klara
Place: Paris, France
Host university: Université Paris Cité
Year: 2022/2023
Lenght: one semester

I studied English Studies at Université Paris Cité. Among others I chose French grammar class, a lecture on US History, “Activist New York” workshop that was really interesting and involving, and Written Expression in English, which allowed me to practice writing different genres including satire or autobiography. I also recited Latinx activist poetry.

However, probably my absolute favorite was the Movie Making class. We learnt how to write professional scripts, analysed movies and learned the film vocabulary. Finally each group was supposed to shot two clips.

In my free time I prepared weekly assignments for the classes and… visited lots of museums (most of them even few times), temporary exhibitions, theatres and cinemas. I really liked Musée Orangerie but my favourite is Centre Pompidou. I also explored Versailles, Giverny with beautiful Monet garden, and organised a spontaneous trip with my friend from Texas whom I met during the program.

Paris has so many little hidden libraries, so it was hard not to walk in and find a new title every now and then. I brought home a little collection… During my exchange I read, wrote, walked, and took lots of pictures! It was quality time in such a lively place.

Travelling, leaving your comfort zone and becoming a part of a foreign society is one of a kind experience. Doing your best, not giving up, and being open to new people helps to find new academic and social perspectives. If you value absorbing new cultures, travelling and you seek for new opportunities and experiences, Erasmus program is for you. It gives so many lessons, especially the ones you do not notice at first.