Emanuela

Home country : Italy (Cerignola)
Training : ERASMUS student in 2nd year of Philosophy
Hobbies : reading, writing, music, dance, psychology
Speaks: Italian, French, English

“I want to know myself”




What are the main differences you observed between UPEC and your university?
I noticed some differences in teaching methods: here at UPEC, it’s really more focused on practice, whereas in Italy our programs deal more with theory. During my stay, I had to prepare presentations, and to express myself. UPEC’s training is more professionalizing. I also found that UPEC teachers were rather young, compared to Italy.

Why UPEC?
I wanted to enjoy Paris, and my other options didn’t match what I wanted to do, i.e. philosophy.

A funny story about your stay?
Paris is a whole new city and it allowed me to adopt different personalities, like, pretend I’m a French girl. It’s really fun to do it. Apart from that, I once fell asleep in the metro, and woke up at the terminal, far, far away. Very confusing!

Spare time in Paris?
I did a lot of sightseeing, and had a lot of good time with other students. EIAP [Echanges Internationaux A Paris] makes it very easy to meet people, with parties, picnics etc. At UPEC, I also did fitness and African dance. I wish I could have danced for the Folies Douces, unfortunately it didn’t fit with my schedule. Apart from that, I like being by myself, walking and thinking.

What did you gain from your stay?
I learnt to express myself. Here, at UPEC, I had to talk in French, which I couldn’t do before I arrived. Besides, I met many people of all cultures.

A tip for foreign students?
Experience, don’t hesitate. It’s all the better if you’re not with your country fellows.