Embarking on an international mobility experience is more than just a change in location, it’s an opportunity for growth, discovery, and transformation. From navigating cultural differences to forming meaningful connections with students from different countries, your time abroad with an EELISA Mobility can be filled with enriching experiences.
EELISA offers the unique chance to experience life at one of its 10 partner universities across 8 major European countries, where you can engage in courses, programs, internships, workshops, and various other learning experiences. Claire Drouet did not have to think twice before embarking in a six-month journey in Budapest. Interested in learning more? Check out her experience below.
During my six-month EELISA mobility program, which combined courses and an internship abroad, I had the opportunity to study in Budapest as part of my second year of engineering school.
This experience was incredibly enriching. Budapest, as a city in Eastern Europe, has a culture that is completely different from what I know in France. However, its architecture is quite similar to Paris, which helped me feel comfortable right away and not completely lost. Over time, I discovered a new environment and a lifestyle that were very different from what I was used to, making the experience even more immersive and eye-opening.
The contrast between these two cultures was evident in many aspects, which contributed to my personal and professional growth. I learned to live, work, and study in a new way, which gave me a fresh perspective. This mobility also helped me develop a sense of independence and autonomy, as I embarked on this journey alone. It pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, adapt to new challenges, and embrace a completely different way of life.
Academically, studying in a different country exposed me to new teaching methods and perspectives. I had to adapt to a different academic system, which helped me become more flexible and efficient in my learning. The courses I took complemented my curriculum and allowed me to develop new technical skills while broadening my understanding of engineering concepts in an international context.
Personally, living abroad for six months was a major step in my personal growth. Being in a completely new environment pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me more independent and self-reliant. I also had to go through cultural differences, which improved my adaptability and open-mindedness. One of the best aspects was the international atmosphere—there were students from many different countries, which made cultural exchange even more enriching. I had the chance to meet people from all over the world, learn about their traditions, and share mine, making the experience even more valuable in terms of global awareness and intercultural understanding.
Professionally, working in a foreign country gave me valuable international experience. I learned how to communicate and collaborate in a multicultural environment, which is essential in today’s global job market. It also demonstrated my ability to adapt and work in different settings, making me more competitive and prepared for future career opportunities.
One of the most memorable and transformative moments of my EELISA journey was the first time I truly felt integrated into the international student community.
At the beginning, everything was new—new country, new language, new people. It was both exciting and overwhelming. But a few weeks in, I attended an event where students from all over the world gathered to share their cultures through food, music, and traditions. That night, I realized how incredible it was to be surrounded by so many different perspectives and experiences. I had conversations with people from countries I had never even thought about visiting, and yet we found so many commonalities.
That moment changed my entire experience. I no longer felt like just a visitor but part of a global community. It pushed me to be more open, curious, and confident in stepping outside my comfort zone. From then on, I embraced every cultural exchange opportunity, which made my time abroad even more enriching.
Clarie Drouet
Third year student of the engineering program at Chimie ParisTech-PSL.
Curious about EELISA Mobilities? Click here to learn more about visiting other EELIAS Campuses or visit the EELISA Opportunities Finder to discover engaging mobility offers.