The Erasmus Experience Abroad. Interview with Alex Ciorogar

Alex Ciorogar has graduated the Faculty of Letters (Babeș-Bolyai University) as an English Major. He is currently a PhD candidate. He studied for four months at the Stendhal University in Grenoble, France.

1.    What have you enjoyed most about studying at the Stendhal University in Grenoble?

I was really excited about having a hands-on experience of French culture. I was also happy to improve my French language skills. Of course, I benefited from the University's quite impressive library (books, dictionaries, on-line journals).

2.    What do you consider are the most important aspects of your Erasmus experience?

You get to meet new people and learn their cultural habits. I was happy to meet some of the teachers and researchers who work in Grenoble. And this is also a great opportunity to travel and visit museums or to simply engage in sightseeing activities.

3.    What tips would you give to future overseas students thinking of coming to study at the Stendhal University?

I would strongly encourage them to get involved in as many courses and seminars as they can. However, there are lots of great in-campus and off-campus events and activities in which they could get involved.

4.    What about the French education system, is it what you were expecting?

Yes, I was absolutely blown away by the ways in which several capitalist strategies successfully complemented the University's socialist setting. Both the teaching and research conditions are at a very high standard.

5.    In regards to accommodation, did your university help you? Which are the housing possibilities for students in Grenoble? Any special tip for those considering going there?

No, my University didn't offer any financial support. There are lots of housing possibilities for students in Grenoble both on-campus and off-campus. There are a lot of on-line communities and groups which could offer valuable information before considering going there.

6.    So far, would you consider the possibility of living abroad for a longer period of time?

Yes, I would definitely consider living abroad for a longer period of time or even permanently moving into a foreign country.