Fionnuala: "it was a challenging but immensely rewarding experience"
As part of the 30th anniversary of Erasmus, Irish students share with us their French experience. Discover Fionnuala’s story:
Irish students share their French experience with us.
Follow Fionnuala’s story!
Tell us a bit about yourself!
My name is Fionnuala. I am a final year English and French student at Trinity College Dublin and Secretary of Trinity French Society. I was an Erasmusstudent at Université Paris-Sorbonne (Paris IV) in my third year.
Why did you choose France?
My primary reason for choosing France was to improve my French. I also have a great love for French food and culture and had absolutely fallen in love with Paris so it was great to experience life in that city.
What are the outcomes from your study programme in France and international experience?
Living in Paris really improved my confidence speaking French. It also gave me practice adapting to different styles of learning and writing. Finally, I got to know so many interesting people and have made friends for life. It was a challenging but immensely rewarding experience.
Your favorite word in French?
"En fait" - because French natives use this so much in conversation!
We hope you enjoyed your French culture shock! Any memorable cultural fact, experience?
Châtelet at rush hour was definitely a challenging experience! one of my favourite memories was going to sit under the Eiffel Tower with friends at night and watching it sparkle on the hour. Browsing in Shakespeare and Co, climbing to the top of Notre Dame, ice-cream in Berthillon and wandering around the Quartier Latin were other momeories I hold very dear!
The soundtrack of your stay in France?
Christine and the Queen (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzFYmz2lfT4), Stromae (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiKj0Z_Xnjc).
Have you brought back a French souvenir with you?
A lot of books from along the Seine and some cool clothes from vintage kilo stores.
Any French habit you have kept?
Croissant for breakfast!
Where is your next destination?
I’m just back from Brussels and will be heading to Edinburgh wen term ends!
Share with us your motto!
Tu dois accepter la vie comme elle se présente, mais tu devrais essayer de faire en sorte qu’elle se présente comme tu aimerais qu’elle soit.
