Meran: "The French system also boosted my confidence"
British alumni share their French experience with us.
Discover Meran’s story!
Tell us a bit about yourself (where you’re from, what you do, what you have studied in France, and where)
I was born, raised and educated in London. I came to France in August 2019 to start my Master’s degree in International Economic Policy at Sciences Po in Paris.
Why did you choose France?
I chose to come to France for a number of reasons. First of all, having studied French at school and being out of touch with the language for many years, I wanted to reconnect with and relearn the language. Additionally, I had professional reasons in mind to master French as being able to speak it was an asset in the fields I study and may possibly go into (Politics, Economics and International Relations). Where better to do this than in France?
Additionally, I wanted to experience and learn about the famous French culture, cuisine and history. I knew the French are proud about all of these, and I wanted to experience these for myself (and see to what extent the stereotypes are really true). Furthermore, one of the many benefits of the European Union is the ability to travel, work and study across Member State countries without visa restrictions. Before we left the European Union, I thus also wanted to take the opportunity to live this European experience and that is why I came to a proud EU-endorsing country like France.
How did your stay in France change who you are and impact your career?
The institutions I studied in and lived in had huge impacts on me personally and professionally.
I was fortunate enough to be enrolled in a Master’s programme at Sciences Po, a university that provided numerous academic and professional opportunities. I took classes in a range of topics ranging from Development Economics to Global Financial Regulation, and was also able to boost my skills through the course modules and careers workshops. Being a Sciences Po student, I also was fortunate enough to attend high profile events and had the opportunity to meet high profile people in the fields that I study.
The ‘French system’ also boosted my confidence and ability to get things done. Compared to the UK, the university workload in France was a lot more demanding in terms of how much there was to do. In the UK, I had four classes per semester, but here in France I had to take eight classes per semester. I also had class schedules that began at 8am and finished at 9pm, something that I was not used to (I used to complain when I had 9am classes and when they finished at 6pm in London!). So, in this manner, the French system definitely pushed me and made me realise I can really do more in the time I am given.
I was also fortunate enough to get a place to live at Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris (Cité). This is a student residence campus in the 14th arrondissement comprising of ‘houses’ for different nationalities. There were houses for nationalities from all around the world, and each house also had a share of people who did not belong to that nationality. Despite being a Brit, I resided in the Norwegian House and it was a really great experience to live with and learn from Norwegians and people from other nationalities. Additionally, there were sports programmes and cultural events throughout the campus to meet people from other houses and other nationalities. Very importantly, there were lots of dogs taking walks with their owners who often let you pet them! This symbol of and celebration of students from all over the world having the opportunity to live, study and play together was very powerful and unique, and it has certainly changed the way I see the world.
Your favourite word in French?
"Bonne soirée/ Bonne journée" : nothing makes you feel more French and integrated than when you say this to people as you see each other off.
We hope you enjoyed your French culture shock! Any memorable cultural fact, experience?
The transport system, especially the Paris Métro and RER were very different from the UK in terms of how unreliable they were and how delayed they were (London Tube > Paris Métro any day!). Nothing was as memorable however as during the grève or strikes that began in December 2019 and ended in early 2020. It was crazy to see that, despite so much public disruption, the strikes continued for a very long time. My classes were cancelled, my exams were shifted to alternative assessments, and when I came home to London on the Eurostar in December, I had to arrive six hours earlier than I should have because of the grève.
What is your favorite French meal?
I could not resist freshly-made pain au chocolats whenever I came across them and these were a staple part of my diet. I also really enjoyed eating quiches and trying out various kinds of cheese. In terms of dishes, I don’t have a favourite one in particular, but I would say Confit de canard and Salade Niçoise stand out as one of my favourite dishes.
Have you brought back a French souvenir with you?
I was being a typical Paris tourist and got myself a mini Eiffel Tower that lights up. I also got some postcards from the Louvre Museum with images of the Louvre at night and Mona Lisa that I keep in my postcards collection.
Any French habit you have kept?
When I came back home to London, I would say ‘pardon’ with a French accent instead of sorry when I hit someone by accident. But as time went on, this has faded away. I have tried to become more food-loving, and try to ensure I really savour and appreciate the food I eat.
Share your motto with us!
I have a few, I’ll share my top three:
We should be grateful for what we have, and we should do what we can to help others in need.
We should seek to see the humanity in others, where you see all people first and foremost as human beings with their own stories and experiences.
We must also realise everything is temporary, and the only thing constant in life is change.
