Ventspils University of Applied Sciences student Anna decided to fulfil her dream and go on an exchange semester to France. Read more about her experience!

Which country have you chosen for your mobility and why?

I’ve chosen France because I started to learn french back in 2016. I chose the language by chance and immediately fell in love with it. I was charmed by french culture, so I started to dream about going to France and live a new cultural experience there.

Have you encountered any difficulties on your way to your study mobility country?

I didn’t have any problems since there were not any restrictions on leaving Latvia. Meanwhile, in France, they only needed my negative coronavirus test, which I got. Yet, in reality, no one checked it. The flight itself was fine, and I was surprised how many people were there. I expected to see a half-full plane.

How are you doing there?

Now I’m doing fine. In the beginning, it was pretty hard to understand how things were going since nobody really tried to explain something. Yet, I was lucky to find a Russian speaking girl who helped me with some basic stuff. Moreover, other french students I contacted were ready to help as well, which was a surprise for me.

Tell us some exciting event/experience you encountered there!

Since it’s another lockdown here in France, I don’t have much to do. Yet I was lucky enough to have managed some travelling before it all started. I visited some places, but there’s one thing I can still remember. It was in Rouen (Capital of Normandie). I’m a big fan of architecture, though I’m not an expert. There was the only cathedral, which is the biggest in France. Maybe people who often travel to European cities are used to seeing some magnificent places like this. Yet, for me, it was something unique and speechless. I can still remember how big and beautiful it was, how many different details it had. I couldn’t have dreamt about seeing such a beauty, so I’m thrilled I’ve got this chance.