Anyone can go on Erasmus+ mobility, because you can study and attend classes as well as go on internships. French student Maeva Fresneau took the chance. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

Hey, I am Maeva and I come from France. I study translation and I came to Latvia for my Erasmus+ studies here at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and then later I came here for my internship as well.

How did you decide to come to VUAS?

My initial thought was to go to Ireland, but then a delegation from Latvia came to my university and I realized that I would like to spend my Erasmus+ there. I was a bit nervous because I didn't know anything about Latvia and its culture so I did a lot of research beforehand. I found out that Latvia actually is a really cool place and that I will be able to have an amazing time here.

What were your expectations before coming to Latvia?

I really wanted to meet new people and try the local food, as well as the university provided a lot of practical courses that I actually needed in my study process. And my expectations were met. Professors were very welcoming and my favorite subject was “Social media communication”, it was completely practical. Before coming here I saw that Latvians like a lot of sauces and I was scared that it would be hard for me to adjust to this food but actually I really enjoyed it, especially the bread pudding and “šašliks” (like BBQ) –  it's just amazing. I am thankful to my Latvian friends who pushed me to try different dishes.

What would you say were your biggest takeaways from this study experience?

Now I am more able to do things on my own. There are a lot of things to manage, because you are out of your comfort zone, but I actually started to cook a lot more. Also here I really enjoyed going to classes and that is something that I missed doing back home. Can't forget about the Student Council, because we had so many fun activities together – they are amazing. I would say that my favorite event was the “Orientation in the Night” – it was challenging but it was incredibly fun and our team actually won a prize.

How did you decide to come back to Ventspils for the internship at the Study department?

I had friends here and I would say that Ventspils is this one place where I feel super good and at home. I know that the community here is amazing and I will be able to create a lot of cool projects with the Student Council. This was a very valuable experience as I worked on many tasks and  had a chance to create events for the international students, where once I baked 200 cupcakes. My colleagues gave me a lot of feedback during the internship, so I could learn a lot. 

Where have you been within Latvia during this time?

I really like the countryside and also Riga was very interesting, but for me of course it is Ventspils, because there are so many things to do and there is also the beach. If I had to choose my favorite place in Ventspils, I would say Ramala's coffee. It's the best place to chill and enjoy delicious pastries and teas. 

What would you say are the biggest differences between Latvia and France?

The food is a bit weird for me and the most shocking thing I saw was that people put jam inside water. And also pickles on pizza. I disagree with these combination. But I loved seeing so much snow here.

What would you say to people who are just thinking about coming to Ventspils for their mobility?

Don't think about it – just come here! It's a wonderful place, people will always try and help you, the city is incredible and stay close to the Student Council, because then you will have even more fun. They made me feel like a local.