In 2020, I had the privilege to participate in the Erasmus+ program, and I would like to share one of my experiences with you:
My name is Assaad Akl, I am a second-year master’s student, majoring in information and communication at Antonine university – Baabda, I recently took part in an exchange program with Erasmus + at Sorbonne nouvelle university – Paris 3 in France. First of all, I would like to thank Antonine University and Erasmus + for providing me with this golden opportunity.
The Erasmus + experience was a revelation for me as a student. At first, everything was difficult, even though I know French, it was challenging talking to native French speakers, but it got better and I got to know Paris as a city better. But it was also a chance for me to learn new things, to be independent and to have a good time. I took postgraduate courses in one of the prestigious international institutions like the Sorbonne nouvelle-Paris 3 and it changed my vision as a student and helped me to better develop my skills and to boost my connections with other researchers.
I got the chance to enjoy the famous Paris nights and I was mesmerized by the beauty that the city of lights has to offer, so most of the time I explored the city at night and ended my tour with the perfect spot for me lying on the grass in front of the Eiffel tower while drinking wine, studying French, meditating and thanking God for this great opportunity. On one particular evening, I was sitting at my usual spot and got approached by a group of people and we got the chance to talk about different topics and I was surprised by the difference in the culture and mindset between Lebanese and French citizens. They did not see things the way I did, so this experience taught me to listen, to question myself and to be open to other ideas and ways of life. It left me with a new perspective on life and an appreciation for different cultures and different points of view.
The Erasmus + experience provides me with the chance to widen my academic scientific knowledge and improve my skills on a professional level, as well as on a personal level. This is because I met many friends from different cultures who helped me view things in a different way and better understand the concept of open-mindedness, which is just like our perception of the physical world, perspective matters in our subjective experience of the social world!
I encourage everyone who has the chance to apply to this program, as it has many benefits on all levels.
See My photo & story
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ErasmusStudentsLebanon/permalink/1877894302373662/