Hello everyone, my name is Daria Cure. I am 19 years old. I come from USA, North Carolina. I study at North Carolina State University. I am in France for 1 semester. Let me introduce you to my life as an exchange student at IÉSEG.

Why did you choose France?

I study French since middle school. I wanted to learn more. Studying abroad was also part of my projects as a student. I wanted to study at IÉSEG because I saw the website through my university. It is the best option I was given in terms of location, reputation etc. Overall, it is a perfect fit.

What are the main differences between studying in France and in the USA?

Back home, I live with 38 other girls, I am never by myself. Here, I have my own place so it’s different but in a good way. There are no meal plan, I am a lot more independent in France.

What were your first thoughts when you arrived in France?

I felt kind of lost and didn’t know where to go. I was a bit overwhelmed but in the end, it was okay. I guess it was just the jetlag.  Also, I had a hard time getting used to the metrics system. In the US, it is different, there are no miles and galons around here.

What is your everyday life at IÉSEG?

Each week is kind of different, that’s what make it interesting. I go to class, and I work on homework, I go to friends’ houses etc. There are a lot of group meetings for projects, it is different from the readings back home.

At night, we get pizzas and watch a movie. It’s a little bit like my second family here.

Once a week or so, I talk to my family via Skype and I travel in France quite a lot.

What do you like and dislike about France?

There is so much to do, new to see. Everything seems pretty (building). Even if it’s cloudy it’s pretty.

But there are a few things that I dislike, it is cold, the administration is a bit complicated, not everything is clear for timetables etc.

Tell me about one of your trips:

We went to Paris for a week-end. We took a bus and  Airbnb with a couple of friends. We visited the Louvre and walked around and strolled in the garden. We bought some souvenirs. We went to the Eiffel tower and the light + dinner was the perfect combo.

The next day, we walked around some more in the Champs Elysées and my friend tripped while we were jaywalking. She fell and tried to get up but everyone was laughing at her. One guy came up and proposed peanuts to make her feel better.

Tips for upcoming exchange students:

 Any little issues will eventually be sorted out. Do not worry and enjoy the moment. Time flies …

Can you present North Carolina?

I am from Charlotte, the biggest city of the state. There are both the ocean and mountain not far so it is always good fun. South is known to be friendlier.

Charlotte is nice because it’s a big city, around 800.00 people, it is located uptown. Raleigh is a college city, many restaurants, it is located downtown.

In the US, there are a lot of sports, such as professional football, soccer, hockey, basketball, volleyball.

What will you remember from this experience?
I like how everyone is close and bound all together, everyone I met will be good friends for a long time.