Name: Ekaterina
From: Moscow, Russia
Studied in: Palaiseau, France
Studies start: 2010
Grade: Master
Program: Innovation Technologies
University: École polytechnique (X)
Program satisfaction rate: 5/5
Internship: Yes
Job: Yes
🎓 Application
How did you learn about this program?
I won the scholarship proposed by Air Liquid
Why did you decide to enrol in this program?
For International experience
What was your application experience?
The company (Air Liquid) helped me to go through the applying process. But the most difficult was to write the cover letter (“lettre de motivation “) in French. It’s so funny to reread it now!
What level of English is required to enter this program?
I already had B2 level of French and no English confirmed by certificate
What level of French is required to enter this program?
B2-C1
💡 Your impressions from your study abroad experience
What are your general impressions about this program?
At the beginning it was difficult to understand the teachers. It’s very different from our university style in Russia. Here your professor is easy access person. If you have some troubles you can ask to explain. In X you can even ask to have the “tutor” (often elder student) for some courses who will help you to understand the matter.
What was the major program value for you?
It was great that I can choose only the courses that I thought to be useful for my future! And for sure it helped a lot when I find my job
What did you like about this program?
That you really understand that you will use the information received in the future. For example we had the course for Start up creation, so we organized by group and at the end we proposed the start up idea. For the final presentation our teacher have invited the potential investors! The real guys who were looking for the great ideas!
And what didn’t you like?
Math courses. In our university the Math was not so difficult but here it is the basis of everything, so it was quite hard
What is the hardest part of studying abroad?
Integration in the new society
How did your typical day look like?
8:30-12:00 courses, 12:00-13:30 lunch, 13:30-16:00, courses, 18:00 -19:30 sport (in X you are obliged to be the part of the one sport section).
Is this experience different from your experience at your country’s university? If yes, how?
Yes, the difference are everywhere. Starting from the studying manner and up to campus organization
📌 Useful resources
If you had questions or issues (studies, language, administration, careers, integration etc), where did you get help/advice?
School administrations
Did you contact other students with a similar experience? Was their experience helpful?
No
Could you recommend websites which might help study abroad?
No
💰Finance
What was the cost of your program? How did you finance your studies?
It was free for me
🏠 Accommodation
What was your accommodation experience?
School Campus
How much did you pay for living per month during your studies?
In campus of X: 700€
🚀 Career opportunities
Did you do an internship during your studies? How did you find it?
Yes, 2 times in Air Liquid. Because I won the scholarship from the company they proposed the internship
Did your university help you in this process?
No
What was the field of your internship? If you don’t mind please share the remuneration you got.
It was marketing study. The salary was 900€ but it depends on the company. In my current job the intern salary is around 1300-1400€
Did you find a job after graduation? Which field and how did you find it?
Yes, I found it in France. The school name here is most important than your personality (unfortunately).
🌏 Your future plans
What are your plans for the future? Do you plan to stay in the country?
I plan to stay here
What do you like about France? And what not?
Now,I think I feel myself better here than in my country. Here the country offers you a lot (security, aids, career) but you have to be ready to payback for that (and yes the duties and taxes are huge)
Could you give a piece of advice to future students?
Be ready for the challenge!
Date: February 2019
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