Esiee Paris I Master Biotechnologies et e-santé I Study in France

Name: Anastasia

From: Russia, Kazan

Studied in: France

Studies start: 2018

Grade: Master’s degree

Program: Biotechnologies and e-health

University: Esiee Paris

Program satisfaction rate: 5/5

Internship: Yes

Job: None

🎓 Application

How did you learn about this program?

Through Campus France

Why did you decide to enrol in this program?

I was curious to try something a bit different within my field of study.

What was your application experience?

There was a problem when I arrived and went to the school. They said they hadn’t received my resume and that I was not enrolled, although I had a confirmation letter. Also, the program I chose wasn’t recruiting students that year. I was left with nothing and very stressed, since I had funding for a specific period and couldn’t just go back. I had a scholarship contract that required me to study and return to work for three years for my home region, Tatarstan. I spent a month meeting with teachers who were touched by my story and tried to help. After a month of waiting, I finally received a letter confirming my enrollment in the first year of the master’s program, which was a huge relief.

What level of English is required to enter this program?

English was not required, but we had to take TOEIC every semester.

What level of French is required to enter this program?

Campus France required at least B2 level. The school itself didn’t ask for any proof of language skills.

💡 Your impressions from your study abroad experience

What are your general impressions about this program?

The official dates were from October 15, 2018, to October 15, 2019. Due to the enrollment issue, I almost went home, but after the confirmation, I was able to continue. The Ministry of Education funded my scholarship, and the French side covered tuition and insurance. The school director accepted me for free as part of an exchange. The studies were tough, but classmates were very kind and supportive, which helped me finish the year without problems.

What was the major program value for you?

It made me rethink my Russian education and change my perspective on our system.

What did you like about this program?

The courses were in French, which made life easier and more enjoyable.

And what didn’t you like?

It wasn’t quite my specialty; some things were completely new and very challenging.

What is the hardest part of studying abroad?

Being in a different world with a different language that you think you know but actually don’t. It feels like you’re helpless.

Is this experience different from your experience at your country’s university? If yes, how?

In Russia, engineering specialties have very little to no practical work, which was quite different here.

How did your typical day look like?

Wake up at 7 am, classes start at 8 am for about 4 hours; lunch from 12 to 1 pm; then classes again, mostly until 5 pm or sometimes 7 pm. The school was just a five-minute walk from the dorm. At first, it was great, but later the routine became repetitive. I needed to change my environment more often.

📌 Useful resources

If you had questions or issues (studies, language, administration, careers, integration etc), where did you get help/advice?

Mostly from other students.

Did you contact other students with a similar experience?

Of course.

Was their experience helpful?

Yes, very helpful.

Could you recommend websites which might help study abroad?

I didn’t use websites for this purpose. I always preferred real conversations.

💰 Finance

What was the cost of your program? How did you finance your studies?

10,000 € per year. Financed by the “Henri Poincaré” scholarship.

🏠 Accommodation

What was your accommodation experience?

Campus France arranged accommodation near the school. I was placed next to a Brazilian girl. Each of us had a private room, sharing kitchen, bathroom, and toilet. Monthly rent was 318 euros. The residence was in the 4th suburban zone at Noisy-Champs RER station.

How much did you pay for living per month during your studies?

Between 500 and 800 euros on average. I managed to travel and enjoy good food on weekends within that budget.

🚀 Career opportunities

Did you do an internship during your studies? How did you find it?

Instead of an internship, I completed a group project at the end of the year.

Did your university help you in this process?

Professors were very supportive if I had difficulties with subjects. They were lenient with grading but I always prepared as hard as my French classmates. They were eager to help me.

What was the field of your internship? If you don’t mind please share the remuneration you got.

The project involved developing a program to detect if a person is drunk or sober by their voice.

Did you find a job after graduation?

I returned to my home country for personal reasons and contract obligations. Instead of working, I enrolled in another master’s program and am currently looking for a job without positive results so far.

🌏 Your future plans

What are your plans?

I want to build a happy family. Despite distance and time, my partner and I are still together. I choose a person, not a country or city, because a city won’t hug or love me in old age.

What do you like about France? And what not?

I like the people and their zest for life, very different from Russians. What I didn’t like is the large number of refugees and homeless people. The streets are dirty and bureaucracy is endless. Paris disappointed me a bit. But some smaller cities hold a special place in my heart.

Could you give a piece of advice to future students?

Don’t be afraid of small problems. I now see all problems as trivial. Nothing will ever end badly; everything will turn out fine! Every situation resolves itself for the better.

Date: August 2019