Incoming: Beatriz Gonzalez from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile

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Beatriz Gonzalez is a student in economics from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile who spent one semester at the University of Bordeaux within the framework of an exchange programme during the last year of her Bachelor. Read on to find out about the highlights of her stay.

Photo : Beatriz Gonzalez in Saint-Emilion © université de Bordeaux
Beatriz Gonzalez in Saint-Emilion © université de Bordeaux

Why did you choose the University of Bordeaux for your mobility?

One of the reasons I chose to carry out my mobility in Bordeaux was to learn French, but I also didn’t want to only focus on learning the language. I wanted to discover a different way of life, and to have the chance to meet people from all over the world. 

The University of Bordeaux always made me feel welcome. The administrative staff organised activities for exchange students in order for us to meet each other and also get to know the region. One of my favourite activities was the trip to Saint-Émilion, where we learned about the history of the town and the culture of wine in the area.

Another reason I chose the University of Bordeaux was due to the wide range of activities on offer, beyond academics. I appreciated the fact that the university encouraged us to participate in cookery classes, sports and social events. I took part in activities such as climbing, cross fit, and surfing. These activities played a huge part in my semester as I met most of my friends during them. 

What are your impressions of Bordeaux, the people, the city?

The city itself is amazing. Bordeaux is nor too big, nor too small and easy to get around. I loved that everything is connected by trams, buses or bikes, so it’s easy to travel without needing a car. The city is very walkable, which was perfect as I enjoy discovering places just by walking around. There are small cafés, pretty streets and a mix of modern life with history everywhere you go.

What were you hoping to accomplish during your stay?

One of my main goals was to improve my French. That wasn’t always easy, however being surrounded by the language every day really pushed me to practice. Even simple things like ordering food, talking to people at the supermarket, or figuring out transportation became little lessons. Locals were always nice to me, even though my French wasn’t good at the beginning. The important thing is to try to speak and adapt to the local culture. Even if you don't speak perfectly, just give it a try, make some mistakes and keep going. 

I would definitely recommend this exeprience to anyone seeking this kind of opportunity!

 

What did you learn from your international experience here?

Academically, it was interesting to see how things were approached differently compared to my home university. The style of teaching, the structure of the courses and the French or European vision of things. It gave me another perspective on my studies and how the world moves around.

Anything else?

I left Bordeaux with so many memories: all the ateliers, trips, picnics with friends, the walks where I kept discovering new corners of the city, and the culture of trying new things. I feel like I returned home with a broader perspective on the world, both academically and in my everyday life. This experience gave me the confidence to take risks, embrace unfamiliar situations, and tackle the challenges of settling into a new city.