Hi! My name is Mia Falbo, and I am a junior studying Electrical Engineering with a certificate in Transatlantic Studies. This semester, I am participating in the French-American Exchange Program (FAME) in Cergy, France!
There were several aspects of FAME that made it the ideal program for me. Primarily, the program is designed specifically for students studying electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science, which allows me to stay on track academically while abroad. At the same time, through my Transatlantic Studies certificate, I have taken courses in international economics and politics, along with several years of French language. Because of this, FAME offers the perfect balance: I can continue my core engineering coursework while fully immersing myself in French culture.
Although I was already somewhat familiar with the French way of life, I have still had to adjust to some surprising differences, especially in the academic structure. In France, class schedules change weekly depending on the availability of the professors. Additionally, class sessions are much longer, and most students are in class from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, there is significantly less homework assigned outside of class. To help break up these long days, there are designated breaks built into the schedule: 20 minutes in both the morning and afternoon, plus a generous 90-minute lunch break.
Living in Cergy has also been a wonderful experience. I am only a 30-minute train ride from Paris, which makes it easy to explore the city. Whether I’m grabbing le goûter, shopping, or visiting a museum, I’ve loved discovering new parts of Paris.
One of the best perks of studying here is that students in the European Union with a long-stay visa receive free entry to many French national museums and monuments, including the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe. It’s incredible to have access to such history and culture right at my fingertips.
I’m grateful to be living in a smaller town with fewer tourists, and I’m excited to continue improving my French, exploring more of Europe, and embracing everything this experience has to offer.
À bientôt!