“The experience I had in Mexico has brought significant growth in both my personal and professional life. Personally, I learned how to adapt to a new culture and language, which has led me to be more open-minded and culturally aware. Professionally, I had the opportunity to explore different fields beyond my initial degree and collaborate with individuals from various backgrounds, which helped me develop my problem-solving and communication abilities.”
About Loic
Loïc Vassaux-Artur is 21 years old and he’s currently in his 4th year of studies at Epitech Rennes. He has always been passionate about technology, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games and meeting new people. In his 4th year of studies Loic embarked on a student exchange program at the University of Monterrey in Mexico, where he gained personal and professional growth while discovering new horizons. In this article, we will hear Loïc’s experience in his own words, as he shares his insights on why he chose Mexico, his first impressions, and the benefits of studying abroad.
Why Mexico?
“There were various reasons why I chose Mexico as my destination for my fourth year of studies. Firstly, I was keen on enhancing my English language skills. Secondly, I had always dreamt of mastering the Spanish language. Additionally, I had a strong desire to interact with people from diverse backgrounds and immerse myself in different cultures. Lastly, the delightful climate of Mexico was a significant factor that influenced my decision.”
First Impressions
“Upon my arrival in Mexico, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease due to the negative information I had come across about the country on the internet. However, to my pleasant surprise, my experience turned out to be far from complicated.
Undoubtedly, one of the most striking differences between Mexico and France is the language. Despite having studied Spanish in school, communicating with locals was a challenging feat for me at first. Moreover, the climate in Mexico differs significantly from what I was used to. While the weather is generally pleasant, temperatures can soar up to 30 degrees.
Despite these adjustments, I have discovered that Mexicans are usually friendly and hospitable to foreigners. I have been able to assimilate well into my new life here and develop many new friendships.”
What were the most enjoyable aspects of your experience?
“The aspect I cherished the most about my study exchange in Mexico was the effortless communication with locals, merchants, university students, and people of my age. They were all very considerate and readily available to assist me whenever needed. From a professional standpoint, I relished the opportunity to explore various fields beyond my major, which significantly broadened my skillset.”
What Did This New Experience Bring You?
“The experience I had in Mexico has brought significant growth in both my personal and professional life. Personally, I learned how to adapt to a new culture and language, which has led me to be more open-minded and culturally aware. I have also made many friends and have enjoyed immersing myself in the local way of life. Professionally, this experience has allowed me to gain valuable skills that I may not have been able to acquire in my home country. I had the opportunity to explore different fields beyond my initial degree and collaborate with individuals from various backgrounds, which helped me develop my problem-solving and communication abilities.”
Loic’s advices to our future tek4 students going to study in Mexico
When asked about advice for future TEK4 students who will be studying at University of Monterrey, Loïc had the following to say:
“Make sure to research the culture and customs of the country you will be studying in before you arrive, so that you are prepared for any cultural differences and can avoid any potential misunderstandings.
Try to learn some basic phrases in the local language, as it will help you navigate daily life and show respect for the culture.
Take advantage of all the resources available to you, such as language classes, cultural events, and extracurricular activities, as they will help you make the most of your time abroad.
Be open-minded and flexible, as studying abroad can be challenging at times.
Make sure to budget your money carefully, as living expenses in some countries can be quite high.
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things, as it will be a valuable and enriching experience.”
Loïc’s experience studying abroad in Mexico has been a positive and enriching one. It has allowed him to grow both personally and professionally, while also providing him with the opportunity to explore a new culture and language. His advice to future TEK4 students who will be studying at his exchange university is invaluable, as it will help them navigate their new surroundings and make the most of their time abroad. Overall, Loïc’s experience is a testament to the value of studying abroad and the incredible opportunities it can provide.