Why did you choose UFAZ? 

When I was studying in middle school I was selected to participate in the short program with the French school. I traveled to France where I significantly improved my French. The main reason I chose UFAZ was to improve my language and scientific skills as well as continue my future studies in France. This is why I applied to the UFAZ exam in 2017 and was admitted to the Computer Science program. 

What made you decide to continue studies at Strasbourg University? 

After successfully completing the foundation year at UFAZ, I decided to continue my studies in Strasbourg and sent a request to the UFAZ administration. During the selection process, UFAZ director Vazeh Askarov and Secretary General Charlotte Payen have helped me a lot. You may realize how hard it is to get into the University of Strasbourg at such an early stage. UFAZ supported me a lot and in 2018 I got admitted to the Computer Science faculty at the Unistra, with a scholarship from the embassy of France in Azerbaijan (for which I am very grateful). 

What are in your point of view the main differences between the education process in UFAZ and Unistra? 

The number of classes and class hours are different from those of UFAZ. Classes continue throughout the day but the number of classes is less than in UFAZ. I am spending the whole day at the University of Strasbourg. However, the campus covers such great territory that it is not a boring thing to do. We spend time in Library too while at the campus.  

What were the first adaptation/challenges you faced upon your arrival?  

The curriculum was pretty much the same with what we had at UFAZ. This is why there were no big challenges I faced. There is no foundation year in Strasbourg and the program of Foundation year is taught during the first semester of the first course at Unistra. Since I had already studied the foundation year at UFAZ, it accelerated the adaptation process for me and gave me the necessary basis. 

The biggest problem I have encountered was with the understanding of the French language since professors in Strasbourg were talking quickly. However, in those early months, this problem was resolved and I could adapt to the language. 

Another difficulty at first was to struggle alone with documentation and administrative work. All students would agree with me that the documentation process in France is long and complicated. But there are also many positive aspects to this, such as developing a sense of responsibility. 

What are your future plans? 

I am planning to apply to the exchange student program next year. Unistra provides great opportunities for scholarship, as well as studying abroad. I want to use all those opportunities in my self-development and accumulating the work experience through internship programs. After gaining some work experience, I would like to continue my master degree in artificial intelligence.  

After developing myself and becoming a true expert, I am planning to return to Azerbaijan and contribute to the development of business and AI industry!