Starting from 2019/2020 academic year, 6 students of the French-Azerbaijani University will be studying at the University of Strasbourg (France) as an exchange student within the Erasmus+ program.

We started sharing warmest feedback from our students, this time from UFAZ fourth-year Chemical Engineering student, Maryam Sideifzada:

1. What were the first adaptation/challenges you faced upon your arrival (at university and in general)?

Well, the very first challenge you face is a separation from your family at the airport. At this moment, you realize that now you have to be more responsible and attentive, not only for yourself, but also for friends who are also going to share this Erasmus experience with you. Actually, that's great that I didn’t have to go through all the challenges alone, but with my friends Maryam, Ali, Zhala, Elmira and Murad. The first 2 weeks of studies are the hardest, as you have to get used to taking your classes in French.

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

The organization of the education process is almost the same, we have magistral lectures where instructors teaches the theoretical aspects, and we have tutorial sessions, where in smaller groups we solve the problems related to the subject.

In Unistra, however, the duration of the class is 2 hours. Teachers are always ready to help you even after the classes. Moreover, in Unistra we have huge libraries where you can borrow books, use the computers and work in the library, if you wish.

3. How is your student life going? Did you join any student clubs, activities?

In Strasburg there is a big society of Erasmus students all over the world, and they regularly organize interesting activities and reunions. Recently, we had a reunion of overseas students at the Faculty of Chemistry, and everyone prepared a dish of their national cuisine. I prepared dolma, and everyone really enjoyed it, especially students from Japan!

4. What are your general impressions on this exchange program?

Exchange program is a great opportunity to dive into a different culture and meet new people. It is also beneficial for those who want to improve their French, and learn how to be independent. It helps you to discover new sides of your personality, which I consider to be the important aspect.

5. What are your future plans?

Honestly, I haven’t yet decided about my future plans. On the one hand, I want to continue my education, and gain a deeper knowledge in my field. On the other hand, I can’t wait to work and practice and enhance my professional skills to see real-life applications of the things I’ve learned before. I think it can help me to determine better what I want to do, and choose the field of my master’s degree accordingly.

UFAZ fourth-year Geophysical-Geoscience students, Zhala Aliyeva, Murad Ildarov and third-year Geophysical-Geoscience student Elmira Hasanova will receive one-semester of the exchange student experience thanks to Erasmus scholarships, while fourth-year Chemical Engineering student Maryam Sideif-zada, fourth-year Computer Science students Maryam Ismayilova and Ali Mammadov will be staying in Strasbourg for one academic year.

It should be noted that they are all receiving their education in French language at the University of Strasbourg in the specialties followed at UFAZ.