Barbora Paskova

Long-term mobility

• Lycee international Robert Badinter • Blois • France •

My mobility was special in a way - I was not going somewhere entirely unknown. Almost two years ago, I took part in a three-week exchange stay. I was very lucky - my exchange partner Joanna and I get along perfectly, we stayed in close contact and even spent part of the summer holidays together. So when I was asked which French city I would like to spend the next three months in, I did not hesitate for a second.

Blois is a truly beautiful, calm city with stunning architecture in the Loire Valley. The entire Centre-Val de Loire region is known for its dozens of castles and chateaux. The school was not entirely new to me either - everyone was incredibly kind. Thanks to Joanna, I made lots of new friends on the very first day and the feeling of not belonging barely had a chance to set in.

I do not want to just repeat what everyone who has done Erasmus says... but they are simply all right - it is a priceless experience. Apart from improving my French, I got to discover a new culture, make wonderful friends, and collect unforgettable memories. If you ever get a similar opportunity, do not waste it.

We asked...

Why would you recommend your classmates to participate in the Erasmus+ programme and what advice would you have for them?

I do not want to just repeat what everyone says - but they are all simply right. It is a priceless experience. Apart from improving my French, I got to discover a new culture, make wonderful friends, and collect unforgettable memories. If you ever get a similar opportunity, do not waste it.

What experiences and highlights from your stay are worth mentioning?

I look back most fondly on the social events. Several of my friends had birthdays during my stay - in France, eighteenth birthdays are celebrated in style, with a hired hall and thirty guests. Since I had fitted in with the group, the parties were a great chance to get to know everyone better and practise the language. Near the end of my stay, we also organised a small farewell party. The naturalness with which they welcomed me - that is my highlight.

How would you describe your typical day?

Every day was equally enriching and exhausting. In France, school from eight to six is nothing unusual. I woke up around six and left for the bus at 6:55. After four hours of lessons, there was a lunch break from 12:00 to 13:00 - the school food pleasantly surprised me: for just five euros you get a baguette, a starter, cheese, yoghurt, fruit, soup, a main course, and dessert, all from local suppliers. After lunch came more lessons, then the long journey home.