Whether they are French students abroad or international students who have come to study on campus, they are experiencing international lockdown! Valentin and David share their experiences!
Continuing Your Studies in the UK Despite the Lockdown
Valentin Hodée is pursuing a Master of Science in Advanced Mechanical Engineering atImperial College London. Having arrived in the United Kingdom in September, he had already completed two semesters of coursework and was about to begin his research project when the lockdown began across the Channel. “The announcement of the lockdown? I didn’t take it too well. I really enjoyed going to campus and seeing people!” recalls Valentin. But he chose to stay put while other students decided to return to France. “I stayed in the hope that the university would reopen this summer, so I could use the facilities to complete my research project.” The engineering student is working on biomedical research to build a finite element model of an ankle based on an MRI scan.
This period of lockdown also coincides with exam prep, which helps Valentin maintain a fairly structured daily routine. “In this unprecedented situation, the hard part is putting pressure on yourself for the exams because the atmosphere just isn’t right. You’re at home, all alone with your exam paper. Once the allotted time is up, you have to take a photo of your exam paper and send it by email.” The exam topics, dates, and times have remained unchanged. On that point at least, nothing has changed for Valentin. The same cannot be said for Asian or Latin American students who have returned home and are taking their exams late at night or early in the morning!
Discover France During Lockdown
David Cortés Jaramillo arrived from Colombia in January to pursue a dual degree and has been in lockdown in Lille since mid-March. This student, who “fell in love with French culture” after discovering it during a vacation, puts things into perspective: “Lockdown is a difficult and uncomfortable experience, but we can use this time to reflect and grow.”
Quarantine is a difficult and uncomfortable experience, but we can use this time to reflect and grow.
David chose to come study in France, specifically atArts et Métiers of the institution’s academic excellence and network of partners. He continues to attend classes via Skype or Teams and spends time mastering the more complex concepts. David is convinced: “Graduating from Arts et Métiers many doors Arts et Métiers in the future.” In the meantime, David and other international students can explore French culture thanks to the cultural communication kit created by the campus’s Office of International Relations, allowing them to discover French museums and cinema remotely—and even participate in online sports!
