"Not just an educational journey but a memorable life experience”

Alessia is an Italian computer science engineering student at Politecnico di Milano and a member of the Board of European Students of Technology (BEST). She shares her experience as an exchange student at Esisar from September 2023 to February 2024.
“Doing an Erasmus program has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. The idea of studying abroad, soaking up a new culture, and meeting people from all over the world? Sign me up! So, when it came to picking a place, France was at the top of my list because I had a bit of French from middle school that I was itching to improve. And when it came to choosing a university, I chose Esisar because of its ranking and its high-quality education. 
I'd wholeheartedly recommend Esisar to future students! Why? The answer is made up of different factors.
 
The way they teach: a real-world context

First of all, the way of teaching, which I particularly appreciated because it is completely different from the one adopted in my home university. In fact, unlike my home university, which leaned heavily on theory and traditional lectures, at Esisar we were constantly engaged in practical work, like projects, which allowed us to apply what we learned in a real-world context.
 

The sense of community: a personalized and supportive educational experience
Another thing that astonished me, has been the sense of community perceived there. The school even organized events, such as the Welcome and Christmas lunches, which provided great opportunities to meet and bond with the staff and professors in a more relaxed, informal setting. These experiences made my mobility period not just an educational journey but a memorable life experience. So, for anyone considering where to pursue their studies in the field of engineering, I would recommend Esisar.

Esisar's superpower is its size

I would explain myself better. The school is quite small (especially compared to my home university, which has about 50.000 students) and this enables us to create a small community, a place where everyone knows your name, a place where you're not just a number or another face in the crowd, but a valued member of a community. Esisar is a place where your teachers aren't just distant figures at the front of a lecture hall but more like persons you can chat with, which makes it easier for students to seek help and clarification, thereby enhancing their learning process and providing a more personalized and supportive educational experience. This isn't just great for when you're stuck on a problem set; it means they genuinely care about how you're doing, both in and out of class. The administrative staff are real lifesavers too. They're always ready to lend a hand, whether it's sorting out your course schedule or just helping you to cope with any problem you could have to face during your mobility life. 
 
Bridging the gap between abstract concepts and tangible engineering practice
It's incredibly hard to choose just one favorite memory between all the incredible moments I’ve lived there. My entire experience was a tapestry of learning, discovery, and personal growth. One of the days that stands out was when a group of other students spent about an hour explaining to me how to assemble resistances and other components into a circuit and how to measure the various signals produced. Why it’s this memory so special? Until that moment, my understanding of resistances and circuits was purely theoretical, confined to sketches on a whiteboard and descriptions in textbooks. I had never had the opportunity to see these components in action, to physically manipulate them, and to witness the direct results of my work. This experience finally bridged the gap between abstract concepts and tangible engineering practice, making me better understand what I had learned in class and convincing me even more that I had made the right choice by choosing to study engineering because it’s exactly what I like the most. 
 
A challenging opportunity to embrace
Don’t be afraid to come, even if you are a foreigner and don't know perfectly the language. Students, teachers, and staff will help you. Although it may be challenging at first, it will be worth the effort in the end. Embrace the opportunity to learn and grow and remember that everyone has something to offer. Stay organized, prioritize deadlines, get involved in student clubs and activities, and don't hesitate to seek help if needed".