Mari Dogonadze
Catholic University of Lyon (France)
Mari Dogonadze, Bachelor program student of a Theology, studied Spring semester of 2019-2020 academic year at the Catholic University of Lyon with an exchange program. Her mobility was implemented in the frame of Erasmus+ ICM program.
1. How did your expectations come true within this project?
My expectations regarding this program were justified more than I imagined because, first of all, as a result of a lot of hard work and effort, I was able to learn the French language in parallel with my studies, in a very short time (4 months).
Accordingly, I successfully completed my studies in French. However, today, when I observe all this, I am once again convinced that nothing is really impossible. The main thing is a strong desire, hard work, and self-belief.
2. What was the main benefit from this program for you?
I can list a lot of benefits, none of which I could single out because everyone has their own burden. However, since we are talking about one thing, I will repeat myself and say the study of the French language, which then opened the way for all the others.
3. Which personal skills did this program help you improve?
First of all, I learned how to live alone in a completely foreign country and culture, where you start your existence from a new level and you have the obligation to establish yourself. I also learned to think about the practical problems of life and search for ways to solve them, which appeared in everyday life and which I could not think of before. Considering all this, I gained confidence and became more responsible for all the little things that are related to my life. In addition, I overcame the barrier of communication with foreign-speaking people and became more communicative.
4. Which professional skills did this mobility help you to improve?
First of all, I would like to mention that this mobility has made a significant contribution to the fact that today I know the professors of the Catholic University of Lyon, my faculty, and to some extent the administration, with whom I am happy to have a relationship. It was also interesting to share their learning experience, which I chose the most because I had to work with completely different methods, which was extremely interesting for me and also a great acquisition.
5. Of the subjects you studied there, which courses did you enjoy the most? and why?
I would highlight the subject echo biblique dans la literaturue (biblical echo in French literature) because a similar subject is not taught here in Georgia, as you can see from its specificity, considering that we are dealing with French literature. As you know, there were authors of French literature who used the Bible and its characters in their books, that is, their source of inspiration was the Bible, and that is why working on their books and discussing these authors turned out to be extremely interesting for me.
6. Was there a training course that you took abroad, and if it wasn't for this exchange program, you wouldn't have taken it in Georgia?
Yes, this is echo biblique dans la literaturue (biblical echo in French literature), which due to its specificity, I could not study in Georgia.
7. What will you miss the most?
I will miss the environment where I spent my entire stay here because I think that the fact that I lived next to the monastery of St. Joseph, where the monks and nuns lived, and I was involved in the rhythm of their life made my life here more interesting. It made my time here varied and interesting. Therefore, I can say with all certainty that I will miss the relationship with each of these people and all those individuals who left a great impression on me during this short time. I will also miss living in this country and sharing the rhythm of their life.
8. Compare the life of a student in Georgia and abroad...
I would say that the life of students and their attitude to teaching abroad is more disciplined and conscious. This is evidenced by the high quality of academic attendance and the high rate of their education. As for various student activities, in this case, I would say that both are offered to students, although as I mentioned, more motivation comes from foreign students in terms of interest.
9. What are the advantages of participating in an exchange program? Why should a student participate in such a program?
The list of these advantages is numerous, but I would highlight the most important ones: studying abroad and the connection/relations with the intercultural or international environment generally helps to expand the worldview area of the student and to get the experiences and impressions that can follow you throughout your life. Also, it plays a big role in planning the student's life in a new way and expanding his desires.
10. Your recommendation to other students who wish to participate in the exchange program.
I would say that student life, despite its great advantages, I can confidently say that nothing will happen if you have not participated in such exchange projects at least once. In such a case, a completely new phase of life begins, with all its difficulties and unforgettable memories, and most importantly, a huge experience that grows you tenfold and expands your horizons of life vision. It gives you the opportunity to acquire new skills and adapt to the rhythm of life that we see today in the developed world full of technology.
11. Complete the sentence: If it weren't for this exchange program, I would...
I would never be as strong as I am today, due to the many details of my studies and life here, which increased my motivation tenfold and eliminated many fear factors.
12. Was there any type of shortcoming at any stage of mobility that could be taken into account / improved by the university in the future? Please specify.
I don't remember any kind of fault during the mobility period.
13. Would you add something?
I would like to add that during my stay here, I have made very good friends who are already very close to me and with whom every second spent here brings me happiness and makes me feel like I am in my own country.