Moving to Reims, France for my exchange studies has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It has taught me not only about a new culture and education system but also about myself. Here’s a glimpse into how my studies and everyday life have unfolded in this nice little French city.
Studying in Reims has been quite different from what I was used to in Finland. At my home university, we often work in small groups and do projects together. Here in France, however, the teaching style is more traditional and we mostly listen to lectures, take notes, and have a final oral exam at the end of the course.
One of the best parts of this exchange has been meeting people from all over the world. I now have friends from countries like Greece, Germany, and Taiwan! We often explore the city together, try new burger places, or take day trips to nearby places like Paris and Épernay.
In my free time, I like to do different kind of sports like mostly running, swimming and Tennis. In my university we have the ”SUAPS” which is the universitys sports organization. They have a lot of sports you can do and those all are for free.
Studying in France has helped me understand how education can differ between countries. In Finland, studies often focus on collaboration, practical projects, and student participation. In France, learning is more lecture-based and theoretical, and students are expected to study independently.
Both systems have their strengths, because Finland’s encourages creativity and teamwork, while France’s builds strong analytical and communication skills. Experiencing both has given me a new perspective on how I learn best.
At first, it felt a bit strange to be here alone for me who had never traveled or lived abroad by myself before. But now, it feels completely natural and even empowering. Living independently in another country has made me more confident, open-minded, and adaptable.
I’m truly grateful for this opportunity, and I would recommend an exchange in Reims to anyone who wants to experience authentic French culture while learning in an inspiring international environment.
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