“Erasmus+ deepened my love for travel” Aimee’s Erasmus+ experience in France

Weekend trip to Paris

Aimee McGrath undertook an Erasmus+ Study Abroad in France as part of her undergraduate degree at Dublin City University.

I began my degree at Dublin City University (DCU) in 2018, where I studied for the first two years before completing the final two years at NEOMA Business School in Reims, France – the charming capital of the Champagne region.

What did you study and why did you choose it?
I pursued a dual degree in Global Business and French. Like many 18-year-olds, I found it challenging to choose a career path that would shape “the rest of my life”. My decision was largely influenced by my strengths in the Leaving Certificate – particularly my love for France and the French language, which was sparked by family trips to EuroDisney Paris as a child. At the same time, I had a keen interest in business and economics. When my school’s guidance counsellor introduced me to a programme that combined both fields, I was sold!

How did you prepare for your trip?
One of my favorite aspects of our programme was that I had the opportunity to travel with all my Irish classmates from DCU. This made a huge difference when it came to organising key logistics such as booking flights and transfers, figuring out how to pack our entire lives into a single suitcase, securing accommodation and even navigating new university timetables. Most importantly, having familiar faces around really helped ease any nerves about the move.

We were also fortunate to have guidance from students in the year above, who shared valuable insights about life in Reims and how to adjust to our new environment. However, our experience was slightly different, as we had to navigate all of this during the peak of the pandemic, which added an extra layer of complexity.

Some of the Global Business and French girls

In terms of paperwork, there were a few essential documents we needed to submit to initiate our Erasmus+ experience, including our Learning Agreements and Module Selection, Erasmus+ Grant Agreement and Language Assessment. Thankfully, these were all straightforward, and we received support from both DCU and NEOMA in getting them completed.

In addition, we had to gather documents for the CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales) application, which provides housing assistance to students in France, and set up a French bank account. While it required some effort and patience, the hard work was well worth it in the end!

We were all able to secure our accommodation before departing and this provided peace of mind knowing we had a place to call home from day one. It also allowed us to plan ahead – mapping out our routes to the university, our friends’ apartments, the nearest parks and, of course, the best authentic bakery. Parfait!

The daily commute to NEOMA Business School

How did you manage your money and your search for accommodation?
Money management was a major topic of discussion, especially at the beginning of our mobility. Many of us had been accustomed to the financial security of part-time weekend jobs during our two years at DCU, so the prospect of not having a regular income was a concern. To prepare, a lot of students worked full-time over the summer to build up savings, ensuring they had enough funds to support themselves. Fortunately, we also had the Erasmus+ grant to help keep us afloat during our studies.

Personally, I was fortunate to secure a remote, part-time internship with Bowsy (an online platform that connects students with businesses for remote, paid projects and internships), which not only provided financial support while I was abroad but also allowed me to develop my skills and gain valuable experience. That said, part-time work isn’t essential if you plan ahead – saving money over the summer can go a long way in making your Erasmus+ experience a little more stress-free.

At the end of the day, Erasmus+ is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so make the most of it! Balancing studies, social life and exploring a new country is a lot in itself, so be sure to enjoy every moment!

When it came to accommodation, I did my own research and sought advice from Irish students who had already spent a year living in Reims. Ultimately, I chose to go through an agency, as this ensured transparency with costs. With all overheads included in the price, I had a clear idea of my monthly expenses, making budgeting much easier. Like in Ireland, there were housing sites with regular rental listings as well as on-campus accommodation, so there were lots of options for us!

Sunsets from our apartment in the city

What advice would you give to your younger self?
Oh how I would love to speak to the Aimee of 2020! My Erasmus+ experience taught me how important it is to trust your own journey and not measure your progress against others. Some of the most rewarding experiences come from moments of uncertainty, whether it’s moving to a new country, meeting new people or taking on a challenge you don’t feel 100% ready for. Growth happens when you embrace the unknown. It’s easy to feel like you should be achieving certain milestones at certain times, but in reality, the most fulfilling experiences come from following what feels right for you.

This was especially true during my Global Business and French journey. Some classmates excelled in business strategy, others in financial accounting and, at times, it was tempting to compare my progress to theirs. However, I quickly realized that everyone had their own strengths and my journey – no matter how different – was just as valid. Studying and working in a foreign language, adapting to a new culture and navigating unfamiliar environments all taught me that progress isn’t always linear, and that’s okay.

So, if I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: follow your own path, embrace your unique journey and trust that everything will work out in its own time.

Roaming the streets during the pandemic before curfew (photo credit to my talented friend and coursemate Luca Turanyi Photography)

Tell us about the positive takeaways from your Erasmus+ experience.
Looking back, my Erasmus+ experience was transformative, filled with opportunities for growth, new friendships and unforgettable adventures.

One of the biggest highlights was the incredible people I met along the way. I formed friendships with people from all over the world, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences. What’s even better is that these friendships didn’t end when Erasmus+ did and now I have international friends I can visit in different countries, making the world feel a little smaller and a lot more connected.

Being based in Reims, right in the heart of mainland Europe, was another huge advantage. Weekend trips to Paris, spontaneous getaways to neighboring countries and discovering hidden gems across France became part of my normal routine once the pandemic subsided. Having this level of accessibility made me appreciate how diverse and rich European culture truly is and it deepened my love for travel.

Sipping on the finest local bubbles

Beyond the cultural experiences, I also found comfort in continuing a passion I had from home – athletics. Training in a new country gave me a sense of familiarity and alleviated the initial homesickness, whilst also reminding me that some passions remain constant no matter where you are.

Post-training photoshoot to promote the Athletics team

Above all, the biggest lesson I took away was that progress is more important than perfection. Whether it was improving my French by surrounding myself with native speakers, adapting to a new academic system or simply figuring out life in a different country, I learned to embrace the process rather than stress about getting everything right.

My Erasmus+ experience shaped me into being more adaptable, open-minded and confident in navigating new challenges – skills that have proved invaluable in my life to date.

Our favourite sunset spot – Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Reims

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All photos are reproduced here with permission from Aimee.

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