“I had an itch to do something new” Lucy’s Erasmus+ Experience in France

My friends and I cycling around Toulouse on the city bikes

Lucy Fitzgibbon undertook an Erasmus+ traineeship in France as part of her undergraduate degree at Munster Technological University. 

In February 2025, I was all packed and ready to head to Toulouse, France, where I would spend the next three months broadening my horizons and exploring my career through the Erasmus+ programme. I was grateful for this opportunity to undertake a traineeship that would allow me to gain hands-on experience in project work during the third year of my engineering course.  

France was my destination of choice because the country, the people and the food have always intrigued me. As I have family there, I can speak French and am familiar with the culture and norms. Toulouse particularly interested me because of its sunshine, rich history, vibrant student life and lifestyle. 

What motivated you to do an Erasmus+?
I wanted to get out of my comfort zone, live in a new culture and improve my language skills.  

Back home in Cork, I had built a tight-knit group of friends. I enjoyed the routine of driving to our favourite places, going out, going for coffees in familiar spots and attending college lectures every day. However, I had an itch to do something new – to experience a new culture and adapt to a different way of life. As I was very lucky to learn French from a young age, this would be a great opportunity to build on my language skills and use them daily. 

The opportunity to travel was another reason that pushed me to undertake an Erasmus+ mobility. I told myself that, given the chance, I would travel as much as possible and take spontaneous trips on the weekends.  

I visited the Capitole with my sister   

How did you make friends and network?
When I arrived at my host institution in Toulouse I was grateful to be introduced to another international student who told me all about the ways she met both French and international students in the city. I joined WhatsApp groups for nights out and other social activities, such as Café des Langues – a weekly night out where international students met for a few drinks. Everyone was very friendly and open to meeting new people. 

I was apprehensive when it came to making friends in my college due to the cultural differences and the language barrier. However, I formed the best friendships with the students in my class.  

Although it seems daunting, you just have to put yourself out there and be open-minded – you will meet the loveliest people.

What were the highlights of your Erasmus+ adventure?
When thinking back on my Erasmus+ adventure, my core memories are making new friends, embracing new experiences and finding the positive in unfamiliar situations. 

I especially enjoyed exploring Toulouse and visiting Paris. My favourite moments include seeing sunsets by the river, trying out croissants in different boulangeries and cycling around on the city bikes.  

Further outside the city were the Pyrenees mountains which are beautiful. My friends and I had a picnic with the prettiest view. 

Trying French pastries 

Another big highlight was attending a project meeting with professionals from companies such as Airbus at the Technological Research Institute. I had the opportunity here to develop my communication and teamwork skills. It was such an insightful event and created real excitement in me for the future.  

Tell us about the positive takeaways from your Erasmus+ experience.
Throughout my Erasmus+ I recognised the importance of community. When I first arrived in France, I felt very overwhelmed and slightly lonely because I had no group of friends to turn to. Once I began pushing myself out of my comfort zone, talking to new people and embracing new experiences, I began forming lifelong friendships and making my most valued memories.  

I also learned that spontaneity brings me the most excitement and joy. It was in the most unexpected moments that I laughed the hardest – this is one of the many lessons that I will take away from my Erasmus+ experience. 

Travelled to Cahors, a small town outside Toulouse  

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All photos are reproduced here with permission from Lucy.

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