Grenoble Law SchoolLaw at the top

Can you tell us about your career path?

I am a fourth-year law student. In Poland, law studies last five years, and there is no bachelor's degree, so students must continue on to the master's level. This year, I am enrolled in the DU DDF program. The choice of subjects is fairly open between L1, L2, L3, and M1 level courses, but because of my academic background, I mainly chose Master 1 subjects. My enrollment in this one-year program was completely unplanned! Normally, I was only supposed to stay for one semester. I hadn't planned on being away from my family for so long, and I didn't even want to find out about the degree programs available at the faculty. But after three weeks in France, when I heard about the DU DDF, I thought it would be better to leave with a degree. I felt comfortable in this country, I understood the courses, and I realized that I could manage my family ties from a distance.

Why did you choose to come and study in Grenoble?

Firstly, to be closer to my boyfriend, who lives in Lyon. Then, I checked the university's international ranking and the subjects available in Grenoble, because I wanted to study intellectual property. I also obtained a scholarship, without which I wouldn't have been able to come here.
I had already traveled to France for tourism, particularly to Paris and Lyon, but this was the first time I had gone there to study. I started learning French in classes at the university, but my problem was communication; I understood well, but it was difficult for me to express myself. I also speak English and Spanish.

How do you feel about your life on campus in Grenoble?

I live in a university residence on campus that was offered to me by the university. Living with lots of other students is going well. My room has a view of the mountains, and every day I am amazed at how the landscape changes! Poland is also very beautiful, but here, when I go outside in the morning, I always think, "Wow, it's beautiful!"
The layout of the buildings on campus is similar to what I was used to in Poland. That's another reason why I feel comfortable here—it's a familiar environment.
I have more contact with foreign students because it was easier to speak English at first. I was afraid to speak French when I arrived, I didn't feel comfortable, but now my oral communication has improved a lot.

What have you discovered about French culture?

What surprises me most about French culture is the meal times! In Poland, breakfast is very important, then lunch is eaten after 2 p.m., and in the evening, the meal is light and eaten whenever you want (from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., depending on the family).
I was surprised to see that classes here stop between noon and 2 p.m.! In Poland, we eat if we have time, in the afternoon, often alone. In France, everyone eats at the same time; it's something sacred! Otherwise, I prefer Polish food, even though I also like French cuisine... except for frogs and snails, which I definitely don't want to try!

What conclusions do you draw from your experience?

For me, the most important thing is that I was able to learn French better. It's still difficult to follow a lecture and take notes, but once I get home, I reread the lecture to understand it better, and then there's Google Translate! I'm convinced that it's necessary to come to the lecture hall to hear the lectures, and I like the fact that students can ask questions if they don't understand something, which isn't automatic in Poland. It's also great that the exams are oral. I really recommend this experience to all students. It opens you up to the world and is the best thing you can do during your studies!

What are your plans for the future?

I have already completed part of my Master's degree this year with the courses I chose in France (I still have to validate the seminars). I think to myself: why not do my final year in Prague? It's closer to my country, the language is easier and the system is more similar. After that, I want to work in the field of intellectual property, either in a company or as a lawyer. I'm considering working in Poland or France.