CMI 2I2A

My name is Taleb Hadjira, a third-year Computer Science student in the CMI (Cursus Master in Engineering) program. This year, I had the incredible opportunity to study as an Erasmus exchange student at the University of Mons in Belgium. This choice was no accident: Belgium, being a French-speaking country, made integration easier, and the study program offered perfectly aligned with my academic goals. The idea of experiencing a culture that is both similar and different was also very appealing to me.

The administrative process to prepare for my departure to Belgium generally went smoothly. The Erasmus program registration and application procedures were straightforward, and I received valuable support to ensure that each step was properly completed.

Where I encountered the most complications was in finding accommodation. Rent in Belgium is higher than in France, and the lease terms are different. This posed some challenges and caused me some stress. Nonetheless, I eventually found a place to stay, though it took time and energy. Through this experience, I learned to adapt to new situations and manage my expectations better.

On September 8th, I took an overnight bus to Mons. After a night of travel, I finally reached my destination on the morning of September 9th. Upon my arrival, my landlord, a very kind man, picked me up at the train station, which was a comforting start.

The University of Mons organized several welcome days for international students to help us get familiar with the campus, available services, and the city. The first day, on September 10th, was an important moment in my integration. Upon our arrival, we received our student badges and a « welcome pack » containing practical information. The morning continued with presentations about the various services and organizations available to students, followed by a barbecue lunch. The afternoon was dedicated to a guided tour of the campus, where we discovered different buildings, classrooms, and student spaces. This tour helped us better understand the university and find our way around our new environment.

On September 13th, a second welcome day was organized. The morning began with an introductory speech by Mr. Philippe Declercq, the administrator of the Pôle Hainuyer, followed by several activities focused on interculturality. Ms. Isabelle Abras shared tips on better cultural adaptation, and several students shared their mobility experiences in a friendly setting.

In the afternoon, the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) organized a treasure hunt to help us explore the iconic places of Mons. We were taken to the Grand Place, where the Tourist Office welcomed us and explained the rules. Each group, guided by a tour guide, began exploring and learning about the history of each site. This tour allowed us to visit historic sites, such as the Grand Place itself, the Belfry, and Sainte-Waudru Collegiate Church, which are cultural symbols of Mons.

Colégiale de Sainte-Waudru :

Beffroi :

Grande place :

The courses I have chosen so far are very engaging, and I can already tell that I am going to learn a lot. The professors are passionate, and the course content is enriching and well-structured. To get more involved, I signed up to participate in an innovation competition, and I look forward to sharing this experience in a future article.

In conclusion, my Erasmus experience in Belgium is going very well so far. I feel increasingly comfortable in my new environment. The courses are stimulating, the activities organized by the university help with integration, and I enjoy every day of this adventure. Despite the initial stress of the first few weeks, I am confident that this experience will continue to be enriching, both academically and personally.