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Author: Hadjira Taleb

My Erasmus Experience in Mons: Discovering Culture and Daily Life

My Erasmus Experience in Mons: Discovering Culture and Daily Life

After spending three months settling into life here, I’d like to share some details about Mons, a small and pleasant student city in Belgium. Far from large metropolis, Mons offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition, with students of all ages and welcoming locals. Here’s a glimpse into my life here and what makes it stand out compared to France.

1. Choosing Modules That Match My Interests

As part of my Erasmus program, I carefully selected courses that align with those I would have taken in Avignon, ensuring I don’t miss essential content. I also chose courses in artificial intelligence, as I am deeply passionate about this field and eager to gain more knowledge and experience.

One of the modules I selected was Digital and Software Expertise Project. As part of this course, the department organized a team-building event at a youth hostel in Tournai. We left on Friday morning and stayed until Saturday noon, working on a group project during our time there.

The project was to create an application for the company Tibi, which focuses on optimizing waste management. Tibi is dedicated to managing urban waste in an efficient and sustainable way, aiming to improve recycling processes and promote eco-friendly practices in the community.

On Friday evening, we took a break to play two games of bowling. For me, it was an unforgettable experience because it was my first time playing! The atmosphere was lively, and it was a great way to bond with my classmates. The department even covered our transportation costs, making the event accessible to everyone. This team-building experience allowed us to connect outside the classroom and work collaboratively in a fun and engaging environment.

2. The 48H Object Odyssey: An Enriching Experience

One of the most memorable experiences of my stay was participating in the 48H Object Odyssey, a competition where teams create an innovative object on a given theme in just 48 hours. This year’s theme was « light, » and our project, LIGHTPLAY, was an educational toy for children. The concept was simple yet engaging: a cylinder in which colorful elements could be inserted to project light, helping children learn colors and shapes in an interactive way.

Although our team didn’t win, the experience was incredibly enriching. Working under pressure, exchanging ideas with other students, and sharing our prototypes were all unique opportunities to apply my skills in a creative setting. Here are a few photos of our project!

3. Public Transport in Mons: A Different Pace

Compared to France, public transport in Mons can sometimes be surprising. Although the city is relatively small, I expected the transport schedules to be as strict as in France. However, I found that the bus and train schedules are not always followed precisely. This makes planning a bit less predictable, and it’s essential to allow for some extra time to avoid delays.

That said, Mons is still well-connected, and the proximity of schools and universities makes it easy to get around on foot or by bike.

4. A Dynamic Student City

Mons is a city that truly exudes student energy. With several universities and schools, the city is lively, especially in the morning. You can see students of all ages rushing to their classes, motivated by their studies and the university life. Personally, it motivates me in my own work.

The city also boasts a large library that’s open all week until 6 PM, which is relatively early compared to France. However, recently, the library has started closing later, at 10 PM, due to the approaching exam period. It’s the perfect place to study in a calm and studious atmosphere.

5. Cleanliness and Environmental Awareness

Another thing I noticed here is how much importance the people of Mons place on cleanliness and the environment. The city is very clean, and there are constant efforts to preserve nature. For instance, residents use specific garbage bags for waste, with distinct colors for plastics and other waste. It might seem a bit inconvenient, but it reflects the city’s commitment to better recycling practices. The only downside is that these bags can be quite expensive.

6. Friendly Locals and Politeness

One of the most striking aspects of my life in Mons has been the hospitality of the people. The locals are incredibly kind and polite. Every time I go to a shop or ask for information, I am greeted with a smile and a « please, » which initially surprised me since, in France, it’s more common for us to say « please » when requesting something. This friendliness makes daily life even more enjoyable.

7. The Climate: A Cold You Can’t Ignore

Winter in Mons is much colder than I expected. Temperatures can drop drastically, and for someone sensitive to the cold, like me, it’s essential to dress warmly to avoid any unpleasant surprises. I’ve noticed that the locals seem much more resistant to the cold, with some wearing short-sleeved shirts even when it’s freezing. I guess you get used to the climate over time, but for a newcomer, it’s crucial to be prepared for harsh winters.

In summary, Mons is a welcoming, dynamic city that differs from France in many ways. From academic opportunities to local customs and experiences like the team-building event or the 48H Object Odyssey, my time here has been full of learning and growth. My Erasmus experience is one I’ll cherish, and I’m excited to continue exploring everything this charming city has to offer.

My Erasmus Experience in Belgium: Discoveries and Reflections

My Erasmus Experience in Belgium: Discoveries and Reflections

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.