Ecole d'ingénieurs de
PURPAN
University:
75 voie du TOEC, 31076
House: 54 Rue
des Fontaines, 31300 Toulouse
Google Maps:
Université, Moi, Place Saint-Pierre, Centre-Ville
University Life and Students. I figure this blog
will be most important for anybody thinking about coming to Purpan to study and
is unsure what their life
outside of studying would be like. For me, there's no question that Purpan is a
lot of fun, but you need to be a social butterfly. It's been 2 months since
I've arrived and I've meet A LOT of great people and new friends. But, I still
haven't made any close friends. Of course, these things take time. Until then,
keep grinding, studying and never... NEVER stop meeting new people. :)
University Life:
1) Sports, Various Activities
- Soccer, Rugby, Volleyball, Tennis, Skiing,
Dancing, Wine Tasting, Beer Brewing, Apiculture and more. I haven't had any
club turn me down so far so get out there and try something new!
Vinothéque (Wine Club)
2) University Galas/Parties (Les
Chouilles)
-These are fun and you must go! These are
parties held at the university. If you want more info, you'll have to
experience it yourself ;)
Gala 2017 - Casino Royale
3) General attitude/atmosphere
- Imagine you left
Purdue and arrived at a university where everyone speaks a different language,
is 40 times smaller and is just as welcoming as Purdue. Every student I've meet
so far has been kind and welcoming. Because the university is so small, everybody
knows each other and everybody knows the most recent gossip that is floating
around. Think high school, but with young adults... aka it's a mess haha. I
will say it's refreshing to see the same people every day. As you may know, you
rarely see the same people every day while walking around on campus or eating
lunch as a student at Purdue. Also, there is a strong sense of unity between
the years, "promotions" (in French), and they love planning events
and other activities together.
- Taking classes in another language can be
challenging at times. You have a vague idea of what is expected of you, but
when all the French students start to do something and you have no idea what
you're doing because you only understood 50% of what the teacher what talking
about... you have to improvise. I advise that you always sit next to a French
student. Many are very helpful and can help guide you when you are lost.
There's no competition between the students to earn the highest grade so if you
have a question makes sure to ask. Even if the question may seem stupid.
University Students:
1) Why are they here?
- The degree earned from Purpan covers
agriculture and agronomy in general. This degree opens up for them a variety of
options after they graduate because they can begin working in any field and
have a general background and knowledge of it. This is the opposite end of the
spectrum when compared to the system in the states. I'll use myself for
example. I study entomology at Purdue. After I've earned my degree, I'll be
considered an "expert" within the field of entomology. The students
at Purpan have taken one course pertaining to entomology, but that is all. They
are more knowledgeable than your average Joe, but nowhere near being an expert
in entomology. One thing they do teach students at Purpan is adaptability.
They've learned this from the many courses and projects they've finished
over the gigantic field of agriculture and the multiple international
internships they are required to do and write about before earning their
degrees. Purdue doesn't require study abroad, but Purdue strongly recommends it
and offers a $3,000 dollar scholarship to every student that studies for a
semester abroad, $2,000 for any program more than a couple weeks and $1000 for
the 1-2 week programs.
2) International Students
-Students come from all over the world to
study in France. Purpan isn't a large university compared to most
back home, approximately 1,000 students, but it is considered large
compared to many universities in France. There are somewhere between 20-30
international students studying at Purpan right now and they hail from all over the
world including America, Mexico, Argentina, Poland, Germany, China, Brazil and
more. You don't have to worry about making friends while you're here because
all these people are in the same boat as you. They don't know anyone here,
aren't familiar with their surroundings or the city and many don't speak or are
learning French. Every one of these students has an interesting story and
everybody, for the most part, is open minded and nonjudgmental. Plus, most if
not all, speak some English!
3) L'apéro and Chez Tonton/Saint-Pierre
-
I don't know if I'm required to say this, but drink
responsibly and don't do anything "sober you" wouldn't do. Ok,
now with that being said, if you want to integrate into the French culture and
make some great memories while doing so, then you are going to go to Saint
Pierre. "Place Saint-Pierre" is basically the Chauncey of Purdue in
Toulouse. You'll find bars and clubs nearby along with plenty of spots to have
a late night snack. The one place the Purpanais (Purpan students) will insist
you go to is Chez Tonton. This bar is super small, loud, crowded, filled with
Purpanais and is a lot of fun! You'll learn quickly while you're here that the
French have a different perspective on personal space. Aka, there's no such
thing. You'll notice every time you buy a drink you've actually bought half of
a drink because once you've turn around, you've been smacked by a wave of
people and you've just spilled most of it.
*Note: Beware of loud places!!! I have a personal vendetta against
loud bars or clubs because nobody will understand your French here, unless
you're a native speaker. So instead of practicing your French, practice your
skills on the dance floor. Everybody
loves a foreigner "busting a move".
- L'apéro is the French equivalent to the
pre-party. Basically, a few or a lot of people gather in someone's apartment
around 6:00 - 11:30 pm to socialize and save some money before going to the
bars. I've found these to be great times to practice French and learn local
phrases, expressions, make friends and ask questions. 6:00 - 11:30 pm may seem
like a ridiculously long time for a pre-party, but you aren't expected to
arrive on time. Come when you're ready. Personally, I like to wait until after
I've eaten dinner and go around 9:00 or 10:00 pm.
Any ideas for travelling later in the semester? I've already been to Paris, Bordeaux, Munchen, Rome, Venice, Turin, Milan, Viterbo, Barcelona, Andorra, the Pyrenees.