Fraser Wilson

EUROSUD students may apply for funding for activities linked to the programme and/or their related career development that reflect the ethos and learning objectives of the degree programme. Below, we hear from Mercedes, who used the fund to attend a two-week French language and culture summer course at Aix-Marseille University. 

This summer, I have had the opportunity to attend a two-week French language and culture summer course in Aix-Marseille University. The programme focused on the exploration of Provençal culture, delving into its history and culture, and touching on topics such as its artistic heritage and summer events in the region. It has been the perfect opportunity to practise French before my next semester in Aix-en-Provence starts, while learning about the rich culture of the area.

I have been above all interested in the many museums and festivals taking place in Provence during the summer. On top of attending classes at university and discovering everything Aix has to offer, I have been able to explore the region in the summertime. The course included a cultural outing once a week, and I have also visited nearby cities like Marseille or Arles.

One of the many advantages of being an Erasmus Mundus EUROSUD student has been the opportunity to immerse myself in different cultures and learn languages in situ. Thanks to the Career Development Fund, I have had the chance to develop my French skills, while taking advantage of everything this programme has to offer.

EUROSUD students may apply for funding for activities linked to the programme and/or their related career development that reflect the ethos and learning objectives of the degree programme. Below, we hear from Mariana, who did an internship at an institution called Madrid for Refugees, an NGO that helps Forcibly Displaced Persons in Madrid to rebuild their lives after their status is granted.

My name is Mariana, I am in my final year of the EUROSUD Master, and thanks to the Career Development Fund, I had the honour to participate in the Empowering NEET-s across Europe: A peer learning approach training. Although I am a research student, I decided to take an internship at an institution called Madrid for Refugees, an NGO that helps Forcibly Displaced Persons in Madrid to rebuild their lives after their status is granted.

In MfR, my role is to give psychosocial training about Psychological First Aid, Migratory Grief and Intercultural Skills to new volunteers and stakeholders, and I am also Employability Coordinator, helping our beneficiaries to develop their careers.

Due to this, I was invited to take part in this training provided by the organization Youth Proaktiv, with other two institutions: EKO from Greece and KKS from Slovenia. Together we explored problems and solutions on how to get young NEETs to be economically, democratically and socially activated, and as a result of our work, a toolkit is being produced with the best practices among our institutions and how can we further improve the attention to young people through projects that envision enhance their digital, economic, social and democratic skills.

Representing Madrid For Refugees I had the opportunity to show that young Forcibly Displaced Populations are also a targeted group, since according to studies, having a migration background increases the youth person’s likelihood of becoming NEET by 70% (Eurofound 2012). Therefore, the probability of FDPs in NEET status is high, becoming a socioeconomic concern, and increasing the difficulty in achieving settlement and social inclusion.

By Mariana Souza Mattos

EUROSUD students may apply for funding for activities linked to the programme and/or their related career development that reflect the ethos and learning objectives of the degree programme. Below, we hear from Juan, who recently used the fund to do a two-week intensive French course in Marseille, immersing himself in the local culture.

A Guatemalan learning French in France for the summer

During the summer, I embarked on an exciting journey to Marseille to immerse myself in the French language and culture. With a desire to elevate my French skills, I enrolled in an intensive two-week language program.

As soon as I arrived in Marseille, I realized that this city was a melting pot of different nationalities and cultures.

The language school I attended attracted people from all around the world who shared a common goal: to learn French. Interacting with such a diverse group made every day an exciting opportunity to learn about different cultures and exchange language knowledge. One aspect of Marseille that fascinated me was its vibrant immigrant neighborhoods. Curiosity led me to explore these areas, and I found myself strolling through the lively streets of the migrant community.

The bustling markets, colorful storefronts, and aromatic scents of various cuisines filled the air. It was a feast for the senses and a valuable opportunity to practice my French skills with locals. Inspired by my exploration of immigrant neighborhoods, I decided to delve deeper into the topic and visit the street where many refugees had sought shelter. The experience was eye-opening, as I witnessed the resilience and strength of individuals who had faced unimaginable hardships. Aside from the cultural immersion, my language course was intense and rewarding. I had never spent so many hours solely dedicated to learning a language.

Thanks to the funding opportunity provided by EUROSUD, I had access to over 40 hours of French instruction. During my time in Marseille, I also took advantage of the numerous cultural activities organized by the language school. From sampling delicious sardines at the local fish market to exploring the beautiful cities of Aix and Marseille, every outing enriched my understanding of French culture. I witnessed traditional festivals and attended art exhibitions. The intensive French program in Marseille provided me with the ideal environment to grow linguistically and culturally. It taught me that language is a bridge that connects people, and through it, we can share stories, build relationships, and foster understanding.

I am immensely grateful to EUROSUD for providing me with the funding opportunity that made this adventure possible. Their support allowed me to embark on this enriching journey. The experience not only improved my French language skills but also instilled in me a deeper appreciation for diversity and the power of language as a tool for connection.

Merci EUROSUD for this incredible opportunity

By Juan Mejía Saravia