COUNTRY PRESENTATION: Celebrating France in the Heart of Europe

Every week at the dormitory of the university in Liberec, Erasmus students get the chance to represent their country and share a piece of home with others. On April 8th, it was our turn to represent the country we study in France. Together, as a small group of students coming from France (20 students), we shared what makes French culture so rich and unique. From cultural values to croissants, here's how we brought a little piece of France to the Czech Republic.

On April 8th, I had the chance to take a part in a very special Erasmus tradition here in Liberec: the Country Presentation. Every week, students from different countries present their culture, traditions, food and way of life to others. It's a moment of sharing, connection and celebration of diversity.

Even though I'm not originally from France, I currently study there, and it's from France that I came to the Czech Republic for my Erasmus semester. So, when it was time to present France, I was happy to share what I've learned, experienced, and appreciated during my time living and studying there.

Our group worked together to create a lively and meaningful presentation. We started with a video showcasing the many faces of France famous monuments, natural landscapes, historical cities, and everyday life. We talked about the values that shape French society, like liberty, equality, and fraternity, and how these are reflected in education and culture.

We also explained how the French university system works, and how students manage both academic life and leisure. I shared my personal impressions as someone who studies in France: the rich cultural life, the social habits, and even the small things like how important bread is in daily life!

One of the highlights was the food tasting session. We brought croissants, cheese, and other snacks to give everyone a little taste of French flavor (even though they didn't come directly from France, they were meant to represent some of the most loved and iconic items in French culture). People were curious and enthusiastic—it created a warm, friendly atmosphere. We also played French music and taught a few basic phrases to make the moment interactive.

This presentation was more than just showing a country; it was about sharing a personal experience of living in France, and letting others see it through our eyes. It reminded me how unique each Erasmus journey is, and how rich cultural exchange can be. Representing France in this way was an unforgettable part of my Erasmus experience.

Ndeye Ngone SENE GRE3