Emma and Vianney, on a university exchange in Quito

Emma and Vianney, two students from the Bachelor’s in International Hospitality Management, have chosen to fly to Quito, the capital of Ecuador, to complete their fourth semester. They are currently at the Universidad de Las Américas (UDLA) for their university exchange.

Emma and Vianney on a university exchange in Ecuador

What made you want to go on a mobility exchange?

Emma: I felt a real need for adventure and Institut Lyfe gives us this opportunity by offering a semester abroad. I wanted to get out of my comfort zone, discover new cultures and be inspired by what is being done abroad, in the hospitality sector.

Vianney: I have always enjoyed traveling and when I found out that I could do a mobility semester, I jumped at the opportunity. I wanted to discover a new country as a “resident”, to immerse myself in a new culture and come back a richer person.

Which country did you choose and why?

Emma and Vianney: We chose Quito in Ecuador mainly to learn Spanish. We wanted to discover another culture, and Ecuador was one of the furthest destinations from France.

How did you approach leaving?

Emma: I was very apprehensive about leaving, I was afraid of feeling lonely and not being able to keep in touch with my relatives in France, especially because of the time difference. But I arrived in a country where the locals are extremely welcoming and open. In addition, we found other French speakers also on exchange in the country, and it is almost impossible to be lonely.

Vianney: For my part, my character is that I tend to be as independent as possible. So I was looking forward impatiently to setting off for the enriching experience that I was about to have.

What are you learning over there, in terms of skills but also on the human level?

Emma: From the subjects offered, I chose an events course where we have to organise an event at the end of the semester, Spanish classes and also classes in Ecuadorian cuisine, which will help me to expand my culinary culture. After just a few weeks, I am already growing thanks to this experience.

Vianney: I also chose Spanish courses, but also subjects such as sustainable development, product innovation, community development and tourism services. In terms of human skills, I am gaining confidence in myself and opening up to a world and a culture that I knew nothing about.

What have you learned about Ecuadorian culture?

Emma: It’s a rich and diverse culture. It presents a unique combination of indigenous, Spanish and Afro-Ecuadorian traditions, which are reflected in various aspects of daily life (cuisine, music, dance, crafts and customs). Ecuadorians also attach great importance to religion and traditional festivals such as the Inti Raymi festival, the Mama Negra festival and the Miércoles de Ceniza festival, which are celebrated across the country.

Vianney: The culture of this country is extremely interesting and is the result of a great mix of Spaniards, natives and Africans, which gives the country a unique character. There are Spanish influences in the architecture, or even indigenous communities living in Quito who still today wear their traditional dress.

Have you had other experiences abroad before this one?

Emma: I have visited several countries, mainly for tourism, and I’ve been able to go to London several times, as part of school trips, but also to visit Auschwitz as part of an oral project on the duty of remembrance.

Vianney: For my part, I have always been fascinated by travel and I’ve already been able to travel to about 20 countries. From Japan to Argentina via the United States and Tunisia, the culture of travelling has always been very much present in my family and I am extremely grateful to them for it. I also spent two months volunteering in Costa Rica and Panama, before starting my Erasmus.

The international experience is an opportunity for each student to grow professionally and personally. For Institut Lyfe, international mobility represents an invitation to travel around the world to cultivate your diversity and open up to international careers. As part of our Bachelor’s in International Hospitality Management, the programme includes a mandatory semester abroad in the 3^rd year.

Find out more about our international mobility programme:

Going abroad