by Jordan José Kindanda

My Global Changemakers experience was, quite simply, incredible. But I’ll be honest: in the days leading up to the trip, I had some serious reservations tucked away in the back of my mind. Is this really for me? Can I really connect with people I’ve never met? Is it going to be awkward?

As it turns out, those worries were very much short-lived. From day one, there was a warm, welcoming energy from both my peers and the staff that made those “what-ifs” disappear instantly.

Trying to pick a favourite moment feels impossible because, frankly, every moment was my favourite. It was the perfect mix of the mundane and the profound.

One minute, we’d be heading down to the local boulangerie to grab some pastries and a boisson (“drink” in French), and the next, we’d be deep in discussion, learning about intricate fields of study from some seriously impressive guest professors.

Whether it was the sheer excitement of exploring a new city or the “new norm” of student life and navigating a different culture with a group of like-minded people, every day felt like building a memory that would last a lifetime.

The deep conversations, the laughs, photos and the dozens of pizzas and croissants we consumed have already made me so nostalgic – and the trip was only a week ago!

For anyone looking at future cohorts of this programme: absolutely do it. Our twenties are supposed to be about taking risks and trying different things. This programme is the perfect “taster” for anyone considering an Erasmus experience but who isn’t quite ready to commit, or for anyone who wants to see if studying abroad is for them.

For me, it provided total clarity. I loved it so much that I’ve already decided: I’m returning to Lyon to do a Master’s for my degree. The city of Lyon, be ready for my return!

However, none of this would have been possible without the team behind the scenes ensuring our cohort had the experience of a lifetime. To “The Staffers” (it’s an inside joke…) Maire, Rebecca, Jodi, Seamus, Aisling, Ainhoa and Olivia: I want to personally thank you for making this so fun, so unique and so extraordinary. Your dedication to it all was truly motivating. Our experience wouldn’t have been the same without the heart of the programme.

And to the ARQUS team, Alisson and Romain: your coordination and planning exceeded every expectation. You opened our eyes to a new way of life and culture, and for that, we are so grateful.