Hi Eva, tell us about yourself.
Hello, so I come from Greece, where I completed two years of my studies in Civil Engineering at Aristoteles university of Thessaloniki (AUTh) before coming to CentraleSupélec.
Why did you choose to do a T.I.M.E. Double Degree?
I guess it is common knowledge that Greece doesn’t offer that many job opportunities for the moment. Also, I have always been fascinated to live abroad but always told myself that I have to finish my studies first. The TIME Double Degree was exactly what I needed since it not only introduces me to the international market early on but also challenges me and develops my skills in a very different way.
Why did you decide to go to CentraleSupélec?
I could tell you all about how great CentraleSupélec is, especially now that I’m here there are so many things I appreciate, but truth is, as far as to why I chose CentraleSupélec in particular, it’s because it was my only option. Of course, its famous alumni, the interesting courses and its amazing location just next to Paris were some of its most tempting aspects.
How has the experience been?
I’ll be very honest by saying that it changed my life, in so many ways. The first year was one of the most difficult things I had to go through. I didn’t speak the language, I was missing basic knowledge for most of the classes since my university focuses on totally different subjects and had to manage everything on my own (bank accounts, housing, bills, administrative issues etc.). And don’t let me start about the weather. Coming from Greece, waking up every day to a grey sky was kind of depressing. And yet somehow, I couldn’t wait to come back after summer vacation. And I wasn’t wrong. The second year has been amazing so far.
So what would you say are your biggest take aways from your TIME Double Degree experience?
Primarily I took huge culture lessons. Living among French people but also interacting on a daily basis with more than twenty different nationalities has been an eye-opening experience. Then, looking back to something that seemed impossible to manage and being able to tell yourself that you did it, is a deeply satisfying feeling. I gained a lot of self-confidence and I have learned to adapt and to treat problems methodically. But most importantly to stay focused on my goals and just keep going.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m currently searching for an internship in Civil Engineering in Paris for after I finish my second year in CentraleSupélec and ideally one after it in Switzerland. Then I have two more years in Greece in order to finish my studies, and then, who knows?
What would you say to a student thinking about doing a TIME Double Degree?
I would tell them that it sure looks like a big step and a huge decision and it really is. Nobody should apply for this program expecting it to be easy. But if you’re prepared for the difficulties, this experience is going to be so powerful on so many levels. I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world and you won’t either, once you decide to take the challenge.
Home university: Aristoteles university of Thessaloniki (AUTh)
Host university: CentraleSupélec