Between Two Cultures: The Journey of Estrella Nounamo, a Cameroonian Student at EPF
A Warm Welcome on the Paris-Cachan Campus
From the moment she arrived, Estrella was warmly welcomed by her fellow students at EPF. They took her to explore Paris, a city whose fast pace immediately caught her attention: “I quickly understood that the ‘quick step’ is a way of life here! Strolling through the streets of Paris, though rapid, allowed me to appreciate the beauty of this multifaceted city.”
For Estrella, this hustle and bustle contrasted with the more relaxed, friendly pace of life in Cameroon, where “each day flows in a more peaceful atmosphere.” She had to adapt to this new rhythm, which helped her develop better time management skills and adjust to a more structured schedule.
A Challenging and Stimulating Academic Path
A Challenging and Stimulating Academic Path
At EPF, Estrella found an academic environment where internationalization is ever-present. Collaborative projects with students from around the world have opened up new perspectives: “Each cultural exchange pushes me to see things from a different angle, which is a valuable asset for my personal and professional development.”
Her immersion at EPF also introduced her to the French alternance system—a model of education that is quite different from that in Cameroon. “A work-study program involves integrating academic and professional aspects in a well-defined structure. This has pushed me to carefully organize my schedule and plan breaks outside of work.” This approach has enriched her ability to manage time and balance personal and professional life.
Cultural and Human Openness
Cultural and Human Openness
Alongside her studies, Estrella became involved with visually impaired people, an experience that deeply moved her: “This interaction allowed me to better understand the challenges faced by people with disabilities. It strengthened my empathy and sense of solidarity.” For a month, she assisted these individuals in their daily tasks, from walks to reading mail. This commitment was a true lesson in humility for her.
Moreover, as a food enthusiast, Estrella has discovered the richness of French cuisine. The Paris neighborhoods, with their bakeries brimming with pastries, fascinated her: “I’ve become a fan of crispy croissants and creamy éclairs.” However, she has not forgotten her roots and has shared some traditional Cameroonian dishes with her peers, sparking enriching exchanges about their respective traditions.
Professional and Intercultural Adaptations
Fluent in French, Estrella easily integrated but had to adapt her communication style to meet local norms. She explains, “In France, conversations tend to be more direct and formal. I’ve learned to structure my arguments clearly and concisely, adjusting my speech to the context.” This process has allowed her to refine her communication skills and adapt to multicultural settings.
Estrella’s experience in France has also strengthened her independence. She has learned to manage daily life, anticipate challenges, and respond to the unexpected. “During my internship, I had to adjust my work methods in response to changing priorities. This helped me become flexible and ensure continuity despite the unforeseen.”
A Transformative Journey
Far from her family, Estrella has also learned to cope with homesickness by focusing on the positive aspects of her stay. She explains that these moments of solitude have helped her strengthen her emotional autonomy and refocus on her goals. She concludes, “My stay in France has allowed me to become more independent, respond effectively to change, and view mistakes as opportunities for continuous improvement.”
For Estrella, these months at EPF and in France have been a period of personal and professional transformation, preparing her to thrive in diverse international environments with renewed confidence.
