Nuria Oltra Brines, 2014 Alumna (Spain)
Originally from Valencia, Spain, Nuria was studying Catalan philology at the University of Valencia when she first came to Paris for an Erasmus+ exchange at Sorbonne University. She loved the experience and decided to return to Sorbonne University to pursue a master's degree in languages at the Department of Iberian and Latin American Studies. After several years of study and a rewarding professional journey, she moved to Brussels, where she now works for the European Commission. In this interview, Nuria tells us about her memories of Sorbonne University and her time in Paris.
“My time at Sorbonne University has had a profound influence on my career trajectory. The university gave me a lot, both academically and personally.”
What inspired you to choose Sorbonne University and France for your mobility experience?
What made me choose Sorbonne University was first and foremost its Faculty of Arts, Languages, Literature and Humanities, and more specifically, its Centre for Catalan Studies in the Marais district. The prestige of the university in the field of humanities and languages, as well as the opportunity to grow in a different cultural and linguistic context, were also decisive factors in my choice.
How did your mobility experience at Sorbonne University shape your academic path and professional career?
My time at Sorbonne University has had a profound influence on my career trajectory. The university gave me a lot, both academically and personally, including the confidence and international outlook I needed to shape my future. My Erasmus+ experience turned into a major life shift: after my nine months in Paris, I decided to stay, despite the sometimes complex administrative procedures involved, in order to settle in France long-term and develop my professional pursuits. Now based in Brussels, I'm still very connected to Sorbonne University: I teamed up with two other graduates to found the Alumni Club Brussels, which was launched in January 2024. Since then, we have been organising activities that help to promote the university and keep the link between alumni and the institution alive.
What advice would you give to international students or researchers wishing to come to Sorbonne University?
My first piece of advice to international students and academic staff planning to join Sorbonne University is to never hesitate to ask for help. On-site staff often have valuable insights that can save you time and spare you unnecessary setbacks. In this regard, Sorbonne University’s International Welcome Desk is an essential resource that will guide you through procedures and connect you with the right people.
What French culinary speciality did you particularly enjoy?
When it comes to French cuisine, of course, I really missed my Sunday lunchtime paella... but I managed to fill the gap with brunches on restaurant terraces or visits to museums on Sundays, which quickly became a new tradition. When it came to desserts, I fell in love with the Île Flottante, a dessert I'd never tried before and haven’t found again in Belgium. Light, sweet and airy, it's still a memory I very much associate with France!
How would you describe Sorbonne University in three words?
If I had to describe Sorbonne University in three words, I would choose: encounters, family and transformation.
Encounters, because that's where I forged the unique bonds that remain with me today. I still remember those long hours spent with my classmates working, talking and laughing together: simple moments that shaped me.
Family, because since we were a long way from our parents and brothers and sisters, we had to rely on each other, and so we built a real chosen family.
Transformation, because this experience changed my life by giving me new academic perspectives, an international outlook and the confidence to build my future.
