From France to Slovakia: CESI students share their eye-opening internship journeys

Two CESI students, Arnaud Wierel and Léo Rouas, recently completed their internships in Slovakia through the Placement Slovakia program. 

Arnaud’s experience at an international company 

Arnaud worked as a Technical Support Agent and his role involved solving technical issues, ensuring client satisfaction, and contributing to improving the company’s knowledge base.  Though the fast-paced nature of technical support brought challenges, especially during the holiday season, Arnaud said it helped him become more organized and resilient. What stood out most was the collaborative atmosphere. “The team spirit was incredible—it made every day at work enjoyable,” he added.

Léo on his role 

Léo Rouas interned as a Customer Care Intern. His work centered on supporting customers, resolving issues, and learning the ins and outs of the customer care field. The most valuable part for Léo was understanding how to interact with customers professionally, especially when dealing with difficult situations. While that aspect could be challenging at times, he always felt supported: “Everyone was here when I needed help—it was really nice to feel that.”

He especially appreciated the work environment, describing it as a highlight of his internship experience. “Talking with European students and working in an international team made the whole experience even more enjoyable.”

Life in Slovakia

Both Arnaud and Léo were positively surprised by Slovakia’s atmosphere and culture. Arnaud admired the country’s landscapes and affordability, while Léo noticed how safe and cheerful people seemed. 

In their free time, both Léo and Arnaud found ways to relax and enjoy their stay in Slovakia. Léo spent most of his downtime resting and hanging out with other interns, building friendships and sharing cultural experiences. Arnaud, on the other hand, kept a balanced routine filled with video games, fitness, and working on his own company. He also took full advantage of his location by traveling to nearby cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Prague, as well as exploring Slovakia’s natural beauty through hiking and walks in nature.

Looking ahead

After completing their internships, Arnaud plans to finish his studies and continue developing his own company. Léo is also heading back to school to graduate, feeling more confident and inspired by his time abroad.

Advice to future interns

Both students offered heartfelt advice to others considering the same path:

• Arnaud: “Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Plan your free time well, explore, and build strong connections.”
• Léo: “Talk to other students—it’s a great way to learn about different European cultures.”

A Transformative experience

Their time in Slovakia wasn’t just about work. It was about stepping into a new environment, building international friendships, learning new skills, and growing as individuals. From CESI in France to Slovakia, Arnaud and Léo made the most of their Erasmus+ internships—and now they’re encouraging others to do the same.