Continuing my studies in France has helped my career immensely

Presently, I am in the first year of my PhD at the Conservatoire national des Arts et Métiers (Cnam Paris) within the École Doctorale Sciences des Métiers de l’Ingénieur, studying the individual and contextual drivers of HIV-related health inequalities in sub-Saharan Africa. This doctoral project is being funded by INSERM-ANRS, a French government organization that funds and oversees research/ projects in HIV and hepatitis

I chose to study in France for various reasons. Primarily, because it is one of the countries with the best healthcare systems in the world. Being a nurse, I wanted to experience and learn it firsthand.

I think what makes French education distinct is because of two things.

Firstly, it offers a multicultural environment which broadened my perspectives. In my class alone, there were at least 15 different nationalities. During group discussions, it opened doors to new perspectives and innovative solutions. Things you will never have thought of if everyone has the same background and experience. Secondly, it focuses greatly on how classroom theories can be applied in real-world problems.

I think continuing my studies in France has helped my career immensely. 

 

I have always wanted to be a research scientist, but being a nurse in the Philippines for almost four years with zero research experience after college, I almost lost hope. Doing my Master’s here (in France) became my stepping stone.

I am so grateful for the PhilFrance Scholarship because it led me to the path I always wanted.”
 

I will never forget the people I have met during my stay here in France.

The friendships I will forever keep with me. My stay here has enlightened me about many things, not just about myself but about other norms outside the Philippines. 

Moreover, my experiences as the president of the Public Health International Network, a student-led organization at EHESP gave me opportunities to broaden my network by directly contacting organizations like the OECD, Serve the City Paris, etc., to create events and opportunities for students. Through our humanitarian projects, it gave me great joy to be able to help my fellow students and at the same time those in need. It was also a way for me to improve my communication skills and conquer my stage fright.”