Throughout the year, the Euraxess center Reims welcomes and supports international researchers, PhD students and their family settling in Champagne-Ardenne, regardless of the planned duration of their stay.
Here, you can discover their feedback on their experience with the Euraxess center Reims.
To also benefit from our center's support, feel free to register on the Euraxess France database.
Hosting research unit: Groupe de Spectrométrie Moléculaire et Atmosphérique (GSMA) UMR CNRS 7331
Period of stay:Â 10th August, 2024 onwards
Aim of the stay:Â Postdoctoral Research Fellow on a CNRS-funded project
CAN YOU TELL US A BIT MORE ABOUT YOUR CAREER AS A RESEARCHER, THE CONTEXT OF YOUR STAY IN FRANCE AND WHAT LED YOU TO USE THE SERVICES OF THE EURAXESS CENTER ?
I came to France as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow on a CNRS-funded project, and I’m currently working at the GSMA laboratory at the University of Reims. My present contract runs until 31st July 2025, and I’m actively exploring new research opportunities to continue my academic journey. I'm curious and hopeful to see what lies ahead. Soon after my arrival in Reims, I learned about Euraxess and its commitment to supporting international researchers. Reaching out to them turned out to be one of the best decisions I made. I received exceptional support—especially from Mrs. Lolita Lebrun and Mrs. Martine Mariotti. Their assistance went above and beyond my expectations, helping me navigate various aspects during my stay. I’m truly grateful for their guidance and dedication.
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WHICH SPECIFIC SERVICES OR SUPPORT DID YOU USE AT OUR EURAXESS CENTRE AND HOW DID THEY HELP FACILITATE YOUR MOBILITY OR RESEARCH PROJECT?Â
After arriving in Reims, I applied for my residence permit. However, I wasn’t receiving any updates from the prefecture, and my visa was nearing its expiration. I shared this concern with Mrs. Lolita, who kindly took the initiative to contact the prefecture on my behalf. Thanks to her efforts, I received a temporary copy of my residence permit just in time. Even last month, she reached out to the prefecture again to help me collect my official residence permit card. Her support didn’t stop there—she also guided me through the process of declaring taxes in France and send my documents to the appropriate address. The events organized by Mrs. Lolita and Mrs. Martine have been truly engaging, offering wonderful opportunities to connect with other international researchers and students. Whether it was a major challenge or a small detail, they have been there for me throughout the year. I am deeply grateful for their unwavering support and guidance.
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WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE AS AN INTERNATIONAL RESEARCHER IN FRANCE AND HOW DID EURAXESS HELP YOU OVERCOME THESE DIFFICULTIES?
So far, I haven’t faced any major challenges in France. Adapting to a new lifestyle did take some time in the beginning, but it was part of the learning process. In my experience, once you establish a connection with Euraxess, it becomes much easier to navigate and overcome any challenges that may come your way.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO RESEARCHERS CONSIDERING USING EURAXESS FOR THEIR PROJECTS AND MOBILITY?
I strongly recommend that every researcher planning to come to France must get in touch with Euraxess even before their arrival. Euraxess provides invaluable support across various aspects of academic and daily life, making the entire transition process smooth and stress-free. Their guidance can truly make a difference in settling in and focusing fully on research.
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Hosting research unit:Â Matrice Extracellulaire et Dynamique Cellulaire (MEDyC)Â UMR CNRS 7369
Period of stay: From October 2023 to January 2024
Aim of the stay: secondment in the framework of the HEPINIB project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon research and innovation programme, under the Marie Skodowska-Curie SE grant agreement N°101086322.Â
My name is Paolo Rosales, a 28-year-old native of JunÃn, Buenos Aires, Argentina. I got a degree in Genetics and, fueled by my passion for science and research, I started my PhD.
Our Laboratory in Argentina is involved in the HEPINIB project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon research and innovation programme, under the Marie Skodowska-Curie SE grant agreement. This project allowed us to cooperate with colleagues all around Europe, working in Extracellular Matrix in cancer context.
I took the opportunity to travel to France as a secondment in order to enrich my career and to broaden my personal horizons.
I was gravely concerned about all the documentation requested to stay and work in Europe as a non-European person. Here is when the host lab suggested me to contact Euraxess center, in order to solve any issue I could have.
I used several services provided by the Euraxess center, which were essential in facilitating my mobility, specifically Visa and residence permit assistance, accommodation support, opening an European virtual wallet in order to receive funding, among others.
Being an international researcher in a foreign country is, indeed, a challenge. However, I was always supported by Euraxess center, before, during and after my stay in France.
One of the main challenges is social interactions in a foreign country.
Nevertheless, Euraxess center had different social events, to connect people, students and researchers from all around the world. Through these events, I was able to meet new people, socialize and connect with other researchers.
I highly recommend that researchers take advantage of Euraxess's services.
Their comprehensive and personalized support can make a huge difference in the success of your projects and mobility.
