Paris
Hello, my name is Gloria MANDUNGU MATONDO. I am a first-year student in the Bachelor in Marketing & Communication at ISCOM.
How have your classes and integration been since your arrival?
Classes are going well. My integration happened quite naturally, mainly because another student was in the same situation as me—we both arrived late and started later than others. Some classmates offered to share their notes, which really helped me catch up with continuous assessments.
How did your teachers support you during this catch-up period?
The teachers were very understanding. They provided additional exercises to make up for missed classes and ensure our academic records wouldn’t be incomplete. That support was extremely valuable.
What do you think about the program at ISCOM?
The program is high quality. It includes a lot of hands-on work, especially projects with real partners. For example, we worked on logo proposals for an entrepreneur. The professional immersion weeks, even if sometimes demanding, are very rewarding. The balance between theory and practice is well designed and helps us understand whether this field truly suits us.
And how is your life in Paris?
It’s going well. I already knew Paris before coming here to study. I have friends from the Democratic Republic of Congo, like me, and I’ve also met great people at ISCOM. For example, my neighbor invited me to take a walk in a nearby garden. I’m gradually discovering the city.
Overall, I feel comfortable using public transport. Sometimes I can get a bit lost if I take a line I don’t know, but that’s normal when you’re new to a country. I’m learning quickly.
What advice would you give to students who want to study at ISCOM?
I would tell them to step out of their comfort zone. Don’t wait for others to come to you—take the initiative to meet people, even if you’re coming from abroad. And most importantly, don’t feel inferior. That’s the key to truly integrating.
If you had to describe ISCOM in one or two words?
Unique—in a good way, because you learn so much.
Any final message?
Yes, don’t hesitate to reach out to your teachers if you have difficulties or are falling behind. You can also schedule meetings with staff members like Réhab (first-year academic coordinator), who can really help facilitate communication. ISCOM welcomes many students every day, so you need to speak up. The beginning can be challenging, but don’t get discouraged.