20/06/2025
Danielle comes from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign , where she’s pursuing a degree in 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲.
💬 “I’ve always loved coding, but what really drew me to computer science was how versatile it is. I wasn’t sure what career I wanted at first, and CS felt like a safe, flexible choice.”
She discovered the FAME program and ENSEA through a 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗮𝗯𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 and was immediately drawn by how well the curriculum fit with her degree plan. And of course, the chance to explore Paris while studying just 30 minutes away in Cergy sealed the deal!
📚 At ENSEA, Danielle enrolled in courses like Operating Systems, Object-Oriented Programming (Java), Human-Centered Design, and Beginner French Language & Culture.
Compared to classes back home, she notes that while ENSEA’s workload outside of class is lighter, the longer class sessions, project oriented exercises and challenging final exams make for a unique academic experience.
One highlight? Her 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻-𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 elective, where she got to work with 𝗔𝗿𝗱𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗼, an open-source prototyping platform, for the first time:
💬“It was such a cool hands-on experience. I probably wouldn’t have had that opportunity at UIUC without joining a club or taking a very specific ECE course (Electrical and Computer Engineering).”
When asked what advice she would give to future FAME students:
💬 “Start a group chat with the others before arriving—it really helps with organizing housing and support. Find ways to meet French students such as electives and optional courses! I loved comparing our different cultures and student lives.
I would also recommend to step out of your comfort zone as much as possible. I’ve always been a picky eater but here I’ve made an effort to try local cuisines and dishes and I am so glad I did, because it led to discovering so many delicious foods and it has made me much more open to trying new things in the future.”
Thank you Danielle for sharing your journey, and for embodying the spirit of curiosity and openness that defines the FAME program! 💫