I wanted to experience something truly unique

Eloise Fontaine comes from the French island of Reunion and has spent the last two months as an intern at The Bridge. Why did she decide to come to Bratislava? And how does she find her stay in Slovakia? Read her answers in the interview below.

Why did you decide to come to Bratislava?
I decided to come to Bratislava because of my internship but also because I wanted to discover a new country , one that I wouldn’t have thought of visiting on my own. Slovakia seemed different and less touristy, and I was curious to explore a place that not many people talk about. I also wanted to step out of my comfort zone and experience something truly unique.
 
 
How did you find out about the school?
I found out about the school through another student who did her internship here last year. She gave a presentation to our class about her experience, and it really caught my attention. After her talk, I became interested and started doing my own research online about the school. The information I found made me even more motivated to apply for an internship here.

What do you like about the city?
I really enjoy how peaceful and safe Bratislava feels. The city is not too big, so it’s easy to get around by foot or public transport. I also love the mix of modern and historical architecture, especially in the old town. There are lots of cozy cafés, parks, and beautiful spots along the Danube River where you can relax. It’s a calm but lively city at the same time, and I really appreciate that balance.
 
 
What do you like about the school?
What I really appreciate about the school is the positive and collaborative atmosphere. From day one, I felt welcomed and supported by both the staff and the leadership team. It’s a place where people genuinely care about each other, and that makes a big difference in the work environment.I also enjoy how culturally diverse the school is. It’s inspiring to see people from various backgrounds working and learning together with mutual respect. That diversity brings a lot of richness to everyday interactions.
 
 
Did you have any expectations before coming to Slovakia?
I didn’t really know much about Slovakia before coming. I had to look it up on the map. I did some research online to learn about the culture, history, and what to expect, but honestly, I came with an open mind. I didn’t have many expectations, which helped me to appreciate everything more once I arrived.

How do you find Slovak people? Are they any different from your people?
Slovak people are very nice and helpful. At first, they may seem a little shy or reserved, but once you talk to them, they are very kind. Even if they don’t speak much English and I don’t speak Slovak, they always try to communicate with a smile or gestures. I think people here are a bit more quiet than in my country, but that’s part of the cultural difference and it’s interesting to experience.

Have you tried any of the traditional meals/drinks?
Yes, I already tried bryndzové halušky and it was really delicious! It’s very different from what I’m used to, but I liked it a lot. I also tried Kofola, which is like the Slovak version of Coca-Cola. It has a different taste; Personally I didn’t love it, but it was interesting to try. I also tasted a local Slovak beer that a waiter recommended at a restaurant. I don’t remember the name.
 
 
Did you visit any places outside of Bratislava?
Not yet, but I plan to visit Vienna very soon. It’s only about 1 hour away by bus or train, so it’s very easy to reach. I’ve heard that it’s a beautiful city with a lot of history, impressive architecture, and a unique atmosphere. I’m really looking forward to discovering it. I would have liked to visit another city of Slovakia but I don’t have a lot of time before the end of my internship.Maybe if I come back to Slovakia I will.
 
 
Would you recommend the city to your friends/colleagues?
Yes, I would definitely recommend Bratislava! It’s a great destination for students and young professionals. The city is affordable, full of history and charm, and very well located. You can easily travel to other countries like Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. Plus, it’s a great way to discover a culture that is not so well known but truly worth exploring.

How do you spend your time here when you are not at school?
When I’m not at school, I usually spend time alone. I like to rest at home, go for walks in the city, or explore some places by myself. I’ve visited a few monuments and tried different restaurants. Sometimes I just enjoy walking around the old town or sitting in a park to relax. Even though I don’t really meet people outside of work, I appreciate the calm and freedom to explore at my own pace.
 
 
What are your tasks at school?
At school, my tasks include analyzing target markets and market trends to better understand our audience and competition. I create promotional materials such as brochures and videos to highlight our courses. I also compare our language school’s offerings with those of other schools to identify strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, I identify opportunities and threats for the school’s growth.
 
 
Do you think your stay will be useful for your future career/studies?
Yes, I believe this experience is very useful for both my future career and my personal development. It helped me become more independent, adapt to a new culture, and improve my English communication skills. I also learned how to work in a professional environment with people from different backgrounds, which is something I think will help me a lot in the future.

Thank you for the interview and good luck, Eloise.

 Edited by: Kamila Jančíková

Pictures by: Eloise Fontaine / Kamila Jančíková