Growing Beyond Borders: An Indian Student’s Service Civique Experience in Auch, France

From Pantnagar to France: A Life-Changing Service Civique Journey at Lycée Agricole Beaulieu-Lavacant
Publié par Shivam Kothari
Almost six months ago, I arrived in France with a suitcase full of dreams, curiosity, and excitement. Coming from India, from Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, I was about to begin a completely new chapter of my life through the Service Civique program at Lycée Agricole Beaulieu-Lavacant in Auch.
Today, as my mission slowly comes to an end, I realize that this experience has been much more than an internship, a volunteering mission, or an international mobility program. It has been a journey of transformation personally, professionally, culturally and emotionally.
This journey changed the way I see agriculture, sustainability, education, teamwork and even myself.
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Leaving Home to Discover a New World ✈️
Leaving India for France was both exciting and challenging. It was my first long international experience, far from my family, my culture, my language and everything familiar to me.
I still remember my first days in France, discovering the beautiful landscapes of the Gers region, hearing French conversations everywhere around me, trying to understand daily life, adapting to a different rhythm of work and communication and learning to become independent in a completely new environment.
At the beginning, even simple things felt difficult: understanding accents, adapting to food habits, administrative procedures, transportation systems and cultural differences. But step by step, these small challenges became opportunities to grow stronger and more confident.
I learned that mobility is not only about traveling to another country. It is about learning how to adapt, how to communicate despite differences, and how to build connections beyond borders.
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Discovering French Agricultural Education 🌱
One of the most fascinating parts of my mission was discovering the French agricultural education system and comparing it with the Indian agricultural system.
Coming from an agricultural university in India, I was very curious to understand how agriculture, sustainability, food innovation and practical learning are integrated into French education.
At EPL Auch Beaulieu-Lavacant, I had the opportunity to observe and participate in several educational and technical activities that combined theory, experimentation, innovation and sustainability.
What impressed me the most was the importance given to:
• practical learning,
• environmental responsibility,
• student autonomy,
• food quality,
• and sustainable agricultural practices.
The connection between education and real-life applications was very inspiring.
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Working on Sustainability and Eco-Responsible Projects ♻️
During my Service Civique mission, I participated in many activities related to sustainability and environmental awareness.
One of the most meaningful projects for me was working on composting and waste management initiatives. Through this experience, I understood how small ecological actions inside educational institutions can create a much larger impact on environmental awareness among students and communities.
I also had the opportunity to contribute to projects linked to food innovation and millet-based products. Being from India, where millets are an important traditional crop and are now gaining international recognition for their nutritional and environmental value, it was very interesting to exchange ideas about sustainable food systems between India and France.
These projects showed me how agriculture today is not only about production but also about:
• sustainability,
• biodiversity,
• food security,
• climate responsibility,
• and innovation.
I realized that the future of agriculture depends greatly on international collaboration and knowledge exchange.

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Technology, Communication, and International Cooperation 💻
Another important aspect of my mission was working on digital communication, reports, presentations and international collaboration activities.
I participated in:
• creating presentations,
• documenting projects,
• preparing communication materials,
• helping with international activities,
• and supporting interactions between students and institutions.
This helped me improve not only my technical skills but also my professional communication and teamwork abilities.
I became more confident in working in multicultural environments and learned how important communication is in international cooperation projects.

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The Human Experience Behind the Mission 🤝
Beyond all the projects and activities, what made this experience truly unforgettable were the people.
I met teachers, students, professionals, and friends from different backgrounds who welcomed me warmly from the very beginning.
Even though there were language barriers sometimes, kindness always became the bridge.
Sharing meals, conversations, cultural traditions, and daily moments created memories that I will carry with me forever.
I had the opportunity to share Indian culture with French students and colleagues while also discovering French traditions, food culture, education systems and social life.
These exchanges taught me something very important:
even when cultures are different, human values remain the same everywhere respect, friendship, curiosity and cooperation.

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Challenges That Became Lessons 🌍
Of course, this journey was not always easy.
There were moments of homesickness, communication difficulties, cultural misunderstandings and times when adapting felt exhausting. But these difficult moments became the most valuable lessons of the entire experience.
Living abroad taught me:
• patience,
• adaptability,
• independence,
• resilience,
• and self-confidence.
I learned how to solve problems alone, how to communicate despite language limitations and how to step outside my comfort zone every single day.
Today, I feel much more mature and prepared for future international experiences because of these challenges.

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A Strong Connection Between India and France 🇮🇳❤️🇫🇷
One of the most beautiful aspects of this Service Civique mission was realizing how much India and France can learn from each other, especially in the fields of:
• agriculture,
• sustainability,
• food systems,
• education,
• and environmental awareness.
Coming from an agricultural background in India and working in a French agricultural institution allowed me to compare perspectives and exchange ideas continuously.
I truly believe that international mobility programs like MoveAgri create bridges between countries and help young people become global citizens capable of working together for a better future.

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Gratitude 🙏
This journey would never have been possible without the support of many incredible people and institutions.
I sincerely thank:
• l’Agence du Service Civique,
• MoveAgri,
• EPL Auch Beaulieu-Lavacant,
• all the teachers and staff members,
• and everyone who contributed to making this mission successful.
A very special thank you to Mrs. Chantal Desprats for her constant support, guidance, kindness, and encouragement throughout my journey in France. From the moment I arrived until today, her support has always made me feel welcomed and motivated.
I also thank M. Vincent Labart and M. Abdelkader Guerdane for their trust and support during my mission.
And finally, thank you to all the students, colleagues, and friends who became part of this unforgettable chapter of my life.


What I Take Back Home 🌟
As my Service Civique mission comes to an end, I realize that I am not returning home as the same person who arrived in France months ago.
I am returning with:
• new knowledge,
• new professional experiences,
• stronger confidence,
• international friendships,
• intercultural understanding,
• and unforgettable memories.
This experience taught me that learning does not happen only inside classrooms. Sometimes, the greatest lessons come from traveling, meeting people, adapting to change and opening yourself to the world.
France gave me much more than experience. It gave me perspective and this is something I will carry with me.
Merci Beaucoup everyone

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