Interview with Nadine Yahia-Cherif on a V.I.E. in Montreal, Canada
In this page :
- Introducing Nadine and her V.I.E. experience in Canada
- Everything you need to know about the V.I.E.
- Nadine’s daily life in Montreal
Meet Nadine Yahia-Cherif, a CESI graduate who, after earning her engineering degree, chose to kick off her career with a V.I.E. in Montreal, Canada.
V.I.E. – International Internship Program – is a program managed by Business France, a public consulting firm affiliated with the French Ministry of European and Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion. V.I.E. programs allow young graduates to have professional experience in French companies around the world.
Introducing Nadine and her V.I.E. experience in Canada
Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your experience at CESI?
My name is Nadine Yahia Cherif, I graduated from CESI in 2023 with a degree in engineering. My studies at CESI began with two years of preparatory classes in Lille followed by three years in the engineering program in Arras.
During the final three years of my studies, I carried out an apprenticeship with the company Alstom, that works in rail transportation. I decided to continue with them after graduation and I am now doing a V.I.E. in Montreal, Canada
During those five years, I completed the two-year preparatory program and then the three-year engineering program through an apprenticeship at my company, Alstom – a rail transport company. I decided to continue with them and I am now doing a V.I.E in Montreal, Canada.
Did you hear about this opportunity during your studies at CESI?
Exactly. While I was working at Alstom as an apprentice several opportunities came up, including this one. I was very interested in coming to Montreal.
Was this your first time visiting Canada?
Yes, it was my first trip to Canada. So it was my first experience relocating to another continent all on my own. While everything was completely new to me in the beginning, I feel comfortable here now.
Did your company assist you with the administrative formalities, visa, plane tickets and accommodation?
Yes, they helped me find an apartment and assisted with the plane ticket. They handled all the administrative aspects, including the visa. I had to go to Paris to the Canadian Embassy for fingerprinting and photos. I was supported throughout the entire process by Alstom and the V.I.E. program administrators.
Everything you need to know about the V.I.E.
Are there specific requirements to be eligible for this program?
Yes, there is an age requirement: you must be between 18 and 28 years old. You also need to be a French or European citizen, have no criminal record, and be able to devote yourself full-time to the work assignment. Many companies in Montreal offer V.I.E. positions. I work at Alstom, but there is a large V.I.E. community across various companies, it’s very popular.
What is the duration of the V.I.E?
A V.I.E. can last between 6 months and 24 months which means it can be up to two years. My contract is for the full 24 months and I am currently halfway through it.
How many hours do you work per week?
When you are in a V.I.E., you must comply with the regulations of the host country. In Canada, the standard is 40 hours per week, although this can vary depending on the country.
How many weeks of vacations do you have ?
I can take 6 weeks of holidays which is similar to what I had in France. It allows me to travel and explore this continent. This is an advantage compared to Canadians who usually have only two weeks ofF.
Have you been able to meet people from this community here, other French V.I.E participants?
Yes, that’s one of the great aspects of the program. There is a large V.I.E. community and activities are organized to welcome newcomers, ensuring we don’t feel isolated. For example, each month there are welcome events for new V.I.E. participants that allow us to connect with other people who share similar backgrounds. It’s a really enjoyable experience!
Nadine’s daily life in Montreal
What were the main challenges you faced when you first arrived in Canada?
The main challenge is being far from familiar surroundings, family, friends and your comfort zone. The time difference makes it harder to stay in touch with loved ones. Then there are all the small everyday challenges. For example, figuring out where to do your shopping, how to open a bank account, or where to buy warm clothes to survive -30°C temperatures in winter. These little details can be challenging at first, but after a year it gets easier.
So, it’s been a year. Do you plan to stay longer, or do you think you’ll return to France?
For now, I plan to stay. It’s a country that I really like, even though it’s cold and being away from my family is difficult. But I plan to stay for a few more months or even years.
Have you noticed cultural differencies at work ?
Yes, for example, Canadians tend to have a quick lunch, often eating in front of their computers. In France, we appreciate taking a proper break during lunchtime, but here they prefer to finish work earlier in the evening. And then there’s also the Quebec accent which takes some time to get used to.
Do you practice English at work ?
Yes, I use English at work, but the main language is French in Quebec.
Have you been able to build your social network outside of work?
Yes, thanks to events for newcomers. My company also organizes after-work gatherings for V.I.E. participants, which allows us to meet other people. It really helps us get connected.
Do you think that this experience will give you new opportunities ?
Yes, I believe the V.I.E. is a valuable asset. It’s not common for people to go abroad for one or two years for a professional experience, so it will stand out on my CV. I am confident that it will provide new opportunities for my future career. In any case, it is incredibly enriching both personally and professionally.
If someone is hesitant about going on a V.I.E., what advice would you give them?
I would encourage them not to hesitate. There is only positive experiences and competencies to gain from going abroad: you grow as a person, step out of your comfort zone and discover new places and people. It may seem difficult at first, but once you’re there, you realize you’ve made the right choice.
If you have difficulties on site, such as getting a medical appointment or opening a bank account, is there someone you can contact?
Yes, as part of the V.I.E. program, we have a designated contact person at Business France for each region of the world. I also had informational meetings about insurance before leaving, which was reassuring, especially for North America where medical costs are high. My company also has human resources available to help me.
Would you like to add anything?
No, I think we’ve covered everything. I would just encourage anyone considering an experience abroad to go for it, that way, they won’t have any regrets later.
