This school represents my roots. Studying in the Netherlands was a unique and formative experience. The scale of agriculture here is so different compared to France, where farms tend to be smaller. During my time here, I interned at Vreugdenhil (Vedic), which was eye-opening. The scale and technology were impressive and gave me a new perspective.
When I started my business, having studied in the Netherlands added credibility to my background, especially in international agriculture. It’s something people in France recognize and respect. It helped me establish connections and grow my company.
How old were you when you studied in Dronten?
I was 22 at the time.
Did you come straight from school in France when you came to the Netherlands?
Not exactly. I had been studying in France but took a break for a few months because I felt a bit lost. That’s when I decided to pursue something international. Coming to Dronten turned out to be the right decision—it was such a fulfilling experience, and time flew by so quickly.
Would you recommend studying abroad, particularly in the Netherlands?
Absolutely! For me, studying abroad is essential to broadening your perspective. You meet people from different cultures, work in diverse environments, and learn to step out of your comfort zone. It’s eye-opening to see how things are done differently in other countries, and it helps you develop both personally and professionally.
I still remember working with Dutch people in greenhouses and seeing how respectful and efficient their approach was. That kind of exposure has shaped me into someone who’s open-minded and adaptable. It’s an experience I’d recommend to anyone.
Do you stay in touch with the people you studied with at Aeres UAS?
Yes, absolutely. I made some incredible friends, not just from France but also from other countries, like Italy. We still have a Facebook group where we keep in touch. Many of my former classmates are now working in agriculture—some nationally and others internationally. Living and studying together in Dronten created strong bonds that we still cherish today.
Would you say studying abroad also helped you build a professional network?
Definitely. Beyond the friendships, the international network I built here has been invaluable for my career. For example, learning English was a huge asset. In France, we don’t always get the same level of exposure to English, especially technical or professional English. At Dronten, all my courses were in English, and I spoke it daily with people from around the world. This helped me become fluent and gave me the confidence to work internationally. After Dronten, I worked at Syngenta, managing international projects and traveling to places like South Africa. Even today, English is vital for my work—whether I’m negotiating contracts or working in the field.
What does your business focus on now?
I run my own company, specializing in organic vegetable seed production. I’ve been doing this for ten years. While I started on my own, I now have an employee who works eight or nine months a year, and I also host students for internships. My role is a mix of technical and commercial work. On the technical side, I manage the production network with farmers in France. On the commercial side, I negotiate contracts with seed companies in Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. It’s challenging but rewarding, especially as a woman balancing professional responsibilities with family life.
