Breaking Boundaries S1-Episode2: Interview with Tran Costa (France)

The FAIR/GSI GET_INvolved mobility programme welcomes students from around the globe each year—whether for internships, Erasmus+ stays, or research projects. Participants come from shareholder and partner countries with diverse backgrounds, age groups, and stories. On this occasion, we had the opportunity to chat with Erasmus Traineeship student Tran Costa from France, and gain some insightful reflections on her journey. Interview taken and edited by Arianna Agnesa from International Cooperations.

10.06.2025 | 

Interview with Tran Costa

The FAIR/GSI GET_INvolved mobility programme welcomes students from around the globe each year—whether for internships, Erasmus+ stays, or research projects. Participants come from shareholder and partner countries with diverse backgrounds, age groups, and stories. On this occasion, we had the opportunity to chat with Erasmus Traineeship student Tran Costa from France, and gain some insightful reflections on her journey. Interview taken and edited by Arianna Agnesa from International Cooperations.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself — where you’re from and what sparked your interest in computer science?

I was born and grew up in the Paris suburbs. I grew up with video game consoles and computers. I spent and still spend a lot of time on them. When I was a kid, my dream was to create a video game myself, like the big video game companies, and as time went by, I discovered that you could do lots of things with computers, like websites, robots, artificial intelligence and so on. I started studying computer science as a self-taught student in junior high school and continued my studies after high school by taking a 2-year course in computer science. I then entered an engineering school in 2023 to obtain a diploma and the title of engineer, which is the equivalent of a master's degree. I lost my dream a bit along the way, but once I've finished my studies, I'll try to pick it up again and make it come true.

Before you came to Germany, had you ever imagined living or working in another country?

No, I never really thought about living or working in another country.

What originally drew you to the field of computer science, and how has your interest developed over the years?

First it was curiosity to learn how to create a video game, then I discovered other areas of computing such as artificial intelligence, image processing, databases, cybersecurity and so on. I went on to study computer science for 5 years at university.

What motivated you to choose the apprenticeship model for your engineering studies? Is this common? Was there a defining moment when you knew this was the right step for you?

The desire to develop and apply my skills encouraged me to choose an apprenticeship for my engineering studies. Apprenticeships are becoming increasingly common. After doing my first professional internship in 2022, I stayed with the same company to continue as an apprentice until 2025 and perhaps eventually get a permanent contract.

What motivated you to take the leap and pursue an Erasmus+ internship in Germany and the GET_INvolved program?

It was mandatory for me to do international mobility to validate my engineering degree, and I knew that it was possible to do mobility with Erasmus+ while benefiting from a grant, which really helps and avoids any stress linked to my expenses. I found FAIR's published post on the Erasmus Intern website by chance, and that's when I discovered the laboratory and the GET_INvolved program.

What were your first impressions when you arrived in Germany?

It was the first time I'd lived alone and traveled abroad on my own. I was afraid at first that I wouldn't be able to manage on my own: I missed my family, I didn't know how to cook, I had to manage my shopping and my diet to avoid health problems as much as possible. But I managed to manage and learned to cook on my own.

Did you face any challenges during your internship—technical, cultural, or personal? How did you navigate them?

Yes, I have encountered some personal difficulties. When I arrived in Germany, in Frankfurt South, I was waiting for the train S6 to Darmstadt, but it never arrived because of a large police operation that took place on my arrival in Frankfurt, So I had to take a taxi to get to the GSI to get my room key. In addition, I learned how to cook by myself and asking advice from people living at the Steinhaus and friends.

Was there a moment that made you think, “This was absolutely worth it”?

At the end of my internship, it was then that I realized that it was worth doing this internship and that I had the chance to temporarily join the GSI and meet my tutor. Before going on international mobility, I preferred to do without this international mobility but finally I find it was a good experience.

In what ways did working in an international research environment differ from your previous experiences in France?

First, the language spoken, I was able to practice my English in various discussions and presentations. Secondly, I had never worked on a project like the one I had during this internship. Finally, I had the opportunity to meet and discuss with people from different countries.

What specific skills or insights did you gain during your time at FAIR that you hadn’t expected?

Learn how to manage the generation of certificates and keys to enable security features (encode communication between different services)

How did this internship change your view of what a career in tech can look like across borders?

I don’t really have a specific vision for a career in technology.

Looking back, what surprised you most about yourself during this journey?

That I would like this journey and that I would enjoy visiting cities alone.

What advice would you give to other students or apprentices who are nervous about going abroad?

Find and go to large international organizations such as GSI to meet new people from different countries.

What role did the International Cooperation Office play in helping you prepare for your internship abroad?

They helped me with administrative tasks for my integration into GSI, meeting new people, visiting and getting to know the GSI site better.

If you had to sum up your Erasmus+ experience in just three words, what would they be?

Inspiring, memorable, adventure.

What would you say to someone reading this who is standing at the edge of opportunity, unsure whether to jump?

I would say “if you trust me, jump”. On a more serious note, I'd say it's a great opportunity, especially for someone who's living and traveling abroad alone for the first time. It'll be a great experience for your professional and personal development.

This was Tran's story—but it could also be yours. GET_INvolved with FAIR and enrich your research journey!

Background: Tran Costa, like many other students/researchers, benefited from the GET_INvolved Programme through the Erasmus Plus Traineeship initiative. This programme is designed for international doctoral students who are enrolled at partner institutions outside Germany and seek to undertake a research project at FAIR-GSI. The initiative supports students aiming to contribute to one of the experimental collaborations or to develop specific hard and soft skills as part of their doctoral training within an international research environment. The docotal students are provided with structured mentorship, a stimulating and meaningful research project, and a in-kind support to find and finance an accomodation for the project duration, subject to individual conditions and available funding.

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