By Sebastien Pasquier
Pierre-Louis, a young French student and a passionate football player, wanted to find a university that could provide him with both academic and athletic development. With its Elite Soccer University Program and open international culture, CIS University was a perfect fit for him. During this conversation, Pierre-Louis describes his journey, his struggles, and his favorite part about being a student at CIS University.
“I chose CIS University because it has a good combination of studies and sports,” said Pierre-Louis, who is a Business Major in his freshman year. He is in the Elite Soccer University Program, which allows him to follow a schedule combining courses with high-level soccer training. What he appreciates the most is that the program is athlete-centered. “The professors are very understanding and cater to the needs of an athlete. This allows us to focus on our studies and our training,” he explained.
However, balancing books and boots can be challenging. For him, the greatest challenge is time management. “I can do a lot on top of my classes and homework, and soccer training can become quite busy. But discipline, organization, and supportive professors make it easier to manage. It also made me learn a great deal about responsibility.”
Pierre-Louis, who hails from France, acknowledges that the initial adjustment to a new language and culture was not easy. “Studying in English was a challenge, but everyone here is welcoming. After a few weeks, I began to feel settled in and competent both in class and on the field.”
What shocked him the most about CIS University is the international atmosphere. “I was surprised by how international our environment is. You meet people from so many countries, and they are all open-minded and friendly,” he highlighted. In his opinion, daily campus life is manageable and fun. “The facilities are new, the food is good, even though I miss French bread and pastries sometimes. And it is a relaxed but competitive environment.”
For Pierre-Louis, making friends has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience. “With football teammates, such as John and Rodrigo, and classmates from all parts of the world, the connections flow easily. The team’s spirit makes it easy to form relationships. We motivate each other in class and while training,” he shared.
The football program is a significant part of his CIS University experience. Pierre-Louis feels the level of competition is good and the style of play is different. “Training here is ultra professional. Compared to France, the game is much more dynamic and international, since you are playing with players from all over the world. This makes competition interesting and very motivating at every part of the training,” he explained. The motivation for personal development is continuous. With experienced coaching, excellent facilities, and a professional culture, he feels he is heading in a good direction.
Pierre-Louis is already well on his way to mapping out his plans for the future. “When I finish my studies, I would love to continue my football career and ideally do this at a professional or semi-professional level. At the same time, I would like to apply what I’ve learned at CIS University in sports management, coaching, or another related area,” he said.
When asked about what he learned from his journey, he took his time before responding: “Living and studying abroad pushes you to learn and grow every day. I’ve become more independent, more open-minded, and more confident. Academically, I’ve learned about time management and focus. And personally, I have made friends that will last a lifetime.”
He wanted to leave a tip for any other international students contemplating the move to CIS University: “Just do it. Be open-minded, meet people, and enjoy the experience because it is all worth it.”
Pierre-Louis demonstrates exemplary persistence, moderation, and aspiration during his time at CIS University and provides a clear example of how the right environment can help a student achieve both academic and athletic excellence.