Studying Abroad in France: Qiqi from China, Exchange Student at ESILV

Even though there are 5000 miles apart, Nanjing and Paris have similarities, says Qiqi Zhang. Attracted by large and modern cities, the young Chinese man feels at home in La Défense, where he studies for a semester at French engineering school ESILV.

Qiqi is a student at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, one of ESILV’s many academic partners worldwide.

Studying Computational Mechanics and Modelling in France

A fourth-year student at ESILV, Qiqi has joined one of the Paris engineering school’s four majors: Computational Mechanics and Modelling. The latter trains future mechanical engineers able to design and develop complex and multidisciplinary products and systems. After their five-year course, engineering students master the necessary technical and behavioural skills expected in a professional environment.

In the fourth-year, the Computational Mechanics and Modelling major offers courses such as Mecatronics, Industrial Systems, Mechanical Vibrations or Non linear Structural Analysis. All classes are taught in English.

“Teachers and classmates are all very kind and helpful. They help me with my homework and exams”.

Qiqi enjoyed the cooperation spirit within his class. ESILV students are used to group projects. Team work is part of the learning by doing educational approach of the engineering school. All along their five-year course, students are expected to manage engineering projects. More than a way to put their knowledge into practice, they are also the occasion to foster soft skills, central in Pôle Léonard de Vinci’s three schools. Leadership, organisation, critical thinking…are taught inside and outside the classroom.

Discovering French culture at ESILV

Qiqi admitted that his favourite class of all is French. Taking classes with international exchange students helps him improve his language skills and get more familiar with the French way of life.

“French classes are a new way to open the door of French culture”.

Living within a short walking distance from campus, Qiqi is also close to the center of Paris. He appreciates the city’s long history and culture and his thrilled to be walking in the footsteps of renowned artists such as Victor Hugo, his favourite French author.

While in Paris, Qiqi and his friends seized the opportunity to travel around Europe: Barcelona, Venezia, München.

Qiqi participated in the latest International Week held on campus. This event gathered incoming exchange students from all over the world. They introduced their home universities and countries to ESILV students looking for study abroad opportunities. This week was also the occasion for French and foreign students to attend classes taught by international professors and academic exchange advisors.