Five students from the Grande École Program embarked on the dual degree adventure at Polytechnique Montréal, an enriching experience shared as a group.
Alexandre CARAYON (Châlons-en-Champagne), Melvin HUANG (Châlons-en-Champagne), Lucas POITEVIN (Cluny), Léa ZHENG (Cluny) and Marc BERENGUER (Bordeaux), students in the Grande École Program and supported by the Châlons-en-Champagne campus, have decided to continue their studies in Canada to obtain a dual degree in engineering at Polytechnique Montréal. This choice has allowed them to specialize in various fields of engineering, while enjoying a unique academic and cultural experience.
Why go to Canada for a double degree?
For these five students, Canada was an obvious choice. The quality of education, the reputation of Polytechnique Montréal, and the atmosphere in Quebec were key factors. "As soon as I entered Arts et Métiers, I thought about doing a double degree here. I had already visited Quebec and loved the atmosphere," says Alexandre. For Melvin, it was the beauty of the country and its landscapes that attracted him. "Canada is beautiful in every season, and I wanted to discover this country by living here," he explains.
The opportunity to earn a master's degree allowed them to work on real-world projects, often in partnership with companies. "In France, this format is rare. Here, we work on real projects while studying," explains Lucas. The cost of studying was also a key factor. "Compared to the United States or the United Kingdom, it's much more affordable, and with research grants, we can live comfortably without having to work on the side," adds Léa.
Diverse master's degree subjects
Coming from different campuses, these students chose a variety of research topics, ranging from artificial intelligence to environmental management:
Alexandre is working on the development of new numerical methods for analyzing contact phenomena in helicopter engines, in partnership with a French aerospace company.
- Melvin focuses on analyzing smart card data for public transportation, aiming to improve the origin/destination algorithm with tools such as Python and R.
- Lucas develops design models to improve the earthquake resistance of fiber-reinforced concrete bridge piers, work that is crucial for infrastructure safety.
- Lea is studying the impact of flooding on structures, a relevant topic in light of climate change.
- Marc explores the movements of oil risers caused by vortex-induced vibrations, requiring the design of specific experimental devices.
Everyone had to adapt to the demands of research. You have to be independent, try out different approaches, and sometimes start from scratch. It's frustrating, but you can always count on others to motivate you again," says Marc.
Group cohesion
When they arrived in Montreal, the students didn't know each other. But over the months, shared experiences and challenges brought them closer together. "We met at the welcome barbecue organized by the Canada Territorial GroupArts et Métiers recalls Melvin. "It was a great opportunity to meet other students and build relationships."
This group dynamic, reinforced by the challenges of adapting to a new culture, was an asset to their integration. "Quebecers are very open, but it can be difficult to form bonds quickly. Having a group with whom to share our experiences was invaluable," explains Léa. Together, they discussed their research, their administrative struggles, and supported each other on a daily basis. "It became a real refuge," confides Alexandre.
Enriching cultural experiences
Beyond their research and class hours, students took advantage of their free time to explore Quebec. "We went canoe camping, hiking, and of course, we experienced a Quebec winter, with snow and extreme temperatures!" recalls Alexandre. Lucas adds, "Board game nights and shared meals were essential moments to relax after busy weeks." For Léa, this group dynamic was a real driving force: "Without them, I might have stayed more in the background. Being part of a group pushes you to step out of your comfort zone and try new experiences."
A memorable adventure
Almost two years after their departure, the students unanimously agree that this experience has changed their worldview. "You learn a lot about yourself. Managing a research project, adapting to a new culture, overcoming difficulties... all of this makes us more independent and open-minded," says Melvin. This international immersion is also a real professional asset. "In business, having studied abroad proves our ability to adapt," adds Marc.
But beyond the skills and professional opportunities, it is above all the human adventure that will remain engraved in their memories. "I have absolutely no regrets about this choice. Going abroad was a dream, but sharing it with friends made it even more unforgettable," says Alexandre.
