Meet Ana Maria, a Colombian student in hersecond year of the Grande École program in Lille.
What is your background?
I am currently pursuing a dual degree program. I am completing my fifth and final year of electrical engineering at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia from France, and at the start of the academic year, I enrolled inthe second year of the Grande École program Arts et Métiers the Arts et Métiers campus Arts et Métiers Lille.
I will therefore validate my Colombian degree at the end of the academic year, while preparing for my Arts et Métiers engineering degree Arts et Métiers in France.
Why did you choose Arts et Métiers
I have a strong interest in sustainable mobility and related innovations. That's why I chose to join Arts et Métiers. The school offers many opportunities to work with companies and participate in innovation projects. For example, this semester, I'm participating in a project on artificial intelligence and electronics.
The Grande École program complements my education in Colombia perfectly. It will allow me to develop more general skills and knowledge in industrial engineering, but also to deepen and put into practice the knowledge I have already acquired.
In addition, I am very interested in choosing a specialization inmy third year so that I can focus on a specific field. For me, this is the perfect way to complete my studies.
Does the training meet your expectations?
Absolutely, especially the opportunity to apply the knowledge I have acquired during tutorials and practical projects while being supported by teachers and research professors who are experts in their fields.
From an academic point of view, I still have a lot of work to do to catch up in certain areas. But the professors and students are helping me a lot.
How did your integration into campus life go?
The students and professors are very open, welcoming, and available to give me advice. This has made it easier for me to integrate, as everything is new to me: the language, the education, the culture, and also the Gadz'Arts traditions. I have already formed friendships with some of the other students in my class!
Between classes, student life, and my personal hobbies, my schedule is busy. I spend a lot of time interacting with other students, which helps me integrate and gain confidence.
In addition, I live in the residence hall, which makes everyday life much easier. It allows me to become more familiar with French culture, but also with the Arts et Métiers culture. This makes my experience in France even more incredible than I could have imagined.
I would also like to thank the head of international relations, Julie Deflandre, for her help during my integration. She was very attentive to my needs and her support was very important!
How are you feeling a little over a month after your arrival?
I only arrived on August 22, and I've already settled in. It's great! I've managed to overcome my initial apprehension, and I'm very grateful for everyone's help.
I am not the same person I was a few weeks ago.
I would say that this experience has given me a broader range of academic opportunities thanks to the diversity of the courses, but also a broader perspective on my ideas, feelings, and emotional stability.
I am very motivated to continue my education and see what the future holds for me!
