Thanks to a scholarship from the French government, Ákos Szeitl joined the Grande Ecole program at the Cluny campus in 2019 and completed his dual degree program at the Aix campus.
Welcome Ákos! You're from Hungary. What was your background before joining the Arts et Métiers campus Arts et Métiers in your third year?
BeforeBefore arriving in France, I obtained a bachelor's degree. I am currently pursuing a master's degree in energy engineering atthe Budapest University of Technology and Economics. After spending my first semester in Hungary, I decided to come to France. I was welcomed to the Cluny campus in the second year of the Grande Ecole program, where I have already completed two semesters. I seized the opportunity to come and do an additional semester at the Aix-en-Provence campus, which offers third-year expertise in New Energies for Sustainable Development (FINRJ) directly related to my career plans.
You will graduate from Arts et Métiers the Budapest University of Technology and Economics at the end of your university studies. Why did you choose to pursue this dual degree?
There is indeed a bilateral agreement between Arts et Métiers the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. I am receiving a scholarship from the French government during my stay in France. It is more advantageous than an Erasmus+ scholarship. I received support from Campus France and the French Institute in Budapest with my administrative procedures.
Pursuing this dual degree in France is a great opportunity to develop my professional and personal skills.
My training in Aix-en-Provence allows me to broaden my knowledge and critical thinking skills in areas that interest me, such as energy and mechanics. I can look at my future career with a different perspective and discover new facets of it.
I am also looking to capitalize on practical knowledge that I can then use as an engineer. I come from a Hungarian higher education system that offers a more theoretical education than the Arts et Métiers program, Arts et Métiers on autonomy in project management and teamwork, problem-solving around real engineering issues, the possibility of manufacturing mechanical parts, and access to workshops.
Studying in France also allows me to improve my personal relationships in a multicultural environment, adding an international dimension to my engineering education... and perfecting my French language skills.
What are your ambitions following this dual degree?
Once I have my degree, I would like to start working in the energy sector, specifically in the field of energy efficiency, to reduce emissions from energy production and promote the use of green energy.
In France, Hungary? I haven't decided yet. But I'm sure I'll look for an international or French company where I can use my language skills. Also, at the beginning of my career, I'd like to travel a bit.
What is your greatest achievement as a student?
When I arrived, the first semester was the most difficult because of the differences in education levels between France and Hungary. My French also needed improvement.
Managing my time became an important factor in my integration.
I think my greatest achievement was finding the right balance between my studies and campus life. I managed to make friends and become active in the Gadz'Arts community. At the same time, I completed my semesters and passed my exams, while making rapid progress in French.
Your language skills are already excellent!
I am very grateful to my mother, who is a French teacher in Hungary, for sparking my interest in the beauty of the French language. My family and I have visited France several times. This gave me the opportunity to discover French culture and the French people. It was very important to me to study in France for an extended period of time.
How did your move to France go during the health crisis?
In March, at the start of the pandemic, I returned to Hungary and left all my belongings in Cluny. I finished the second semester online using Teams. To obtain the double degree, I only had a ten-week internship to complete. I opted for a summer internship at a Hungarian company that conducts energy audits. I also had to stay in touch with the French and Hungarian consulates to find out about the restrictions and health regulations in force for my return.
Finding accommodation in Aix-en-Provence was very complicated. There were no places available in the university residence because international mobility programs for French students had been canceled. In the end, the campus's Academic Affairs and International Relations departments and the residence administration found me a room.
Overall, I am very grateful to the people who welcomed and supported me. I would like to thank the Budapest University of Technology and Economics for informing me about this opportunity to pursue a dual degree atArts et Métiers, the Cluny and Aix campuses, which devote a great deal of attention to international students, my host family in Cluny, and my Hungarian friend Kristóf, who helped me when I was alone in France and encouraged me.
Thank you Ákos and best of luck!
