As part of their training, ten students from the Arts et Métiers campus Arts et Métiers Bordeaux-Talence and ESTP Paris, a prestigious engineering school specializing in construction, completed an internship in Armenia, combining cultural immersion, humanitarian work, and professional experience. This trip is an opportunity for them to develop skills for their future careers and collaborate with young people from other disciplines.
A student project combining social engagement and cultural discovery
As part of their training, ten students from the Arts et Métiers campus Arts et Métiers Bordeaux-Talence and ESTP Paris, a prestigious engineering school specializing in construction, had the opportunity to complete an internship in Armenia.
Their mission: to help renovate a municipal building that serves as the town hall, post office, nursery school, and community hall, as well as a large fountain that doubles as a swimming pool in the summer.
This project is part of a solidarity initiative aimed at renovating local infrastructure while promoting intercultural exchange. Upon their arrival in Yerevan, in western Armenia, the students were able to discover the country's rich heritage and history. Welcomed by the local project managers, Varaztad and Marie, they explored the capital and its surroundings before heading to their mission location, the village of Deghtsud.
A mission in the heart of the Armenian countryside
For four to eight weeks, these young future engineers took part in renovation work: installing a heating system, plastering, painting, and refurbishing floors. The collective effort and collaboration with local workers transformed this mission into an intense human experience. Some students naturally took on leadership roles, planning and managing the group of students, which made the work progress more efficiently. This experience was an opportunity for them to put their technical skills into practice while adapting to a real-world operational context, marked by material and linguistic constraints.
"The supervisory staff were very welcoming and kind to us. The site managers gave us a lot of autonomy in how we organized ourselves, which allowed us to get more involved in our work. This freedom motivated us and made the experience even more rewarding. Everyone was able to contribute their ideas and actively participate in the various tasks. Working in these conditions was very educational and enjoyable," explains Anouk, a first-year student in the Grande Ecole engineering program.
In parallel with the work, the students organized activities for the village children, thereby strengthening ties with the local population. These moments of sharing, ranging from board games to sports activities, highlighted the importance of social engagement and intercultural collaboration.
As the days went by, we built wonderful relationships with the children. With the younger ones, we did coloring and board games, while with the older ones, we played volleyball and soccer matches. A small group of teenagers who spoke English well became close to us, making our exchanges even richer.
We also formed a bond with a neighbor who often invited us over for tea. In return, we introduced him to French specialties that we had cooked. These moments of sharing were among the most memorable of our stay," says Alban, a first-year student in the Grande Ecole engineering program.
A springboard to professional life
Beyond technical learning, this experience was extremely formative for the students, allowing them to develop essential skills for their future careers. Project management, teamwork, adapting to an unfamiliar environment, and communication are all skills that are valued in their engineering training.
Building on the success of this second edition, the program will expand next year. The addition of new participants from the Arts et Métiers campus Arts et Métiers Metz and ESSEC Business School will amplify the impact of this initiative. By combining professional development and humanitarian engagement, this project continues to offer students a unique experience in an enriching intercultural context.
