Barbara Marzencka (first-year PGE student) and Kamil Organa (second-year PGE student), who are pursuing a dual degree withthe Łódź University of Technology (Poland), chose to enjoy a unique academic and personal experience on the Cluny campus.
A campus where mutual support and diversity are part of everyday life
It was thanks to a former student who came to talk about her experience that Barbara and Kamil discovered the PGE program. Polish students have the opportunity to enroll in a dual degree program at ECAM LaSalle, INSA Strasbourg, and Arts et Métiers. This exchange was decisive for Kamil: "I was convinced that I had to enroll Arts et Métiers. I saw it as an opportunity to forge links, open myself up to an international network, and develop in an environment conducive to mutual support. What attracted me to Cluny was the closeness between the students, the spirit of camaraderie, and the solidarity that reigns here."
Barbara, meanwhile, was drawn to the historic character of the location and the campus's human scale. As a mechanical engineering student, she particularly appreciates the cutting-edge equipment available:
Here, everything is closer and more accessible. I quickly felt like I belonged.
Barbara Marzencka, Kamil Organa, and Anne-Lise Grenaud, Head of International Relations on campus.
Discovery, integration, and passions: the intersecting paths of two Polish students
Kamil turned his attention to production management, discovering a different academic culture where exchanges with teachers are more direct and spontaneous than in Poland. He notes with amusement the differences in everyday life, such as the shorter cafeteria hours in France, which encourage friendly breaks and socializing.
In Poland, I could eat at any time, sometimes alone. Here, meals punctuate the day and create bonds, he observes.
On a linguistic level, Barbara is delighted to be reunited with Kamil this year: being able to speak Polish gives her a moment of respite in a daily life dominated by French, which requires a lot of translation effort on her part.
Kamil took part in the Grand Gala, a memorable teamwork experience that closely resembled the professional world. He also plays badminton, while Barbara takes advantage of Thursday afternoons to take up swimming again.
Barbara wants to work on production lines, while Kamil, who is passionate about aeronautics and space, is about to start an internship in Lean management, with the ambition of one day joining the space industry.
Tips for a successful international experience atArts et Métiers
Finally, their message to future Polish engineers tempted by the French adventure:
Don't be afraid. Be patient, persevere, prepare your French well, and don't let the workload intimidate you. The experience is worth it.
The Polish Double Degree program begins for Polish students with one year of study in France, followed by one year in Poland. Students then return to France for the second year of the Grande École Program, and the final year is spent in Poland. It therefore takes four years of study to obtain this double degree.
French students also go to study in Poland, either for a double degree or a semester. "This partnership has been in place for 19 years and is a real asset for students," says Anne-Lise Grenaud, Head of International Relations at the Cluny campus.
International mobility in Cluny
- 97 outgoing members
- Top 5 destinations: Switzerland, Monaco, Malaysia, Poland, and Italy
- Types of mobility (in 2024): 20 internships, 52 study programs, 25 supervised programs (formerly cultural programs)
The campus has a partnership with the University of Lodz, specifically the IFE International Faculty of Engineering, with
- Two dual degrees: a Master's in Human Computer Interaction (HCI) and a Master's in Smart Manufacturing (SM), with six places available for each master's program.
- And an Erasmus exchange semester with 8 places
For all information about courses in Poland
You can contact the national manager:
Agnès Bourg, agnes.bourg@ensam.eu
