Ishwarya S. from India

You are from Anna University, India. Why have you decided to partipate in the Double Degree programme with Centrale Nantes during 2 years (2012/2014)?

" I  chose Centrale Nantes through the double degree program during my 2nd year engineering program at Anna University, Chennai , India, as it is a very renowned and technologically advanced institution and its alumnis are well recognized for their skills in reputed Multi-National companies. Moreover, as a civil engineering student, I would get an opportunity to work with the European standards for the design of different types of structures and hence gain better self-confidence.
Also, I was interested in learning French  language and mingling with French people as they are very friendly and caring. Therefore, I believed that such an atmosphere and exposure will surely help me to upgrade my engineering skills and fulfill my dream of becoming a  well skilled civil engineer and so decided  to choose Centrale Nantes."

Would you encourage the Indian students to share the same experience as yours at Centrale Nantes?

" I would definitely encourage my juniors to take up the double degree program as the courses taught at Centrale Nantes are very practical and application oriented. The courses are framed in such a manner that students get an opportunity to understand its real life applications and also get numerous opportunities to undertake mini professional  projects with the companies as a part of curriculum at Centrale Nantes.  Infact, Centrale Nantes gives an inter-cultural environment and one's professional network is expanded through the contacts with experienced Professors and  company officials."

What about your hobbies in Nantes, in France?

" Regarding my hobbies, I pursue South Indian Classical music and recently I gave a 1hour concert in a temple in Paris. It was really a wonderful experience. Apart from that, I play badminton  as a part of sports team at Centrale Nantes called BDS and I  also try experimenting  cooking different vegetarian dishes."

Your courses are taught in French. Is it a big challenge?

" Yes, It's really challenging  to study and write the exams in French. Initially upon my arrival,  I had a great difficulty in understanding the classes but after 2 months I started understanding the language and the educational system. I had to put-in lots of efforts in improving my listening and writing skills in French and this helped me to succeed in my 1st semester exams here. Infact from the 2nd semester onwards,  I  became much more comfortable with the courses as had better understanding."

Do you think your mobility at Centrale Nantes prepares you to understand the intercultural environment ?

" Yes, Centrale Nantes granted me Centrale Nantes Scholarship of excellence for the 1st year which helped me to cope up with the living expenses here and I am fortunate enough to get selected for the Erasmus Mundus Heritage Scholarship for the 2nd year. I have a financial security and a comfortable living environment with the help of these scholarships."

What do you think about the life in Nantes?

" Nantes in France, provides a very peaceful atmosphere essential for focussing on study/research and developmental kind of work and I am also happy about the social security and the health care system in France. The natives of this country are quite cooperative, humble, development oriented and are embodiment of human values."