(Written By Zhuang Yuming) Friendship knows no borders, and culture builds bridges. In celebration of the 60th anniversary of Sino-French diplomatic relations, 36 undergraduates from Zhongfa Aviation Institute embarked on their first exchange visit to France this September. They visited Toulouse and Montpellier, enjoying a week full of enriching experiences. Let’s follow their journey and embrace the charm of southern France.
Broadening Horizons Through Exchange Visits
The students departed from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, transited via Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, and arrived at their first destination, Toulouse— “The Pink City” of France. From September 16 to 17, the delegation visited the École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile (ENAC) and the Institut National des Sciences Appliquées (INSA) Toulouse, where they were introduced to France’s elite education system and its preparatory cycle.
Visit to INSA Toulouse
Visit to ENAC
“A great university has no walls.” At INSA Toulouse, Professor Walter ESCOFFIER guided the students on a tour of the microelectronics and strong magnetism laboratories. The students learned firsthand about the chip manufacturing process and experienced the mysteries of “electricity generating magnetism, and magnetism generating electricity.” They appreciated the value of hands-on education in different cultural settings.
The Vice Director of ENAC, Nicolas CAZALIS, warmly welcomed the delegation. The students participated in classes such as Navigation and Introduction to Signal Processing, getting the taste of “one day as a French student”.
Vice President Nicolas CAZALIS joined the students and faculty for lunch
Let’s visit Airbus! Visiting Airbus was a highlight of the trip for the students. They gained an in-depth understanding of Airbus’s development history and were particularly impressed by the tour of the A350 assembly line. At the Musée Aeroscopia, the students were thrilled to see aviation legends like the discontinued giant Airbus A380, the supersonic Concorde, and the powerful A400M military transporter. Students were amazed by modern aviation's achievements and relentless innovation, and they were inspired by the technological advances shaping the future of the aerospace industry.
On September 19, the group traveled by train to their second destination, Montpellier, where they visited Lycée Joffre. Led by Principal Olivier BRIARD, they experienced a full day of French preparatory education, from class changes to dining and socializing with French students.
Exchange Reflections: Students Share Their Insights
Several students shared their thoughts on this memorable trip:
Chen Zuohou: During the one-week exchange in France, I was deeply impressed by the country’s unique cultural charm, excellent mathematics and science education, and strong industrial foundation. Strolling through the streets of Toulouse, I was immersed in the relaxing atmosphere and the rich sense of history in this “Pink City.” Visiting the Airbus museum and production line, I was amazed by the advancement and innovation of the French aviation industry. Participating in courses at ENAC and Joffre, I experienced firsthand the rigor and professionalism of French engineering education. These seven days felt like a dream and have left me with perfect memories of my time in France!
Wang Yifan: In France, I enjoyed both the wilderness and the tracks. France is relaxed, with the harmonious sound of choirs in cathedrals and the passionate street performers in Montpellier. However, France is also precise, with orderly classrooms at ENAC and meticulous research in the INSA labs.
I often ponder the meaning of study tours: they allow us to move from one fishbowl to another, to observe, experience, and restore ourselves in different settings, achieving spiritual transformation and elevation.
In the future, we will write unique chapters with a broader vision. This study tour in France will inspire us to explore new possibilities and face fresh challenges continually.
Zhang Jingyu: This trip to France has been an unforgettable experience for me. By personally experiencing university and high school classes in France, I was able to feel the classroom atmosphere in a different cultural environment. French students were very friendly and eager to interact with us, as well as actively engage with the teachers. This lively classroom atmosphere encouraged everyone to participate in learning and thinking, which benefited me a lot. Outside of class, the unique cuisine and beautiful landscapes of southern France also left a deep impression on me. They allowed me to step away from the fast pace of life and leisurely appreciate the beauty of the world!
Hou Yanru: As the ancient saying goes, “Read ten thousand books, travel ten thousand miles.” Toulouse is home to a quarter of France’s students, making it a young and vibrant city. Montpellier, on the other hand, is a hub for research and innovation in France, with numerous higher education institutions and research centers. The students here are like the Mediterranean sun—passionate and focused. This exchange allowed me to experience the diversity of French culture, where life can be relaxed and carefree, but learning and research are pursued with precision and dedication. In France, I witnessed different ways of approaching life and gained the courage to face future uncertainties.
On the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, H3I will continue to enhance the integration of Sino-French higher education and jointly write a “special chapter” in internationalized education. While welcoming more foreign students to study in China, it also aims to encourage more Chinese students to study abroad, fostering deeper dialogue, mutual exchange, and learning. This effort will inject fresh vitality into Sino-French educational collaboration.
(Approved by: Hong Guanxin, Zhang Wei, Xu Ran)
(Edited by Yuan Xiaohui)
