Romain Poirier - Computer science student at ENSEEIHT
My international experiences
During high school, I was in the European class program, which allowed me to travel to Orpington in an host English family. Thanks to this experience, I practiced speaking English with native speakers.
Additionally, I did the first Certificate of Cambridge exam in my final year of high school and achieved a B2 level in English.
Currently, I am working on improving my English skills by watching YouTube videos of English content creators. I also listen to English musics, read news in the Guardian, and I use English-language settings on my devices and apps.
I began learning Spanish in my third year of middle school and continued until the end of high school, for a total of five years of study.
As the second most widely spoken language in the world, learning Spanish can help me become more globally oriented.
During high school, I chose to study Japanese as a third language. I enjoyed learning about this rich and fascinating culture, and had the opportunity to give presentations in Japanese on topics such as おにぎりのりょうり (onigiri cooking), the city of ふくおか (Fukuoka), the movie となりのトトロ (My neighbour Totoro), and the company カプコン (Capcom). I also continued studying Japanese at the LV2 level at ENSEEIHT.
Here is an example of presentation we made in Japanese courses. I made it in my first year at ENSEEIHT on geothermal energy (地熱エネルギー), and we posted the results in the school as part of presentations on different energy sources
Here is my presentation in Japanese !
I took a trip to Italy during middle school, during which I had the opportunity to visit many beautiful places. This trip allowed me to gain a greater appreciation and understanding of the country's culture and history.
My international mobility
project
As part of my engineering curriculum, we are required to complete an international mobility experience lasting at least 17 weeks. It aims to strengthen our ability to work in a global context.
To fulfill this requirement, I spent a semester abroad in Canada, from August to December 2024, studying at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC).
During my time there, I selected five courses focused on artificial intelligence, programming, and mathematics.
I do not regret this choice at all because it was an incredible experience. The academic approach in Canada differs significantly from what I’m used to in France. With fewer hours spent in class and more emphasis on self-directed learning, I found the system particularly suited to my personality as a well-organized and autonomous learner.
In addition, the projects were engaging, well-designed, and intellectually stimulating, which made the semester all the more rewarding.
This experience also strengthen my desire to work internationally. Being immersed in a new cultural environment, visiting cities like Chicoutimi, Quebec, and Montreal, and sharing experiences with local and international students all contributed to expanding my global perspective and adaptability.
I also calculated the carbon footprint of my trip
This is a round-trip flight, resulting in a total of 1.646 To Co2e. According to the carbon footprint test I made (you can find it in my Sustainability & Civic Engagement tab), my total emissions for the year are estimated at 4.946 To Co2e .
I am aware that this number is relatively high (slightly above the French average for 2019 according to the French Minister for Ecological Transition), I am committed to adopting a more ecological lifestyle, by taking care of my carbon footprint, particularly in terms of my food consumption.