Paris Exchange Life & Course Learning
By WU Yelong
On September 5, 2024, I flew to Paris with my luggage and began a one-year exchange program at Mines Paris-PSL. On the first day, I attended the orientation session, completed administrative procedures such as document registration and opening a bank account, and then took a cruise on the Seine River. As the city scenery passed by, a completely new rhythm of life officially began.
Course Learning and Team Collaboration
During the first six months, I mainly attended university courses. The subjects were diverse yet substantial, covering energy, electrochemistry, and electrical engineering. Assessment methods mainly consisted of group assignments and in-class presentations, with relatively few written examinations.
By working on projects with classmates from different countries and backgrounds, I learned how to clarify objectives, document the division of tasks, and define milestones clearly. Professors from various laboratories frequently connected academic theory with engineering practice, helping me better understand how “textbook knowledge” can be applied in real-world situations.
Corporate Internship and Project Practice
During the second half of the year, I needed to find a corporate internship of approximately five months independently, and language quickly became the first major challenge. Although many positions stated that the working language was English, daily communication within teams was still largely conducted in French.
I began submitting applications in November 2024 and did not receive an offer until early March 2025. During those months, I created a personal routine for improvement: after each interview, I actively requested feedback — identifying unclear explanations, weak points, or missing elements in my presentation — and immediately revised both my resume and presentation materials. I gradually refined my projects into a concise “problem–method–result” structure and practiced until I could explain them clearly within three to five minutes. Progress was slow, but I continued moving forward steadily.
Eventually, I joined CryoCollect, a French startup specializing in carbon dioxide capture. I was responsible for the cryogenic capture of low-concentration CO₂, which represented a new research direction for the company. My mentor, Ghiwa, guided me through the initial stages, and I collaborated closely with Ahmed, an engineer from Iran.
Starting from defining the boundary conditions, we built a parameterized process model incorporating pre-cooling, expansion, separation, and re-cooling stages. We first ensured that the model operated correctly, then conducted preliminary validation and energy consumption analysis, followed by a first round of optimization under established constraints. This allowed us to obtain a feasible set of operating conditions and engineering recommendations.
I organized the phased results into internal reports and demonstration materials, discussed them during weekly meetings, and gradually developed a deeper understanding of how on-site constraints, regulatory requirements, and cost models influence technical choices.
Cultural Exploration Beyond Studies
Beyond academics, I integrated the city into my daily life. Located in the center of Paris, Mines Paris-PSL is within walking distance of the Panthéon and offers convenient access to the Louvre Museum and the Musée d'Orsay.
On weekends, I visited the Palace of Versailles and Palace of Fontainebleau to experience different landscapes and historical atmospheres.
I also made time for outdoor activities. I joined a ski trip organized by UCPA and spent a week training in the Les Trois Vallées in the French Alps. With affordable fees and professional organization, it became an unforgettable experience.
Conclusion and Outlook
The one-year exchange program in Paris and my internship in carbon capture system design greatly enriched both my academic background and practical experience, while further consolidating my future career direction. I hope to continue specializing in the fields of energy and environment, explore the industrial applications of low-carbon technologies, and connect my personal development with global sustainable development goals.
Whether I pursue further postgraduate studies or work in related industries in the future, this extraordinary experience will remain a valuable starting point for my journey ahead.
