An Internship Journal Across Mountains and Sea
By ZHANG Lifu
Over the past year, I was fortunate to pursue the second year of my master’s degree in France and successfully complete both my academic studies and research internship. This experience not only brought me significant gains in academics and professional skills, but also provided profound training in cross-cultural communication, scientific research collaboration, and independent thinking.
Course Learning and Academic Development
In terms of coursework, I systematically studied subjects related to thermodynamics, including building and industrial energy conservation, industrial heat-flow simulation using Modelica software, application programming, carbon capture and carbon emissions, energy storage and battery technologies, renewable energy development (including photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, wave energy, marine resources, and wind power), life cycle assessment, and artificial intelligence.
Teaching in class strongly emphasized the integration of theory and practice. Through case studies, thematic discussions, and research-oriented assignments, professors encouraged us to connect mathematical models with experimental observations, which represented both an expansion and a deepening of the knowledge acquired during the first year of study.
Through these courses, I further deepened my understanding of complex system modeling, numerical simulation methods, and experimental design. In particular, during projects involving the thermodynamic design of seawater distillation systems and the optimization of heating facility energy consumption in different French cities, I integrated previously acquired knowledge into practical applications. This gradually helped me build a systematic framework of expertise and established a solid theoretical foundation for subsequent research work.
At the same time, the teaching methods of French higher education also represented a completely new experience for me. Professors place great emphasis on cultivating students’ abilities in independent learning and critical thinking. Classroom activities focus more on interaction and discussion than on the simple transmission of knowledge. Students from different countries and regions are encouraged to cooperate, discuss challenges together, and exchange perspectives, thereby strengthening teamwork skills and cultural understanding. Professors also actively encourage students to present constructive ideas and share them openly with others.
Research Internship and Practical Experience
After six months of coursework, I carried out a six-month research internship within the ISM2 research team located in Marseille. The laboratory focuses mainly on molecular science research and covers interdisciplinary fields such as organic and inorganic synthesis, supramolecular chemistry, biomimetic and green catalysis, chemical biology, and metabolomics based on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR).
My work mainly focused on developing material and molecular identification methods based on rapid NMR relaxation time measurements.
My tasks included:
Preparing standard NMR test tubes for different samples, configuring parameters, and operating the NMR spectrometer to perform spectral analysis and data acquisition. I then processed the data using software such as NMRprocflow, TopSpin, and SIMCA, while also writing rapid-processing codes for auxiliary calculations and final result analysis.
Assisting supervisors and doctoral students with experimental design, as well as supporting NMR maintenance and liquid nitrogen refilling operations.
Through this series of practical activities, I not only improved my experimental and data analysis skills, but also gradually learned how to communicate and collaborate efficiently within a research environment. I deeply realized the exploratory and uncertain nature of scientific research and learned to remain patient and meticulous when encountering difficulties, while continuously adapting research strategies.
At the same time, this internship experience helped me clarify my future objective of pursuing further academic studies and engaging in scientific research.
Cross-Cultural Communication and Daily Life
During my studies and internship in France, I also experienced meaningful cross-cultural exchanges. Working with international students and researchers from France, Algeria, Morocco, Rwanda, and other countries, as well as benefiting from the patient guidance of my internship supervisor, not only improved my academic communication skills in English and French, but also strengthened my cross-cultural understanding and teamwork abilities.
Through seminars and laboratory collaborations, I learned how to express my views clearly, absorb different opinions, and seek consensus within a diverse academic environment.
The atmosphere of both courses and laboratory work in France is relatively relaxed. During my free time, I enjoyed hiking and walking along the beach. Southern France offers magnificent scenery, and close contact with nature helped relieve the stress of daily work. Interactions with local residents also allowed me to discover different customs and regional cuisine.
Conclusion and Outlook
Overall, this one-year study and internship experience has been extremely meaningful to me. I would like to sincerely thank the China-EU Institute for Clean and Renewable Energy of Huazhong University of Science and Technology for providing me with this precious opportunity.
This experience not only enabled me to make further progress academically, but also brought new perspectives regarding life and ways of thinking. I will regard this valuable experience as an important cornerstone for my future academic and professional development and continue striving forward.
