Academic, Cultural, and Industrial Experience in France
By TIAN Yifei
Over the past year, I was fortunate to study at Mines Paris-PSL as an exchange student. This experience not only enabled me to make further progress in professional knowledge, but also brought valuable cultural experiences and practical engineering training. Whether through classroom learning, cultural exploration, or my internship within a French company, I developed a deeper understanding of the energy sector, as well as of the academic and industrial environments in Europe. These experiences broadened my horizons and significantly strengthened my overall capabilities.
Academic Learning and Professional Development
During the first half of the year in Paris, my primary task was attending courses. We systematically studied subjects such as Energy System Modeling, Building Energy Consumption Analysis, Energy Economics, and Environmental Policy.
Professors placed strong emphasis on integrating theory with practical applications. Through case studies, modeling exercises, and project-based learning, they guided us toward a deeper understanding of complex issues related to the global energy transition.
Collaborating on projects with classmates from different countries not only improved my academic communication and teamwork abilities, but also allowed me to better appreciate the global and interdisciplinary nature of energy-related challenges.
Throughout the courses, we learned to use professional tools such as OpenModelica, Pleiades, and Python, applying them to projects involving building energy optimization, seawater desalination, and life cycle assessment. These highly practical learning experiences provided valuable inspiration for my future academic and research work.
Cultural Exploration: Discovering France
Beyond academic studies, I also fully embraced the opportunity to explore French history and culture.
In Paris, I visited major cultural institutions such as the Louvre Museum, the Musée d'Orsay, and the Centre Pompidou, where I experienced artistic works ranging from classical masterpieces to modern creations.
These visits not only deepened my understanding of European art history, but also allowed me to appreciate the importance that French society places on cultural heritage and artistic preservation.
I also visited historical landmarks such as the Palace of Versailles, the Naval Ministry, and the Palace of Fontainebleau. Each location offered a unique perspective on French history, politics, culture, and social development.
These experiences felt like intellectual and spiritual journeys beyond academic life, allowing me to gain inspiration and cultural enrichment alongside my studies.
Corporate Internship: Applying Knowledge in Industry
For my graduation internship, I joined Hutchinson in Montargis. My main responsibilities focused on the analysis and forecasting of the factory’s energy consumption data.
By processing and modeling large datasets collected from industrial production lines and sensor systems, I learned how to combine machine learning techniques with practical industrial requirements in order to build predictive models. I also participated in discussions related to energy efficiency optimization strategies.
This internship allowed me to become familiar with international energy management standards such as ISO 50001 and helped me better understand the importance of applying theoretical knowledge to real industrial scenarios.
At the same time, daily communication and collaboration with French colleagues significantly improved my language proficiency and cross-cultural communication skills.
Historical Reflection: Following the Footsteps of Predecessors
One particularly meaningful aspect of this experience was the historical significance of Montargis. The town where the company is located was once an important place where many early Chinese revolutionaries studied and lived during their work-study period in France.
The Hutchinson factory where I worked was precisely the site where Mr. Deng Xiaoping once participated in work-study activities nearly a century ago, and my office was located on the exact site of the former workshop where he once worked. The square beneath my apartment building is named Place Deng Xiaoping in his memory.
Walking through the town, I passed parks where progressive young Chinese intellectuals once gathered to discuss the future of their country, as well as the girls’ public school where Xiang Jingyu promoted women’s liberation and social reform.
Following in the footsteps of these historical figures and experiencing the atmosphere of these places gave me a much deeper understanding of their courage, determination, and ideals. Their willingness to travel across continents in pursuit of knowledge and national development became a strong source of inspiration for me.
This unique historical and geographical environment transformed my internship experience into something far beyond technical training. While studying advanced technologies and industrial practices, I also felt connected to a broader historical mission and became even more motivated to contribute my own efforts to scientific and technological development.
Personal Growth and Future Aspirations
This internship not only strengthened my professional abilities in data analysis and energy management, but also provided a profound source of intellectual and personal inspiration.
I became increasingly convinced of the importance of connecting personal growth with broader social and national development. In the future, I hope to continue pursuing innovation in energy technologies while following the example of previous generations who studied abroad and contributed their knowledge to national progress.
Conclusion and Gratitude
Finally, I would like to sincerely thank the China-EU Institute for Clean and Renewable Energy for providing me with this valuable opportunity, as well as all the professors, supervisors, and classmates who supported me throughout my studies and life in France.
In the future, I will continue striving forward and make full use of the inspiration, knowledge, and personal growth gained from this unforgettable international experience.
