French students find HUST as their second home

Driven by globalization, a new wave of students is setting out on international academic journeys. Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) has emerged as a standout destination. For future engineers from France’s top-tier institutions like ENSAM and Mines Paris - PSL, a summer in Hanoi offered not only hands-on experience in cutting-edge technology, but it also opened the door to an immersive cultural adventure.

A go-to place for academic exchange

As part of international exchange programs, this summer, HUST welcomed students from France’s most prestigious engineering institutions, including École Nationale Supérieure d'Arts et Métiers (ENSAM), a public French Grande École specializing in engineering and mechanics, and Mines Paris - PSL, a member of the Université PSL network and a leading French institution in science and engineering.

Aymeric, a student from Mines Paris, shared: “Our university strongly encourages global learning experiences. All students are required to complete at least two months of study or internship abroad before graduation. HUST is a respected international partner and also a trusted name in engineering education, making it an ideal destination for us.”
  Meanwhile, François and Mateo, engineering students in ENSAM’s “sandwich” (work-study) program, chose HUST for their professional internship, emphasizing: “HUST offers the perfect environment to develop technical expertise while experiencing Southeast Asian culture in a serious and modern academic setting. The collaborative environment here has broadened our perspective and strengthened our adaptability in a multicultural context.”

During their internship at HUST, French students joined a cutting-edge project developing semi-hybrid machine learning models for forecasting national electricity consumption, which is a high-impact, real-world technical challenge. “We were particularly excited about this internship because two of us had a strong interest in working in this field for our work-study program, and we had already been introduced to similar concepts during our studies at the University of Cachan. Working on this topic allows us to deepen our knowledge in machine learning while contributing to a meaningful, real-world application,” the group reflected.

What struck them most about HUST was the practicality of its research, as well as the flexibility and openness of its academic staff and students. The experience enabled them to delve deeply into applied solutions while sharpening their skills in data processing, modeling, and algorithm validation using real datasets. “We receive external feedback on our work and are learning new, diverse ways of approaching problems. From a technical point of view, we will leave this internship with valuable experience in machine learning and programming, which will undoubtedly enhance our professional profiles once we return to France.”

Where global minds meet and learn

Beyond academics, the students immersed themselves in a multicultural environment that nurtured both professional and personal growth. They were warmly welcomed and supported by HUST faculty and collaborated closely with Vietnamese peers, building friendships that transcended language and cultural differences. “The people at HUST are curious and open-minded. We already invited HUST students to our home to share a dinner, and it was a really good experience. Right from the start, we felt at home.”.

Among their fondest memories were the simple lunch breaks with Vietnamese friends, moments filled with laughter, cultural exchange, and traditional cuisine. “We not only tasted local dishes but also learned about the people and the culture.”
  To these French students, HUST is a prestigious institution with a vibrant, welcoming community. “We highly recommend that my friends visit HUST, one of the largest universities in Vietnam, which offers a wide range of multidisciplinary courses. Additionally, HUST provides French courses for individuals who wish to continue their studies in France. The staff and students at HUST have been incredibly welcoming and accommodating to us.”

As their internship draws to a close, they express a heartfelt desire to return, to continue exploring what remains, and to revisit a place they’ve come to call a second home. Back in France, they will resume their engineering programs, with aspirations of pursuing specialized Master’s degrees or careers in energy or AI. “At HUST, we didn’t just learn engineering, we learned to think globally and build friendships that go beyond borders.”

Wrapping up their stay in Hanoi, the students carry with them more than technical certificates; they take home the memories of a meaningful summer, shaped by knowledge, connection, and sincere Vietnamese hospitality.