Hello Dear Reader, I’m Louis and I’ve just finished my second semester of my 3rd year of my Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering degree at ISAE-Supaero in Toulouse — the world’s oldest aeronautical university. I made this decision because I had studied French at A-level and was keen to learn more about the aerospace industry in France and the rest of Europe, as well as to improve my French.
Overall, it was an incredible experience that I would highly recommend to anyone looking to broaden their horizons beyond Southampton, especially if you’re interested in working abroad in the future. The university itself is one of France’s Grandes Écoles, meaning the standard of teaching, equipment, and facilities is excellent, with a modern and vibrant campus to match. Located in the Campus Scientifique area, the university is just a short distance from major Airbus offices and the headquarters of the French space agency.
One of my favourite aspects of the course was its international nature. Our group of 28 students represented five different continents, and this global outlook was reflected across the wider university too. In our French classes, we were mixed with Master’s students, which gave me the chance to socialise with people from a wide range of backgrounds — a truly surreal and enriching experience.
If you’re a fan of aviation or spaceflight, there’s no better place in Europe than Toulouse. The global headquarters and final assembly lines for Airbus are based at the city’s airport, so the skies are constantly filled with fascinating aircraft to admire.
My time abroad has made me a more well-rounded student and person. I learned about different educational approaches, course structures, and study habits from students around the world, and I’ll definitely bring those insights back to Southampton with me.
My advice for any student planning to study in France would be to pay close attention to the visa application process. It can be quite lengthy and involves many steps, so it’s important to start early — or ask for help if you need it. It’s definitely manageable, but it requires good organisation!