France Excellence - Yersin Scholarship 2023 - Laureate Testimony

Hello all! My name is Chloe Ng-Brossard, and I am currently an M1 student in the BiotechEco (industrial biotechnology and bioeconomics) program at INSA Toulouse.

As someone who grew up and studied in Hong Kong, joining this international program at Toulouse has opened my eyes to new experiences. Toulouse is not exactly a famous tourist destination as it is known for being a student city. However, the combination of art, architecture and young energy creates an exciting mixture that I have never experienced before. With the support from Campus France, I am able to explore such a rich culture so far from home, and enjoy the people, food, and travel around France. I think that if you have the chance, studying and living in France is something you cannot miss.

Studying at HEC Paris for the Master in Management Grande École program has been transformative. With a background in luxury industry internships in Hong Kong, the move to France significantly broadened my academic and personal horizons. HEC Paris offers unparalleled opportunities to learn from luxury industry leaders. It has given me a profound understanding of the luxury sector. Moreover, the program’s connections with top luxury brands have led to exclusive internships and networking events, enhancing my career prospects.

Living in Paris is enriching. The city’s history, culture, and architecture are captivating. It has been a place of learning and personal growth, helping me to expand my cultural awareness, learn French, and form lasting friendships with a diverse group of people. The French Excellence Scholarship has been crucial in this journey. It allowed me to immerse in studies and excel academically. I am grateful for this honor.

To those considering to study in France, I wholeheartedly recommend it. The experience is unmatched and will profoundly shape you. In France, my academic journey resonates with Shakespeare's insight: 'the world is your oyster,' unlocking a universe of opportunities and growth.

Thanks to this generous scholarship, I am honored to have the chance to embark on a new academic journey in Paris, one of the greatest cities with rich heritage in the world. The experience I have had so far in Sciences Po has been nothing short of transformative. The rich academic environment, coupled with the cultural immersion, has enhanced  my learning experience.

The decision to study in France was an important moment in my academic pursuits. Sciences Po Paris has been a great education institution. I have met people from all around the world, which allowed me to learn about different cultures and have thought provoking discussions on international politics with locals and advocates.

Moreover, the vibrant culture of France has not only enriched my academic endeavors but has also contributed to personal growth. The exposure to diverse perspectives has been invaluable in shaping my worldview. Also, I have had the best opportunity to learn about the authentic French culture in different aspects, be it political, artistic, or culinary.

All in all, my time as a laureate of this scholarship  has been marked by academic excellence, cultural enrichment, and personal development. I wholeheartedly recommend more students to embark on this extraordinary academic journey in France !

Knowledge only grows when getting shared.

It is my greatest honor to be a laureate for The Alexandre Yersin scholarship in 2023. My further educational journey in France has been made possible thanks to this scholarship. Not only financial support is provided, but also a treasured opportunity to broaden my horizons and to shape me into a more globally conscious and empathetic individual by proposing a variation of cultural events and activities in different domains.

The second year at Sciences Po Lyon is certainly a new chapter in my personal and academic adventure, filled with various nationwide political issues and topics. Moreover, working on projects with local French students does allow me to learn their way of thinking, not to mention their warmth and hospitality. 

Being a student from Hong Kong in such a diverse community of peers from different countries around the world does encourage me to foster cross-cultural understanding through numerous exchanges and conversations, and for sure some unexpected harvest, lifelong friendships.

Thanks to Campus France for their generous support for my journey and for making my time truly unforgettable.

Pursuing a master’s degree in France is an amazing way for Hong Kong students to conclude their university life and unleash their full potential. With its quality higher education, outstanding academic research and supportive university environment, France allows students to immerse in an entirely different cultural context and to reflect retrospectively on our own ways of life.

France’s picturesque landscapes, exquisite cultural heritage and dynamism have undoubtedly attracted young and talented students from across the globe to pursue their dreams, thrive and flourish. Here in Bordeaux, I’ve made unforgettable memories with other international students.

As someone eager to bring meaning change in global governance, peace and conflict resolution, the Alexandre Yersin’s scholarship enables me to deepen my understanding on world politics, foreign policy and humanitarian affairs.

Of course, thanks to France’s excellent transport system and Europe’s efficient free circulation, one should never forget about the range of cultural activities available within France and Europe!

I had the incredible opportunity to pursue my Master's in Aeronautical Engineering, specializing in Aircraft Design, in the vibrant city of Toulouse, France. The experience has been nothing short of enriching and transformative. The faculty members are experts in the field, and their passion for aeronautics is contagious. The practical and insightful classes have equipped me with invaluable knowledge and skills.

One of the highlights has been the diverse and multicultural environment. Interacting with international and French students has not only broadened my perspective but also allowed me to forge lasting connections. Together, we've enjoyed moments of laughter, exploration, and relaxation—whether it's hanging out during weekends, attending cultural events, or simply appreciating the beauty of the city.

Toulouse, with its charming blend of history and modernity, provides the perfect backdrop for academic and personal growth. The warmth of the people and the city's vibrant atmosphere have made my time here truly unforgettable. I am grateful for this experience, as it has not only shaped my academic journey but has also created memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

To most people, studying in France is a luxurious experience preserved for the well-off and the elite class; to me, studying in France is the most down-to-earth living experience that I have ever had in which I seek for new possibilities of life. The education in France encourages students to develop their critical thinking skills since the early age and it is not uncommon to see vigorous debate in the classroom. Students are also encouraged to engage in various projects in the community so that we learn to be part of the bigger society. During my class in the Master of Public Health in Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, we have discussed health issues from the social perspective, and we have enriched our knowledge by learning the concept of ‘One Health’ being an important approach to prevent infectious diseases. Through the exchange, the conversation and the travel that I have in France, I am able to reflect deeply on myself and my connection with the world. This experience in France enables me to have a step forward towards the career in the international field which, to me, is a door to an unimaginable world.

With the aid of the Alexandre Yersin scholarship, I have been able to fully unleash the potential of my academic and professional journey in France. France not only offers top-tier education but also provides a unique blend of professional growth and cultural enrichment, fostering an environment where individuals can truly unleash their potential

My internship experiences in consulting and finance have been instrumental in shaping my professional trajectory. The dynamic nature of the French work environment allowed me to immerse myself in challenging projects, of which honed my technical and personal skills. I greatly owe my basis in professional development to the French education and work environment.

I have also had the opportunity to expose myself to the nuances of French working culture. The emphasis on collaboration, flexibility and occasionally bending rules, technical precision and efficiency (when desired, since the French like the take their time otherwise) has significantly influenced my approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

France has also taught me to enjoy the little things in life – from the enjoyment of life at terraces with coffee and wine, to unhindered, fervent debates on politics, from discussing how to “bien manger” to marvelling Impressionistic strokes at Le Musée D’Orsay, from to discovering “les petits coins” in Paris, to marvelling the majestic Haussmann buildings whilst dressed in a long trench coat and les bottines à talons. Perhaps the greatest takeaway I have gathered is not professional development, but to enjoy life to its maximum. As the French say – “croquer la vie à pleines dents”.

As a laureate of 2023, currently pursuing my master’s in civilengineering at École Spéciale des Travaux Publics, dubâtiment et de l'industrie (ESTP) in Cachan, France, I canconfidently say this decision has been one of the mostrewarding choices of my life. France, renowned for its mind-blowing structural engineering marvels, from the iconic EiffelTower to the Viaduct de Millau, provides an inspiringbackdrop to my academic pursuits.
The privilege of being admitted to ESTP has not only enrichedmy academic experience but has also been complemented bythe proactive efforts of the international office, ensuring theseamless integration of students into the French culture bypairing us with French buddies, fostering opportunities forlanguage practice and cultural exchange. Additionally, theweekly French language class further contribute to ourlinguistic proficiency, enhancing our overall academic journeyin France.
Apart from my academic life, my time here is also enhancedby
the kindness of local French people who has neverhesitated to assist or to spark up a conversation with arandom stranger, pathing a magical and endearingexperience for my soul.