Testimonials from French Alumni

Vanessa, 2022 French Excellence Yersin Scholarship recipient

Apart from academics, my decision to study in France is driven by my love towards French culture, history and language. I have been studying French since sophomore year and now I have reached a C1 level. Thanks to this language, I have opened the door to another world, with the eyes to appreciate original French literature, art and music, whilst communicating with interesting people who share the same language across the globe.

Joan, 2022 French Excellence Yersin Scholarship recipient

After I graduated from the University of Hong Kong in 2012 with a Bachelor of Nursing degree, I worked as a registered nurse in a cardiology ward in a private hospital for two years.

The world-class, forefront education and the long tradition of medical excellence in France provide an excellent breeding ground for pioneers of the healthcare profession. Upon my research of global healthcare systems, the recognition of the fortes of France’s healthcare systems by the World Health Organization has encouraged me to reflect on the areas for improvement vis-à-vis healthcare systems in Hong Kong and elsewhere.

In particular, I am impressed by the preventionary measures taken to improve female well-being, e.g. free biannual mammogram and free annual gynecological check-up. As such, studying in France would offer me authentic and genuine exchanges with stakeholders in French and European countries. It would be such a valuable opportunity to gather such brilliant minds together in which students can reinforce receptivity and enlighten one another. This would also allow me to reflect and appraise, and eventually strengthen my capabilities as a healthcare professional in formulating innovative policies to meet the complex and dynamic needs of a population in the ever-changing environment.

Elise, 2022 French Excellence Yersin Scholarship recipient

My studies in Paris prepared me well for my ambition to work on sustainable development in an international setting. I joined Sciences Po because it is a world-renowned hub for students, academics, and experts worldwide. Furthermore, the European Union is the forefront of environmental policy and hosts a hub of international organisations concentrating on sustainable development. Studying in France will give me the opportunity to participate in talks and networking events to deepen my understanding of sustainability issues and broaden my horizons.

Brian, French Excellence Yersin Scholarship recipient

There are many excellent scholars working on theoretical quantum science at the Institut Polytechnique de Paris. Having spent two years in France, I am now able to produce high quality research in the field.

Man Lee, 2023 French Excellence Yersin Scholarship recipient

With this scholarship, I was able to study a Master's in Aeronautical Engineering Programme at ISAE-SUPAERO. Located in Toulouse, a hub for the European aerospace industry, the university has close relationship with different aviation companies, helping me better connect with the industry.

Nancy, 2023 French Excellence Yersin Scholarship recipient

With my experience in combatting COVID in public hospitals, I hope to enhance my knowledge in public health and deepen my understanding towards the French healthcare system, which prides itself with its state-of-the-art medecine and an all-rounded social security system. Upon completion of my master's degree, I will initiate a project of health promotion for the underprivileged group in Hong Kong, integrating the knowledge and skills in public health that I get from France. Choose France - it opens possibilities beyond norms.

Austin, 2023 French Excellence Yersin Scholarship recipient

Studying at HEC Paris for the Master in Management Grande École Programme has been transformative. With a background in luxury internships in Hong Kong, the move to France significantly broadened my academic and personal horizons.

Chloe, 2023 French Excellence Yersin Scholarship recipient

As an M1 student in BiotechEco (Industrial biotechnology and bioeconomics) programme at INSA Toulouse, I was given the chance to experience the combination of art, architecture, and young energy - an exciting mixture that I have never experienced before. With my undergraduate training at HKUST, I was getting more and more drawn towards the interdisciplinary nature of biotechnology. I have seen my interest grow more towards life science start-ups, exploring the bridge between the technical aspects of biotechnology and the
business world. France has the most established biotechnology industry in Europe, and being able to explore, innovate, and create in France with an amazing support from the industry world.

Clarion, 2023 French Excellence Yersin scholarship awardee

Thanks to the rich intellectual culture in France, a lot of famous philosophers were born and educated there, such as Michel Foucault, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Claude Levi-Strauss. They came up with useful theoretical frameworks for scholars to understand human society, and more specifically, to investigate the underlying, invisible structural problem of different kinds of systems that operate tacitly yet impactfully in our society.

The fact that many great thinkers were educated in Paris guaranteed the quality of French education, and more importantly, it proved that the intellectual environment in Paris was conducive to the birth of new but powerful ideas. Therefore, I believe France is the best place for my further studies, and I hope to immerse myself in the French intellectual culture in the coming two years.

Adriana, 2023 French Excellence Yersin scholarship awardee

Studying in France has been a part of my future goal ever since undergrad—my love for the French language and architecture dates back to secondary school. France has the most impressive structural engineering the world has ever known, from the Eiffel Tower to the Viaduc de Millau and the Statue of Liberty in New York. They are a combination of both art and engineering born as one, not to mention the precision to the nearest millimeter during the construction of Viaduc de Millau. It is an honor for me to be able to study French structural engineering.

Looking into the future, I would like to integrate my knowledge of roadway design to bridge design. I would like to broaden my knowledge in the field of structural engineering. I dream of working on a bridge rehabilitation and design project besides highway design. Being able to work in France would give me the opportunity to further advance my career goals.

Ashlee, 2024 French+Sciences Programme Scholarship

My time in the French+Sciences Programme in Montpellier was a life-changing experience. From startups in Enercoop focusing on sustainability to the implementation of new tramlines for greener public transport, the city of Montpellier not only lives up to its name as a place where sustainability is put into practice, but also as a vibrant and alluring city for experiencing French culture.

Jacob, 2024 French+Gastronomy Programme Scholarship

The French+Gastronomy Scholarship allows me to discover the techniques of great chefs, meet producers and culinary professionals, while learning the French language.

Peng, PhD student, awardee of the HKU-Pasteur Research Pole Fellowship

My study focuses on impacts of perinatal exposure of early-life programming of gut microbiota and its health consequences. A human organoid technology available at the Institut Pasteur was essential to validate my findings. Transferring this technology back to HKU-Pasteur Research Pole can bridge a gap between different research environments.