Future CESI engineers on exchange at Klamath Community College: a human and academic adventure
In this page :
- Warm welcome encouraging cultural exchange
- Unique academic experience
- Cultural and professional immersion
- Why choose international mobility programs at CESI?
- Klamath Community College in numbers
- Bridge to the world
Second-year students from CESI’s preparatory engineering program had the unique opportunity to spend an entire quarter in the United States at Klamath Community College (KCC), in Oregon. During their stay, they took courses in computer engineering and manufacturing technology, all while immersing themselves in a new culture and a different academic environment.
This initiative is part of an exchange program between KCC and CESI. Dr. Fred Griffiths, Director of International Studies at KCC, has announced plans to send several students and a staff member on exchange to France in the coming months.
Warm welcome encouraging cultural exchange
CESI students from Angoulême, Bordeaux, Nanterre, Saint-Nazaire, and Strasbourg campuses were warmly welcomed at Dr. Griffiths’ home, where they met members of the French Club of Klamath Falls. Nathalie Naveau, Director of Klamath County Library and coordinator of the French Club, expressed her delight:
This is an excellent opportunity for our members to practice their French and for KCC to expand its cultural horizons.
Jen Cole, a club member and former professor, shares this excitement:
Cultural exchanges enrich our community, and this partnership is a great example of this dynamic.
Unique academic experience
The students discovered an educational system distinguished by its informal and personalised approach. Achilee Barucq, one of the students, shared:
The classes here are similar to those in France, but the professors are much more approachable, calling us by our first names and offering individual support
Cultural and professional immersion
This international mobility program is also a human adventure. Hosted by local families or accommodated in student dormitories at the Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT), the students experienced daily life in Klamath Falls and its surrounding areas.
During their stay, they looked forward to exploring Oregon’s natural wonders, such as Crater Lake National Park, Lava Beds National Monument, or even skiing at Mount Shasta.
Why choose international mobility programs at CESI?
Participating in an academic exchange like the CESI-KCC partnership offers numerous benefits:
- Embrace a new culture: Discover a new way of life, a different language and a new environment.
- Validate your academic pathway: Equivalent to a Bac+2 (two years of higher education), this experience is fully integrated into students’ academic program.
- Acquire new skills: Work with diverse technologies and academic approaches.
- Enhance your employability: International experience is a major advantage in the job market.
Klamath Community College in numbers
Founded in 1996 and based in Klamath Falls, KCC hosts students from around the world every year. In 2021, the college welcomed 1683 students, including 577 full-time and 1106 part-time students. The international program attracts students from countries such as Brazil, Burma and China.
Dr. Griffiths about CESI:
CESI is a demanding institution with 25 campuses across France. All credits and tuition fees are transferable, enabling our students to benefit from international education while paying KCC fees.
Bridge to the world
Through this exchange program, CESI students are building bridges between two cultures, while strengthening their academic and personal skills. This transformative experience perfectly reflects CESI’s mission: to train tomorrow’s engineers, open to the world and ready to tackle the challenges of a global environment.