Ana Isabella, a Colombian student pursuing a dual degree at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia and ENSTA

Why did you choose ENSTA?

Ever since I studied mechatronics engineering at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, I’ve been very interested in the fields of energy and the ecological transition. So when I saw that ENSTA, one of France’s most prestigious engineering schools, offered a specialization track in “Science and Technology for Energy,” the choice was pretty straightforward.

Plus, throughout the admissions process, the kindness and attention from the International Relations Office reaffirmed my decision.

What are the advantages of studying at ENSTA? What do you like most?

During my time at ENSTA, I really appreciated the broad and diverse nature of the curriculum. Of course, I was happy to take technical and scientific engineering courses, but they were really well complemented by courses in languages, economics, and culture.

Personally, I found that the mandatory sports activities really contributed to my well-being.

What do you think of student life? Are you part of a student organization or club?

ENSTA does indeed have a large number of student organizations, which offers plenty of opportunities to meet people with similar tastes and interests, and to make friends more easily. I was very happy to be part of the ENSTA women’s soccer team, which allowed me to play my favorite sport, meet people, and discover some really cool places—not just at ENSTA, but also at other schools during games.

Do you live in the dorm? How would you describe your campus? What do you like about the campus?

I lived in the ENSTA dorm for a year. I really liked being close to the school building, and also having not only my own studio apartment, with everything I needed to live, but also communal and club spaces, like the room at the bottom of Building E for studying, the KVO room for playing music, or the movie theater for hanging out with others.

What advice would you give to a student from your country who wants to come to ENSTA?

I’d tell them to just go for it, keep an open mind, and make the most of every opportunity available to students at ENSTA, because it goes by so fast.

I’d also advise them to prioritize their professional training while enriching it with cultural, athletic, and artistic activities alongside the friends they’ll surely meet here.

What do you like about France?

I really love life in France. More specifically, in the Paris region, I appreciate the public transportation system, which makes it easy to get almost anywhere. Plus, there’s a wealth of cultural offerings, and there’s always something to do and places to visit.

Regarding professional opportunities, particularly in the field that interests me most—renewable energy—France has significant ambitions for decarbonization and electrification. This makes the industry very attractive, with many initiatives underway and real opportunities for professional growth.

How do you see your professional future?

I want to work at the intersection of research and industry to advance renewable energy, particularly in the field of wind power.

Any final thoughts?

I’ve just graduated, and when I look back at who I was two years ago, I have a hard time believing everything I’ve experienced and learned thanks to the opportunity to come to France and study at ENSTA.

Today, I can no longer imagine my life without the people I’ve met, the friendships I’ve built, and the prospects I now have for my personal and professional life thanks to this decision.