Ishwarya SRIKANTH - Ecole Centrale de Nantes

www.ec-nantes.fr
Ishwarya SRIKANTH
Double Degree
General Engineering Master
Centrale Nantes, France
Anna University, India
2012 - 2014
Ishwarya SRIKANTH
Double Degree in General Engineering Master Centrale Nantes, France
Home University : Anna University, India 2012 - 2014
1. You are from Anna University, India. Why have you decided to participate in the Double Degree programme with
Centrale Nantes during 2 years (2012/2014)?
I chose Centrale Nantes through the double degree program during my 2nd year engineering program at Anna
University, Chennai, India, as it is a very renowned and technologically advanced institution and its alumnis are well
recognized for their skills in reputed Multi-National companies. Moreover, as a civil engineering student, I would
get an opportunity to work with the European standards for the design of different types of structures and hence
gain better self-confidence.
Also, I was interested in learning French language and mingling with French people as they are very friendly and
caring. Therefore, I believed that such an atmosphere and exposure will surely help me to upgrade my engineering
skills and fulfill my dream of becoming a well skilled civil engineer and so decided to choose Centrale Nantes.
2. Would you encourage the Indian students to share the same experience as yours at Centrale Nantes?
I would definitely encourage my juniors to take up the double degree program as the courses taught at Centrale
Nantes are very practical and application oriented. The courses are framed in such a manner that students get
an opportunity to understand its real life applications and also get numerous opportunities to undertake mini
professional projects with the companies as a part of curriculum at Centrale Nantes. In fact, Centrale Nantes gives
an inter-cultural environment and one’s professional network is expanded through the contacts with experienced
Professors and company officials.
Regarding my hobbies, I pursue South Indian Classical music and recently I gave a 1hour concert in a temple in
Paris. It was really a wonderful experience. Apart from that, I play badminton as a part of sports team at Centrale
Nantes called BDS and I also try experimenting cooking different vegetarian dishes.
4. Your courses are taught in French. Is it a big challenge?
Yes, It’s really challenging to study and write the exams in French. Initially upon my arrival, I had a great difficulty
in understanding the classes but after 2 months I started understanding the language and the educational system.
I had to put-in lots of efforts in improving my listening and writing skills in French and this helped me to succeed
in my 1st semester exams here. Infact from the 2nd semester onwards, I became much more comfortable with the
courses as had better understanding.
5. Do you think your mobility at Centrale Nantes prepares you to understand the intercultural environment?
Yes, Centrale Nantes granted me Centrale Nantes Scholarship of excellence for the 1st year which helped me to
cope up with the living expenses here and I am fortunate enough to get selected for the Erasmus Mundus Heritage
Scholarship for the 2nd year. I have a financial security and a comfortable living environment with the help of these
scholarships.
6. What do you think about the life in Nantes?
Nantes in France, provides a very peaceful atmosphere essential for focussing on study/research and
developmental kind of work and I am also happy about the social security and the health care system in France. The
natives of this country are quite cooperative, humble, development oriented and are embodiment of human values.
Création : Direction de la communication - Ecole centrale de Nantes Février 2014
3. What about your hobbies in Nantes, in France?