SCUPI

The inaugural “European Aerospace Capital Toulouse Cultural, Scientific & Technological Discovery Summer Camp,” jointly organized by Sichuan University–Pittsburgh Institute (SCUPI) and Toulouse INP (National Polytechnic Institute of Toulouse), has recently drawn to a successful close.

Twelve SCUPI students spent two extraordinary weeks in the Rosy City, immersed in top-tier engineering education, rich cultural experiences, and cutting-edge aerospace exploration.

Top-Tier Engineering Education: A Deep Dive into France’s “Cradle of Engineers”

Inside INP-ENSEEIHT (N7) classrooms, students took intensive courses in Machine Learning and Digital Electronics, experiencing first-hand the rigorous, innovation-driven pedagogy that defines the French Grandes Écoles system.

Machine Learning: From algorithm design to optimization, students uncovered the logic hidden within data—an authentic introduction to the heart of AI.

Digital Electronics: Moving from basic logic gates to sophisticated integrated-circuit design, students mastered the fundamentals of electronic hardware.

Working in six teams, the twelve students delivered final project presentations that showcased the poise and professionalism of tomorrow’s engineers. Prof. Riadh Dhaou, Head of the International Office at INP-N7, awarded each student a certificate of completion.

Language & Culture Immersion: Bonjour!

Twelve hours of French instruction took students from “Bonjour” to confident small talk. Under the guidance of dedicated instructors, they navigated everyday situations in French—ordering coffee, asking directions, chatting with locals—turning each encounter into a small victory in cross-cultural communication.

Aerospace at its Pinnacle: Unlocking the Global Heart of Aviation

Airbus Headquarters Tour

In November 2023, SCUPI and Airbus China signed a strategic partnership agreement and unveiled the “Airbus China–SCUPI University-Industry Cooperation for Talent Cultivation in Aviation.” Since then, the collaboration has yielded internships, career coaching, and mentoring opportunities.

During their visit to the A350 final-assembly line, students observed every stage of aircraft production, witnessing Airbus’s excellence in innovation, quality control, and teamwork. The experience broadened horizons and deepened their passion for aviation.

Aeroscopia Museum

Under the wings of the Concorde, A380, and A350, students traced the epic saga of human flight.

Cité de l’Espace

At the world-renowned Toulouse space park, interactive exhibits, full-motion simulators, and immersive dome theaters turned a day into a spectacular journey among the stars.

UNESCO World Heritage Pilgrimage: Gifts of History Across Time

Albi Cathedral, a UNESCO site, impressed students with its fortress-like grandeur and luminous Gothic interior.

Carcassonne Medieval Citadel, another UNESCO treasure, allowed them to walk centuries-old ramparts and feel the weight of history.

Snapshots of French Festivities

The camp coincided with France’s National Day. Students joined locals under the July sky for dazzling fireworks, felt the national fervor of the Tour de France, and cheered on cyclists—adding festive colors to their cultural canvas.

SCUPI’s Global Education in Action

This first-ever Toulouse-themed summer camp is a vivid testament to SCUPI’s mission: cultivating globally-minded, innovative, and practice-ready engineers. It also marks a new milestone in the partnership between SCUPI and Toulouse INP.

Following the camp, Ms. Xue Shuang and Ms. Luosang Zhima held in-depth talks with INP-N7’s international office on joint degree programs and future exchange initiatives. The two institutions will continue to deepen collaboration, creating more diverse and high-quality global opportunities that enable SCUPI students to soar on the world stage.

The summer memories of Toulouse 2025 will forever shine as guiding stars. May every SCUPI student carry this priceless experience forward— exploring without borders and painting their dreams across the infinite canvas of engineering and science!