Quentin, a master’s student from INSA Lyon (Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon), chose to spend one semester at the Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (FTMD) ITB through the Inbound Exchange program in the Odd Semester of the 2024-2025 academic year. This decision gave him a profound learning experience, cultural exploration, and unforgettable adventures.

In an interview with the FTMD Media Team, Quentin shared his reasons for choosing FTMD ITB. “I wanted to go to a country that was completely different, with the goal of discovering new ways of thinking, culture, and lifestyle,” he said. Initially, he had chosen ITS Surabaya because some of his friends were also selecting the city, but he was ultimately accepted in Bandung. According to Quentin, Bandung turned out to be a much better choice, providing a richer and more diverse experience.

Quentin arrived in Indonesia on August 20, 2024. During this semester, he took three courses at FTMD: Non-Destructive Testing, which teaches methods of inspecting devices without damaging materials; Material Degradation Mechanisms, which focuses on understanding the causes of material damage; and Energy Storage Systems, which discusses batteries and capacitors. Additionally, he took a supplementary Digital Marketing class at the School of Business and Management (SBM) ITB as part of the requirements from his home university in France.

Quentin mentioned that his learning experience at FTMD was highly satisfying. “When I first arrived, I was a bit nervous, but the professors were very supportive and friendly towards international students,” he said. One of the aspects he appreciated the most was the easy access to learning materials through the EduNex platform. At FTMD, all lecture materials delivered in class are available online, making it easier to study and understand the content.

One of Quentin’s most memorable moments was his participation in the ITB Cultural Day 2024, organized by the ITB Partnership Bureau on November 2, 2024. This event gave international students the opportunity to learn more about Indonesian culture. Quentin, along with dozens of other students, took part in traditional dance practices such as Tari Merak, Tari Likok Pulo, and painting caping hats, which were guided by students from the Sunda Arts Environment (LSS) and the Aceh Cultural Unit (UKA) at ITB. According to Quentin, this event emphasized that cultural differences are not barriers but strengths for building cooperation and friendships.

Quentin recommends FTMD to other international students because of its unique combination of quality education, rich culture, and supportive environment. “At FTMD, I gained experiences that not only enriched my academic knowledge but also broadened my cultural insights. This is an opportunity that should not be missed,” he concluded.

Quentin’s experience at FTMD ITB is proof that studying abroad is not only about academics but also about personal growth and deep cross-cultural understanding. With supportive facilities and an inclusive atmosphere, ITB has successfully provided valuable experiences for international students like Quentin.