As part of their training, ten students from the Arts et Métiers campus in Bordeaux-Talence and ESTP Paris, a leading engineering school in construction, completed a hands-on internship in Armenia, combining cultural immersion, humanitarian work, and professional experience. This journey provided them with the opportunity to develop skills for their future careers while collaborating with young people from different academic backgrounds.
A Student Project Combining Social Commitment and Cultural Discovery
As part of their training, ten students from the Arts et Métiers campus in Bordeaux-Talence and ESTP Paris, a leading engineering school in construction, had the opportunity to complete a hands-on internship in Armenia.
Their mission: to contribute to the renovation of a community building that serves as a town hall, post office, kindergarten, and communal hall, as well as a large fountain used as a swimming pool in the summer.
This project follows a solidarity-driven approach, aiming to improve local infrastructure while fostering intercultural exchanges. Upon arriving in Yerevan, in western Armenia, the students explored the country’s rich historical and cultural heritage. Welcomed by the project coordinators on site, Varaztad and Marie, they had the chance to visit the capital and its surroundings before heading to their mission site in the village of Deghtsud.
A Mission in the Heart of the Armenian Countryside
Over a period of four to eight weeks, these future engineers took part in various renovation tasks, including installing a heating system, applying plaster, painting, and repairing floors. Through teamwork and collaboration with local workers, this mission became an intense human experience. Some students naturally stepped into leadership roles, organizing and overseeing the group’s work to improve task efficiency. This hands-on experience allowed them to apply their technical skills while adapting to real-world constraints such as limited materials and language barriers.
"The supervisors were very welcoming and supportive. The site managers gave us significant autonomy in organizing our work, which helped us become more engaged. This freedom motivated us and made the experience even more enriching. Everyone could contribute ideas and actively participate in different tasks. Working under these conditions was both educational and enjoyable," explains Anouk, a first-year student in the Grande École engineering program.
Beyond the construction work, the students organized activities for the village children, strengthening their connection with the local community. From board games to sports, these shared moments underscored the importance of social engagement and cross-cultural collaboration.
*"As the days went by, we built great relationships with the children. With the younger ones, we did coloring and played board games, while with the older ones, we had back-to-back volleyball and soccer matches. A small group of teenagers who spoke good English became close to us, making our exchanges even richer.
We also bonded with a neighbor who often invited us for tea. In return, we introduced him to French specialties we had cooked. These moments of sharing were among the highlights of our stay,"* says Alban, a first-year student in the Grande École engineering program.
A Stepping Stone to Professional Life
Beyond technical skills, this experience proved to be highly formative, allowing students to develop key competencies for their future careers. Project management, teamwork, adaptability to unfamiliar environments, and communication were all valuable skills reinforced during the internship.
Following the success of this second edition, the program will expand next year, welcoming new participants from the Arts et Métiers campus in Metz and ESSEC Business School. By combining professional development with humanitarian engagement, this initiative continues to offer students a unique and enriching intercultural experience.
