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Atlanta, GA | Posted: January 7, 2013
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Georgia Tech recently started a partnership with the prestigious Ecole Polytechnique in France. Read about Georgia Tech's first student at this partner school.
Bennett at Ecole PolytechniqueNow GT students are able to study (even their last 36 hours!) at École Polytechnique, a leader among the French engineering grandes écoles for over 200 years. We recently caught up with Bennett Alterman, a 3rd year Biology major who is the first Georgia Tech student to participate in this new program, where he is earning GT credit while studying at one of France's top schools.
Q: What made you decide to choose your host university?
A: I chose École Polytechnique because it is much closer to Paris which makes it nicer in terms of having things to do in my spare time. It also has one of the best reputations in France, and having a degree from École Polytechnique is highly regarded. The history of the school intrigued me as many famous scientists have either gone here or taught here (Antoine Henri Becquerel, André-Marie Ampère, Gustave-Gaspard Coriolis, Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac, Henri Louis Le Châtelie, etc.). There remains a high level of teaching today.
Q: What has been the best part of your experience so far?
A: I think meeting new people and experiencing different cultures is very interesting. I have learned a lot about the French, but as there are other people in my program from around the world, I've learned a lot about Italy, Greece, Spain, Germany, Serbia, Senegal, and many other places. We all hang out and cook together, and go out and visit Paris. It's really a fun experience to travel around France with other Europeans.
Q: Would you recommend this program to others and why?
A: I would absolutely recommend this program. It is a great place to learn for a semester or year, and you will meet so many people. And everyone is nice! I haven't run into a single person who hasn't been helpful if I asked a question. They really want you to succeed. I'd also recommend joining a sports team here. It's mandatory for all of the regular students, so it's a great way to jump in, get acclimated, and instantly meet a bunch of people.
