Websites of interest
The university
Founded in 1919, the Ecole Centrale de Nantes (ECN) is among the best higher education and research institutions in France in the fields of Science and Engineering. Centrale Nantes is a public institution belonging with the Ministry of Research and Education and receives government support. The purpose of the Ecole Centrale of Nantes is to develop top level future scientists and engineers in multidisciplinary as well as specific fields. For around 2 000 students per year in engineering programme, Master's Degrees and PhDs. ECN Professors, Administrative and Alumni play an important role in improving national and international education research and corporate sectors. Centrale Nantes engineers learn and master the complexity of industrial projects and are sensitive to the needs of the society in order to conceive products and services for the benefit of the society as a whole. Widespread recognition of the ECN programs by firms and R&D organizations has enabled graduates to assume positions of responsibility in every sector�among them aeronautics and space, automobiles, construction and public works, electronics, information sciences, mechanics, nuclear energy, offshore operations, the oil business, scientific and technical research, consulting, and banking.
Centrale Nantes has developed a strong international policy covering both training and research: Hotbeds of innovation and open-mindedness, the research laboratories of Centrale Nantes provide strong links with the French industrial fabric and enjoy a reputation for excellence in Europe and around the world (Ranked as Excellent A and A+ by national public agency of evaluation). The ECN research units possess experimental equipment that is unique in their respective fields, particularly in naval hydrodynamics, fluid mechanics, civil engineering, crash testing, composite and advanced materials, virtual reality, concurrent engineering, and machining. ECN research teams are highly involved of the European 7th PCRD project (10 projects in 2011, 1 as leader). More than 100 contracts are processed annually, in accordance with public bodies, large groups and small- to medium-sized businesses. These contracts represent 31% of Centrale Nantes annual running costs budget. ECN is also member of three international laboratories in China and Japan.
The school
Centrale Nantes is one of the most sports-minded schools in France : more than 60% of the school's students are members of the AS (Association Sportive). The student associations at the Ecole Centrale reflect the commitment and enthousiasm that the students feel not only towards their education but also towards their leisure time.
Two important student associations in the student life at Centrale Nantes:
- The Engineering Students' Association
- The Athletics Club
Besides their own activities these two associations also coordinate the numerous student clubs at the school.
The city
Nantes is a city in western France, located on the Loire River, 50 km (31 mi) from the Atlantic coast. The city is the 6th largest in France, while its metropolitan area ranks 8th with over 800,000 inhabitants. Nantes is the capital city of the Pays de la Loire region and Loire-Atlantique d�partement. Together with Vannes, Rennes and Carhaix, it was one of the major cities of the historic province of Brittany, and the ancient Duchy of Brittany. In 2004, Time described Nantes as "the most liveable city in Europe". In 2010, Nantes was named a hub city for innovation in the Innovation Cities Index by innovation agency, 2thinknow. The city was ranked 36th globally from 289 cities and 4th overall in France, across multiple sectors of the economy.
More info on the city: http://en.nantes-tourisme.com/
Other useful data
The International Office (IO) counts 17 members. 5 full-time members work on the development, the implementation and the quality control of international activities. About 12 additional staff members (administrative, academic or research) are dedicated to geographical zones. Every year, the IO staff is involved in the ECN exchange programmes launching and publicity and in their selection process. Applications of incoming and outgoing students are managed by the IO team using electronic applications and interviews at home university. Once the incoming students have been selected for Ecole Centrale de Nantes, each one gets an academic as well as a cultural tutor, who will help him/her to construct his/her learning plan. The administration staff has a long-lasting experience in supporting students in all aspects including housing (student rooms are automatically booked for exchange students by our International Office), visa requirements, residence permits, bank account openings, local area visits, etc. The administration supports the students in all their procedures, i.e. before their arrival, on their arrival, during their stay in Nantes, and after their return to their home university. French courses are offered all year round according to the level of the students. Centrale Nantes also offers courses in 7 various languages, including French as a foreign language. Centrale Nantes also organises get�together weekends among students, with local area and town visits.
Centrale Nantes has developed a strong international policy covering both training and research: Hotbeds of innovation and open-mindedness, the research laboratories of Centrale Nantes provide strong links with the French industrial fabric and enjoy a reputation for excellence in Europe and around the world (Ranked as Excellent A and A+ by national public agency of evaluation). The ECN research units possess experimental equipment that is unique in their respective fields, particularly in naval hydrodynamics, fluid mechanics, civil engineering, crash testing, composite and advanced materials, virtual reality, concurrent engineering, and machining. ECN research teams are highly involved of the European 7th PCRD project (10 projects in 2011, 1 as leader). More than 100 contracts are processed annually, in accordance with public bodies, large groups and small- to medium-sized businesses. These contracts represent 31% of Centrale Nantes annual running costs budget. ECN is also member of three international laboratories in China and Japan.
International Student Contact and Reception: international@ec-nantes.fr