Over 100 Chinese-French teenagers from France embark on a week-long immersive tech journey at SJTU!

07.24/2025 74

法国奔腾中文学校

百余名华裔学子

来访巴黎卓越工程师学院

This year marks the 61st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, as well as a significant year for the continuation of the outcomes of the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism and the deepening of cultural exchanges. From July 15 to 20, SPEIT welcomed a special group of international visitors—over 100 Chinese-French teenagers from the French Benteng Chinese School.

SPEIT organized the “Model Aircraft and Intelligent Driving Training Camp”, providing a week-long immersive technology exploration experience for these French teenagers, guiding them to experience the vibrant innovation and cutting-edge development of China's top universities and industries.

On the morning of July 15, during the welcome ceremony, Zhu Sinan from SPEIT's Office of Cooperation and Development guided the students on a virtual tour of SJTU's campus and provided an in-depth introduction to SPEIT, the college jointly established by China and France, helping the students understand the deep-rooted collaboration between SJTU and French universities.

Model Aircraft Workshop Ignites Passion for Technology

After the welcome ceremony, the SPEIT Aviation Engine Club organized an aviation technology experience course. Under the guidance of club instructor Wu Junqi and teaching assistants, the students not only learned basic aviation knowledge, but also completed their own aircraft designs through teamwork. One student excitedly held up the model aircraft he had completed and exclaimed, “I never knew that the curvature of the wings directly affects lift!”

The students then visited the Aviation Engine Club and the SJTU Student Innovation Center. Here, the French teenagers had the opportunity to closely observe innovative achievements such as aviation engines, drones, and fixed-wing model aircraft developed independently by SJTU students. Yang Yuekun, the head of the Aviation Engine Club, remarked that seeing the enthusiasm these French children demonstrated for aviation technology reminded him of his own excitement when he first encountered model aircraft.

He Min, the lead teacher at Benteng Chinese School, remarked that this workshop transformed complex engineering principles into an accessible and enjoyable experience, and that this activity has undoubtedly planted the seeds of science and technology in the hearts of the students!

Smart Driving Training for Science and Technology Enlightenment

Starting on July 17, a four-day intelligent driving training camp officially kicked off. Under the guidance of SPEIT mathematics teacher Zhang Liwei and teaching assistants, students systematically studied topics such as the ROS operating system, Linux, machine vision, data collection, deep learning, lidar, and obstacle avoidance control, and personally assembled, programmed, and debugged their own autonomous vehicles.

During the training camp, participants also visited Shanghai Jinqiao Intelligent Connected Vehicle Development Company. to gain an in-depth understanding of the latest advancements in China's autonomous driving technology. They observed the company's independently developed autonomous vehicles, experienced firsthand the transformative impact of cutting-edge technology, and gained inspiration for designing their own intelligent vehicles.

On July 20, each group took turns showcasing their autonomous vehicles, sharing innovative ideas and technical details. The autonomous vehicle competition selected the three most outstanding teams. Finally, Zhang Liwei presented certificates of completion to all students, marking the successful conclusion of the training camp!

优异团队

This event was assisted by two Chinese students and one international student. Chen Peining, one of the teaching assistants, shared her experience: “Learning and exchanging ideas with French students was a rare opportunity. While helping them, I not only improved my French speaking skills but also observed the classroom from a ‘teacher's perspective,’ gaining a deeper understanding of the interactive needs in teaching. Seeing French students actively raising their hands and using text and images to express their questions, I suddenly realized the kind of classroom atmosphere that teachers typically expect.”

This “Model Aircraft and Intelligent Driving Training Camp” is not only a vivid technological experience but also a deep practical application of Sino-French scientific and technological and cultural exchange. On the occasion of the 61st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, this youth science and technology exchange activity has not only sown the seeds of pursuing excellence and exploring the unknown in the hearts of French-Chinese teenagers but has also injected youthful energy into the continued transmission of Sino-French friendship and the steady progress of scientific and technological cooperation!

Student Voices

ZHENG CANDY KELLY

I would like to express my gratitude to SJTU and SPEIT for organizing this model aircraft and intelligent driving camp. This trip to Shanghai has been incredibly rewarding!

YANG LORY YANG

We are very pleased to have won second prize in this Intelligent Driving Challenge! Over the past few days, our team has worked very hard, and we are all extremely delighted and proud of this achievement! We would like to express our sincere gratitude to SJTU and SPEIT for organizing this event, and to every teacher and student who worked tirelessly on this project!

CHEN HUGO RUI OU

Although I already had some programming experience, this training camp helped me improve my programming skills even more. I'm super grateful to all the teachers and volunteers for their selfless help and hard work!