Testimonials

In 2008, the program assistant asked the students to explain why the GEA Summer Program "rocked their socks off"; in other words, what made the program so enjoyable. Below are a few of the responses.

I would say that the program "rocked my socks off" because of the wide variety of experiences involved. We touched base on what seemed to be a little bit of everything dealing with France, with the exception of Paris. My favorite part of the trip was definitely Biarritz, as I'm sure many agree.

I would recommend this program to anyone (interested in aerospace, of course) for many reasons: it was a good overview of core aerospace courses, the company visits give you a decent perspective of what the industries have to offer, the cultural visits give you a brief but interesting history lesson about the corresponding region, and the adequate free time gives you opportunity to explore what you're interested in seeing or doing while overseas.

I found living in France to be surprisingly relaxing. The atmosphere seemed much more laid back than what I'm used to. The only complaints I would have regarding room and board, so to speak, would be the lack of air conditioning and the inconvenience of obtaining food other than through the cafeteria on campus. The air conditioning is understandable, but it would have been nice to have a small convenient store on campus, or JUST off campus that at least runs on the average restaurant hours (so later than 8:15, the time the caf closed on the weekdays). Toulouse was definitely a nice town to live in, with exception to the weather. I don't know if it was bad luck on our part, but it seemed that it rained in Toulouse quite often. Nonetheless, if we went anywhere else, besides Toulouse, the weather was gorgeous.

Other than that, all I really have to comment on would be the staff that hosted the program. Everyone was very suitable for the occasion. Kirsten, Claude, Anne, Aurélie, Amélie, etc., were all a great bunch to be with throughout the trip. They made it even more enjoyable considering they have the same interests as far as getting out to explore and experience what's offered.

Brad, University of Michigan, program participant, 2008

This program is incredible. I’ve sat here for a while trying to figure out a better way to describe the program, but nothing comes to mind; it truly is incredible. I learned a lot about the aerospace industry, but also about France. The classes are taught by leaders in French industry and education and the industrial visits give you the chance to see how the industry actually works. I would not trade the experiences I had on this program for anything. If you are wondering whether this program is worth it or whether it will affect your life, just know that it will. In fact, you should be asking yourself not whether this program will affect your life, but HOW this program will affect your life. For me, this program gave me amazing friends, unforgettable experiences, and the realization that engineering is truly an international endeavor.

Kevin, University of Michigan, program participant, 2008

The GEA Summer Program rocked my socks off, and here’s why! Going into the program, I didn't know what to expect, but I discovered that I had gained a lot from the program. Learning about Aerospace Engineering through classes and industry visits from a European perspective was a valuable experience, offering insight into how engineers operate in other regions of the world. Being in France itself allowed me to explore a culture and region I didn't know much about. The experience of eating different foods serves as a good example. But what really rocked my socks off in the GEA program was the group of people it managed to gather. The professors were great, the students were life-long-friend worthy candidates, and the group leader (ie. chaperon-esque person) was remarkably amazing. It's an unforgettable experience.

P.S. Also, the program managed to literally rock my socks off in Cassis, since the atmosphere led to me taking my socks off so I could jump in the cold water.

Vijay, University of Michigan, program participant, 2008

I have never taken an aerospace engineering course prior to this program, however I felt I was able to handle the classes. The professors really know their material and typically speak English pretty well and can therefore answer questions. I would highly recommend this program to any aerospace engineers because it allows you to learn about aerospace engineering and related topics while at the same time you get to experience French culture. The technical visits were exciting, especially visiting Airbus and Eurocopter because you get a close-up view of the airplanes and helicopters which was really neat. The trips to Marseille and Biarritz were really fun and allow you to see other regions of France. The people you meet on the program, both students and professors, are all so nice and you end up making friends that you may keep for a long time.

Meghan, University of Michigan, program participant, 2008