International Student Testimonial: Yong-Yin Yang’s Academic Journey
On this page :
- An international and multidisciplinary academic path
- Dedicated support for international students
- Advice for future international students
Each year, studying in France attracts a large number of international students seeking academic excellence and cultural openness. This is the path chosen by Yong-Yin Yang, a Taiwanese student currently enrolled in the Master’s Degree in Computer Science at CESI’s Strasbourg campus. She shares her experience with us.
An International and Multidisciplinary Academic Path
Originally from Taiwan, Yong-Yin Yang has an atypical academic background. Before joining our CESI campus in Strasbourg, she completed a double undergraduate degree combining French language studies with mathematics and computer science.
Over the course of her studies, she developed a strong interest in computer science and decided to pursue her academic project in France — a country she was already familiar with through its language and culture.
Why Choose the Strasbourg Campus?
Although she was initially drawn to other French cities, Yong-Yin Yang ultimately chose Strasbourg for both its strategic location in the heart of Europe and its specialized academic offerings.
She discovered CESI through Campus France and the n+i network, which introduced her to CESI’s hands-on, project-oriented educational approach.
During a Campus France information session, we were advised to apply through the n+i network. That’s how I discovered CESI.
Yong-Yin Yang
Dedicated Support for International Students
Before arriving on the Strasbourg campus, Yong-Yin Yang took part in a language preparation program in Lyon, which included intensive French courses and immersion with a host family. This experience greatly facilitated her linguistic and cultural integration.
At CESI Strasbourg, she highlights the quality of the welcome and the comprehensive administrative and academic support, with regular follow-up meetings that ensure a smooth and progressive integration into French student life.
Active Learning at the Heart of the Program
At CESI, teaching is based on Project-Based Learning (PBL) — an innovative pedagogical model centered on real-world projects and collaborative work. For Yong-Yin Yang, this represents a major difference compared with her previous academic experience.
Rather than focusing primarily on theory, CESI’s approach enables students to apply technical knowledge to professional, real-life scenarios. It is a demanding method, yet particularly effective in preparing future engineers and digital experts.
Strasbourg: An International City
Strasbourg offers a multicultural environment that encourages exchange and openness. Yong-Yin Yang evolves daily in an international context alongside students from many countries, which facilitates integration and enriches the overall human experience.
Support from the campus also helped anticipate housing-related matters — a key issue for international students arriving in France.
I received excellent support from the moment I arrived. We have regular meetings to make sure everything is going well — it’s very reassuring.
Yong-Yin Yang
Advice for Future International Students
Based on her experience, Yong-Yin Yang advises international students wishing to study at CESI Strasbourg to strengthen their French language skills, even when courses are taught in English. Language proficiency is essential for daily life and cultural integration.
She also emphasizes the importance of patience with French administrative procedures, which can sometimes take longer than in other countries.
After completing her Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Yong-Yin Yang plans to begin her professional career in France before potentially pursuing international opportunities, including in Taiwan, depending on future prospects.