From June 12 to July 10, 2025, the Institut Polytechnique de Lyon hosted its annual International Summer School, a multidisciplinary program designed for international students who wish to enhance their technical and language skills while discovering French culture.
This 2025 edition welcomed 12 students from Croatia, Greece, the United States, and Mexico.
A diversified academic and cultural program
The participants followed a rich and varied program, combining theoretical lessons and practical work in the fields of expertise at ITECH: colorimetry, the fundamentals of plastics processing, textile materials, as well as an introduction to cosmetic formulation. These practical sessions allowed them to directly apply the concepts learned in class, while exploring ITECH’s specific areas of expertise.
Beyond the classroom, the students had the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in Lyon’s vibrant life and French culture through various cultural activities. They took part in a cooking workshop led by two chefs at ISARA, practiced their French at the Monplaisir Lumière market, visited the Basilica of Fourvière and the historic Old Lyon district, and were invited to a dinner at a French family’s home thanks to our partnership with the Lyon International association, whose members host these dinners to foster cultural exchanges with international students.
Discovering partner companies
The professional component of the program enabled students to visit partner companies of IPL’s engineering schools. These included:
– Denis & Fils, a well-known textile designer and weaver,
– Bayer, a multinational specializing in health and agriculture,
– Eiffage, a leader in road construction and sustainable building technologies.
A convivial closing evening
To wrap up these five weeks of learning and discovery, students, teachers and the organizing team gathered for a convivial cheese-tasting event hosted by Les Toqués du Fromage, on Lyon’s Presqu’île. The evening featured an interactive quiz organized by the hosts, and a photo challenge prepared by the students, which was a great success.
The IPL Summer School offers students an ideal platform for combining academic and personal development. Between exploring scientific concepts and immersing themselves in French culture, the program enabled participants to prepare for an international future, enriched by new skills and intercultural experiences—valuable assets that will accompany them throughout their careers.
