www.ec-nantes.fr
Fabien LASPOUGEAS
Double Degree
General Engineering Master
Ecole Centrales de Nantes, France
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (ETSII),
Spain
2009/2013
Fabien LASPOUGEAS
Double Degree Engineering Master, Ecole Centrale de Nantes, 2009/2013
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (ETSII), Spain
Can you tell me what you were studying and what you do now?
In Madrid I joined the final part of the engineering ccourses, where I studied "Power Engineering"
for two years. It is a specialization in engineering applied to energy production, grid management,
engine and power plants design. Now I work in Paris as a consultant for Extia in the Energy and
Oil&Gas field. I intervene with companies that need an extra hand to find technical solutions to
their problems.
What do you think about the life in Madrid?
The first word that comes in my mind is great. Madrid sums up everything that makes hispanic
culture interesting and dynamic. It is a condensed of Spanish way of life and wonderful city
where there is always something to see and do. But it’s also an open door on latin culture
because of the south american immigration. From Cuba to Mexico, Madrid gathers a mix of
culture that allows you to make a lot of discoveries. I can assure you that you will end up your
trip with friends from all over the world!
In what language were your courses? Was it a challenge to study in another language?
What were your hobbies in Spain?
During my spare time, I played a lot of sports : basketball, squash, and Spanish almost-nationalsport "Padel Tennis" which is a mix between squash and tennis. In summer, it becomes the
principal activity of the Madrileños, behind the football of course which is almost considered
as a religion. I also visited some of Spain most beautiful region, such as Asturias, Valencia, and
a lot of medieval cities around Madrid.
What is your best souvenir of your mobility?
One of my best souvenir was a fiesta called "Las Fallas" that takes place in Valencia each year
around Easter. It is a week of carnival they celebrate with a lot of fireworks, and with giant
cardboards structures that every neighbourhood in the city manage to build during the year.
Every structure is exposed during a week, then the best one is elected and the other one are
burnt in gigantic fires, just in the middle of the streets. I saw the most amazing fireworks of my
life over there, and all the week end seemed like colourful fires and giant explosion all over the
city. A true amazement I’ll never forget.
Any other comment or advice?
If you come to Madrid, I can ensure you that you’ll spend a wonderful time in a multicultural
and dynamic city. Spanish people are joyful, friendly and optimistic. I spent two of the most
beautiful years of my life over there, and I hope one day I’ll be able to come back in this city.
Création : Direction de la communication - Ecole centrale de Nantes 2014
The courses where in Castillan (the official language of Spain). You have to know that Spanish
people are not really good with English, and it is really rare to see them speak English. At the
beginning, it was challenging because Spanish people speak really fast. Moreover, the talks
are really dynamic, the speakers change really quickly, and you may feel lost at first. But with
time you get accustomed to their pace, and they are often kind enough to slow their talk when
necessary. So it is indeed a challenge, but not an impossible one. As hard as it seems, it is not
necessary to know Spanish before you come, as you’ll learn quickly since you are in complete
immersion. But the first weeks may seem tiring.