Where the journey began · Sanai memory STEM challenges met with reason and discipline

Pengyu Liang — Growing with rational thinking and self-discipline

He entered a French high school in 2019, earned a 15.94/20 BAC score, and now pursues a Physique-EEA double degree at Sorbonne Université—aiming for robotics navigation and control algorithms.

2019 · Journey with Sanai
Now · Sorbonne double degree

Shoot date

Summer 2019 · Filmed at the Sanai study center

What it means

Capturing his calm and discipline before a STEM challenge

Paris Sorbonne Physique-EEA double degree Robotics navigation · control algorithms
Sanai student · Departure moment Pengyu Liang studying with classmates at the Sanai center before leaving for France
Studies UP · 2019

Summer 2019 · Filmed at the Sanai study center.

Pengyu Liang on campus in Paris
Where he is now

Studying physics and electrical engineering in a Sorbonne double degree, moving steadily toward robotics navigation.

I. Study overview

I arrived in France for high school in 2019, chose the science track, and completed the French Baccalaureate with a 15.94/20. Open classes and plenty of self-study taught me to “understand the logic first, then consolidate through practice.”

After graduation I studied physics at Université Paris Cité. In sophomore year I transferred successfully to Sorbonne Université for a Physique-EEA double degree that links physics with electrical and electronics engineering.

I’m still based in Paris, focusing on robotics and automation courses. My goal is to keep building expertise in control algorithms and navigation systems for future research or industry work.

Timeline at a glance

  1. 2019: Arrived in France for high school; built language and STEM fundamentals.
  2. Completed the BAC with a 15.94/20 score and entered Université Paris Cité for physics.
  3. Transferred to the Sorbonne Physique-EEA double degree in sophomore year.
  4. Committed to robotics navigation and control algorithms; planning next research and career steps.

Keywords

  • Disciplined study
  • Rational thinking
  • Robotics algorithm vision

II. What France taught me

Studying in France was challenging and accelerated my growth. Language barriers, cultural differences, and living independently made me anxious at first, but working through them strengthened my independence and self-adjustment.

I realized French universities are free but fair: if you take initiative, participate, and ask questions, teachers recognize you and share more resources. Compared with a purely exam-focused model, this system pushes you to start from problems and form your own viewpoint using multiple sources.

The journey boosted my discipline, time management, and cross-cultural communication. Now, when facing complex projects or research tasks, I can calmly break problems down, make plans, and keep moving forward.

Growth notes

  • Learned to plan courses, paperwork, and daily life on my own.
  • Sought advice from French classmates and professors to widen perspectives.
  • Kept a steady pace under pressure and built confidence for unknowns.

Skills strengthened

  • Critical analysis and problem breakdown
  • Long-term time management
  • Bilingual French + English

III. Tips for future STEM students

Based on my own journey, here are four suggestions for classmates preparing for science studies in France:

1. Build self-learning and discipline

French classes emphasize understanding and exploration; teachers won’t monitor every step. Planning ahead, reviewing key points, and researching materials are vital to keep pace.

2. Balance French and English

French grounds your daily life and classes, while English opens academic reading and global exchanges. Invest in both to stay confident in undergrad and beyond.

3. Know the Université vs. Grandes Écoles paths

After high school you can follow university or elite engineering tracks. If you aim for Prépa or an engineering grande école, learn the exams, contests, and application rhythm early.

4. Warm up before university

First-year STEM courses jump in difficulty. Reviewing derivatives, integrals, and linear algebra during the summer can greatly ease the pressure once classes start.

Tools and resources

  • Use high school and university reading lists plus French Ministry resources for review.
  • Read French news and listen to radio to sharpen language and stay current.
  • Join study groups or associations to learn faster through collaboration.

What discipline delivers

Discipline isn’t about filling every minute; it keeps each stage aligned to a clear goal. When it’s hard, return to your original motivation and break problems down logically—you’ll find your own rhythm in France.

IV. Closing thoughts

Looking back on my French High School Study Abroad years, I feel real growth comes from solving problems, not staying comfortable. Language, academics, and daily-life hurdles all became proof of change once I stayed disciplined and kept trying.

I hope every student heading to France can steadily find their own rhythm and answers while exploring new possibilities.

Pengyu’s note

“French education gives space to think. Only by combining rational analysis with disciplined execution can you truly control your pace.”

Rational thinking Independent living Algorithm focus

Plan your own French High School Study Abroad?

The Sanai team has focused on France for 16 years. We work with local schools and engineering tracks to guide STEM families on applications, Consular Review Standards, visas, and arrival steps.

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