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1 semester in Madrid for Erin
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Erin was supported for a semester at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. This invaluable experience was a crucial step in her development, reinforcing her ambition to contribute to the space field and dedicate her career to it.
She tells us.
Why did you decide to stay in Madrid?
When I arrived at the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) as part of the Erasmus program, I was driven by several motivations. Firstly, my interest in the space sector, which is central to my academic and professional aspirations, played a crucial role in my choice of this mobility. I knew that the UPM, with its specialized space courses at Master’s level from which I could choose my courses, would enable me to deepen my knowledge while evolving in an international context. What’s more, having a good level of Spanish, I was enthusiastic about the idea of taking courses in this language, which represented a unique opportunity to perfect my language skills while discovering a new culture.
How would you sum up the academic aspects of your stay?
Erin Pougheon
Academically, the courses I took at UPM lived up to my expectations and enabled me to deepen my knowledge of the space industry, a passion I’ve long cultivated. The courses, taught entirely in Spanish, covered a wide range of topics, including systems engineering for space missions, satellite design, launches and interplanetary missions. This context not only enabled me to develop a technical perspective, but also to open up to approaches different from those I’d encountered up to now.
One of the most striking aspects was the predominance of group projects as part of the courses. I really appreciated this teaching method, which encourages collaboration, collective thinking and learning by doing. Working closely with Spanish students has enabled me to develop my communication and project management skills, while expanding my network in the space industry. This experience has confirmed my interest in the space-related specialties I plan to choose in my final year at ISAE-SUPAERO.
And on the cultural front?
From a cultural point of view, Madrid, a vibrant and dynamic capital, was the ideal setting for my stay. The city’s cultural richness is evident in its museums, historic monuments and artistic events. I had the opportunity to visit the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia, and the Royal Palace, all of which are must-sees in the Spanish capital. These visits allowed me to immerse myself in Spanish history and art, while reinforcing my appreciation for cultural diversity.
Madrid also offers privileged access to fascinating destinations in the surrounding area. During my weekends away, I explored sites such as Toledo, Segovia and Ávila, which impressed me with their historical heritage. This cultural immersion was a constant source of amazement and gave me a better understanding of the Spanish identity, and enabled me to make the most of my exchange experience abroad.
On a personal level, what do you remember about this semester?
My stay in Madrid provided me with the perfect setting to get to know myself better. Outside the classroom, I took advantage of my free time to explore new activities and venture outside my comfort zone. This experience helped me appreciate the value of personal time and independence. Living on my own in a foreign capital has taught me to manage my time better, prioritize my activities, and find a balance between my studies and my hobbies.
This mobility has had a significant impact on my career path. It confirmed that space is the field in which I want to fully invest myself. The knowledge acquired at UPM, complemented by an international perspective, enriches my understanding of the technical and operational challenges facing the sector. What’s more, studying in another language has enabled me to develop a cognitive flexibility and adaptability that will be invaluable assets in my future career.
What’s your goal now?
Professionally, my goal is to work in the space industry, more specifically in operations or control centers. However, I remain open to discovering new horizons, aware that each experience can open up unsuspected perspectives. This mobility has given me the confidence and skills needed to meet the challenges of this constantly evolving sector.
Any final words?
My stay at the Polytechnic University of Madrid as part of the Erasmus program was an invaluable experience. Academically, culturally and personally, it was a crucial step in my development. This mobility reinforced my ambition to contribute to the space field and provided me with essential tools to build a career that is both rich and impactful. I highly recommend this experience to all students wishing to thrive in an international context and significantly enrich their career path.