At the vibrant Beihang University campus, Abdellah Hasni, an international student from Morocco in the 2026 cohort at the Sino-French Engineer School (l'École Centrale de Pékin in French) and a member of the school's Media Center, is writing his own story of discovery. Drawn to Beihang by a simple yet powerful question—how can theoretical knowledge be transformed into solutions that truly matter?—he has found the answer in the school's Sino-French educational model.

A Dream That Crosses Borders

Before arriving in Beijing, Hasni was a high school student in Morocco with a deep passion for mathematics and science. He often found himself wondering how the theories he studied in class could be turned into practical solutions to real-world problems. He wanted an education that would allow him to connect knowledge across disciplines and apply what he learned to the challenges that matter.

That search led him to the Sino-French Engineer School. For him, the appeal of the Sino-French educational model goes beyond professional knowledge. It offers exposure to different ways of thinking and preparation for an international career. Leaving Morocco for China was a major decision. He knew he would have to adapt to a new culture, a new language, and new habits, but he saw these challenges as opportunities for growth.

First Impressions and Steady Progress

Since arriving in Beijing, Hasni has been struck by the city's energy, diversity, and widespread adoption of new technologies. He approaches everyday life as a series of learning moments—ordering food in Chinese, asking strangers for directions, or striking up a simple conversation with locals. For him, studying abroad is also about learning to be independent, staying curious, and engaging with others with an open mind.

Language remains his biggest challenge and, at the same time, his strongest motivation. He aims to improve his French, English, and Chinese while maintaining his native Arabic, with the goal of becoming proficient in all four by graduation. "Mastering several languages is not just about communication," he noted. "It means understanding different cultures, building connections between people, and working with those who see the world differently."

Bridging Chinese and European Academic Worlds

What attracted Hasni most to the Sino-French Engineer School is its integrated Sino-French approach, which offers students exposure to both Chinese and European academic and professional environments. Depending on the program and degree track, this model can provide access to credentials and opportunities recognized in both systems. It broadens career options across countries and cultivates the ability to adapt to new environments and engage in cross-cultural exchange.

He is equally convinced of the opportunities China offers today, particularly in engineering, industry, computer science, and artificial intelligence. "China offers a rare platform to observe and take part in today's transformations," he said. "Studying here lets me experience these changes firsthand rather than watching from a distance." Studying at Beihang, he hopes to integrate theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and an international perspective.

Looking Ahead

Over the next few years, Hasni plans to build a solid foundation in science and develop good study habits. He also wants to improve his Chinese so that he can live more independently and form deeper, more natural connections with Chinese classmates. Beyond the classroom, he is eager to explore computer science and artificial intelligence, take part in real projects, and understand how an idea evolves step by step into a useful tool.

Although he has not yet settled on a specialization or mapped out a specific career path, he sees that uncertainty as a reason to make the most of his time at Beihang—to try new things, meet peers from diverse backgrounds, and gradually identify the problems he wants to explore and solve. "I hope to grow into a better engineer here, and more importantly, into an independent person who can communicate across cultural differences and navigate the challenges of a complex world with confidence."

For Hasni, the journey has only just begun, and every step—whether in scientific inquiry, language learning, project work, or personal connection—offers a chance to broaden his horizons and see the world anew, giving his time at the Sino-French Engineer School a deeper sense of purpose.

Editor: Lyu Xingyun