Sustainable Luxury at École d’Ingénieurs de Purpan through the Eyes of a Student
Participation in the Erasmus+ Sustainable Luxury academic mobility program at the École d’Ingénieurs de PURPAN was an extremely valuable academic and personal experience that combined an engineering approach, the principles of sustainable development, and a modern perspective on the luxury industry. Studying in France provided not only the opportunity to acquire new knowledge but also a deeper understanding of the European model of responsible business.
The curriculum was distinguished by its interdisciplinary and practical focus. The Sustainable Development course allowed me to understand the environmental, social, and economic aspects of modern production, as well as the importance of implementing a circular economy in the luxury sector. This knowledge became a foundation for analyzing real business cases and companies’ sustainable development strategies.
Practical courses were an important part of the program, including winemaking, which offered the chance to explore French wine production traditions, the concept of terroir, quality control, and the impact of sustainable practices on the agri-food sector.
The French language course greatly facilitated adaptation to life in France and helped better understand the culture, professional environment, and local mentality. Even basic language skills allowed for more effective everyday communication and a sense of belonging within the local community.
Courses related to market analysis and innovation, particularly Trend Watching, were of special interest. This course taught how to track global trends in the luxury sector, consumer behavior, and sustainable development, as well as how to forecast future industry changes. These skills are extremely important for strategic planning and decision-making.
A significant part of the program was project work (Project), during which we worked in international teams on real tasks, combining technical knowledge, creativity, and management skills to create entirely new products. This fostered teamwork, leadership, and accountability for results.
The Excellent Marketing course provided a deeper understanding of promoting luxury brands, building their image, and communicating with consumers under sustainability conditions. It was particularly valuable to see how marketing strategies can support sustainability values without losing the exclusivity and authenticity of a brand.
The international student group was also very valuable. Participants came from various countries in Europe and around the world, including Argentina, the Philippines, the USA, the Netherlands, and others, creating a multicultural environment. Interacting with people with different traditions, perspectives, and experiences taught tolerance, openness, and mutual respect. Daily conversations in English significantly improved language skills and helped overcome language barriers.
Living abroad also contributed to personal growth. Adapting to a new environment, independently solving everyday challenges, and immersing in another culture developed responsibility, flexibility, and openness to change. This experience helped form a more global vision for my future career.
After completing Erasmus+, I realized that the program opens far more opportunities than it might seem at first. It not only enriches academic knowledge but also develops global thinking, broadens horizons, and inspires further growth.
Erasmus+ is an invaluable experience that every student should have. It is an investment in education, career, and personal development, leaving memories, new connections, and motivation to move forward.