The summer study away program with IPSA is a 3-week English-taught course in Paris and Toulouse that includes engineering students from all around the world.

It begins with basic instruction on the design of a drone that leads into an introduction of different representation models for an aircraft’s rotation and motion. Then, the course quickly advances into a breakdown of the controls systems required to mobilize a quadrotor drone. During this instruction session, MATLAB and Simulink are used to simulate multiple complex motion controllers. The practical implementation part of the course begins. Groups of two are given the tools and materials to construct the base of a quadrotor drone. The drone is limited to one range of motion to help the students learn about the studied controls systems. To construct the drone, the students work with 3D printing, coding, and soldering among other things. The result is having a drone that can fly to a stabilized height.

There are also many trips and intercultural classes that enable the students to learn more about France and French culture. Students can get to live with a family in Paris, allowing them to gain exposure to the people, food, and language. Moreover, the institute organizes multiple trips to see Paris’s main attractions and learn about French culture. This included a trip to the Palace of Versailles, a theatre show on “How to become a Parisian”, and a street art tour of Belleville. Not to mention, there is ample time to explore during both the night and daytime.

Finally, the trip concludes with a visit to Toulouse, where students get to explore in a space museum and an Airbus facility.