- Purpose of the integration
As in all engineering schools, the start of the school year for newly admitted students goes through a special period called “integration”. It concerns not only those entering the first year of the cycle, but also all those who join the School along the way. Chembiotech (CBT) students are also “integrated” in the same way as those who come to follow the Biotech curriculum, in parallel with the integration done by ECPM.
This allows the new class to get to know each other and to create intra- and inter-promotional links, which will constitute the future network of each student of the School until well after graduation, notably thanks to the Alumni.
- Organisation of the integration month
The integration process lasts the whole month of September. It starts with the “pre-reentry evening”, which is a convivial meal organized by the Amicale, where the 3 classes meet in a typical Alsatian restaurant. Of course, for those who arrive several days before, it is already possible to organize some informal events.
Afterwards, the procedure is quite simple: every day, an event is planned. Many events are organized inside or outside the school (visits and games in Strasbourg, hike in the Vosges, a day out at Europa-Park).
It should be noted that the 1A TPS and 1A CBT do not start school until one week after the 1A BS. It is therefore recommended that they arrive at the kindergarten in the evening to enjoy the first festivities.
- The Weekend of Integration (WEI)
In September, a mini weekend trip is organised, often to the Vosges, attended by students from Years 1A, 2A, 3A and even a few from Year 4A! Evening events, games, activities, meals and transport – everything’s included!
A quick tip: bring a sleeping bag, a towel and (at least) a change of clothes!
- The mentor-shipment system
The month of integration is very important in the choice of the godparents. Each 2A sponsor must choose a 1A for life. The 1A will then enter a “family”, regrouping the promotions which preceded him. The role of the family is to help the follower during his or her studies and to create strong ties.
Evenings, challenges, quizzes and other activities will help the 2A and 1A to get to know each other. Hence the importance of coming regularly to the evenings and especially to the one at the beginning of the school year, in order to avoid the follower being the antithesis of the sponsor…
During the 3rd week of integration, a special evening is organized where the sponsors meet their 1A(s). The godfather (anonymous) assigns a theme of disguise to his child. The godparent assigns a costume theme to the godchild and the godchild has to meet his/her family, who are themselves dressed up in the theme!
- Cost of integration
Unfortunately, integration is expensive. This is because of the Weekend of integration (around €100), Amicale’s membership fees (around €50) and other organisations, outings, drinks at parties, costumes, etc.
We advise you to set aside at least €200 for the whole integration (as financial support from the government and the region may take several months to arrive after the beginning of the year).
But don’t worry – most integration activities are free and they are all optional. The membership fees are also optional, and the Amicale is flexible for those who are struggling financially.