AFAM: hello Charles, please tell a few words about yourself
Charles:
Hi, I’m Charles Calvinhac, a Master of Engineering student in Mechanical Engineering at UC Berkeley. Before coming to Berkeley, I was part of the Parcours US program at Arts et Métiers in Paris during the 2023-2024 academic year. Prior to that, I began my studies at Arts et Métiers in Bordeaux after completing a two-year preparatory class.
AFAM: What was the most challenging for you first when you applied to American Universities and second, when you arrived in California?
Charles:
The biggest challenge during the application process was learning how to write great cover letters. The application system in the U.S. is very different from what we have in France. To apply to American universities, you need to submit multiple essays that highlight who you are beyond just academics. There’s the Statement of Purpose, which focuses on your academic journey and career goals, and the Personal History Statement, which emphasizes your personal background and experiences. Additionally, three Letters of Recommendation are required, typically written by professors or internship supervisors.
When I arrived in California, my main challenge was adapting to this new academic system. I had to quickly transition my engineering vocabulary from French to English and quickly adapt to cultural differences.
AFAM: What are your favorite classes? And what do you like the most about your educational journey?
Charles:
At Berkeley, I’ve had the opportunity to take a diverse range of courses. My favorite class is Vehicle Dynamics & Control, where I gained a deep understanding of integrating feedback control into dynamic systems. In this course, I worked on implementing traction control and ABS in vehicle systems, which significantly improved my skills in MATLAB.
Another class I really enjoyed was Statistics and Data Science for Engineers. It introduced me to machine learning and data management, providing powerful tools for analyzing and interpreting complex datasets. For my final project, I used machine learning techniques including neural networks and random forests to predict cholesterol levels based on dietary information from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey dataset.
I also had the opportunity to be part of UC Berkeley’s AI Racing Tech Team for my year-long Capstone Project, working with some of the world’s fastest self-driving vehicles, capable of reaching speeds of 300 km/h. Additionally, I had the chance to travel twice to Las Vegas for four-day trips, fully funded, to conduct on-track testing with other teams from other universities.
What I appreciate the most about my academic journey is its practical approach. Rather than focusing solely on theory, many courses emphasize hands-on projects, which have helped me better understand the underlying concepts. I highly recommend that students get involved in projects, as they provide invaluable learning experiences beyond what is taught in class.
AFAM: you are one of the Sequoia #2 grant recipients. Please tell us why it was important for you to get some financial support offered by AFAM?
Charles:
AFAM, which stands for American Friends of Arts et Métiers, is an association of alumni in the U.S. that plays a key role in maintaining connections among graduates. It’s important for me to stay connected with people who share the same background, and AFAM also organizes valuable networking events.
The support from AFAM through the Sequoia #2 grant has been invaluable, not only in easing the financial burden of studying in the U.S. but also in allowing me to fully concentrate on my academic projects. Studying abroad comes with significant financial challenges, and this assistance has given me the freedom to focus on learning rather than worrying about my expenses. Beyond the financial aspect, receiving this grant is also a great source of encouragement, as it reflects the strength of the AFAM network and its commitment to supporting French students in their educational journey in the U.S.
AFAM: Do you like living in California? How do you like to spend your free time?
Charles:
I really enjoy living in California, especially because of the wide range of activities available. The weather is also a big plus, unlike in France, the sun shines almost every day, making it easy to spend time outdoors.
One of the things I appreciate most is the variety of free activities on campus, including sports like tennis, soccer, basketball, and access to the gym and swimming pool at no extra cost. I'm also part of CHAOS, an association that organizes hiking trips. I joined one of their hikes to Pinnacles National Park, where they provided all the necessary equipment—tent, sleeping bag, backpack, and even a lamp completely free of charge.
In my free time, I also love exploring San Francisco with my friends. We visit places like the different piers, Golden Gate Park, and the Japanese Tea Garden. I even had the chance to attend a baseball game and see world-famous DJs like Kavinsky perform for less than $30. There’s always something exciting to do here!
AFAM: Any piece of advice you would like to give to parcours US students who will be arriving in the US next year?
Charles:
My main advice for incoming Parcours US students is to be open to meeting new people. While it may be tempting to stick with the French community, it’s essential to build connections beyond that circle. Engaging with a diverse group of people will greatly enrich your experience.
I also strongly encourage getting involved in projects as much as possible. Hands-on experience makes a real difference on your CV and can open doors to exciting opportunities. Additionally, make the most of your free time, it’s one of your greatest assets. Whether you use it for networking events, personal projects, or job applications, investing time wisely can have a big impact on your future.
Lastly, I’d be happy to help and answer any questions from students interested in Parcours US or learning more about AFAM. Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn!
AFAM: Thank you
Pictures: courtesy of Charles
Berkeley Main Library
Berkeley hills
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