Beyond the Classroom: Inside the MSc Climate Change & Sustainable Finance Learning Expedition

In the MSc in Climate Change & Sustainable Finance, theory and practice go hand in hand. A recent two-day Learning Expedition in southern France gave students an immersive look at industrial sites tackling the pressing realities of climate change and sustainable transition. Catherine Elkhoury, a Finance scholarship recipient and current MSc student, shares how this unique experience shaped her academic journey, professional aspirations, and personal insights.

Can you give us an overview of the Learning Expedition?

“It was a two-day school trip where we visited several major industrial sites closely tied to sustainability issues.”

The group explored a diverse range of facilities: CEA, ITER Organization, Lafarge’s La Malle site, and ArcelorMittal.

What did you take away from the experience academically?

“The learning expedition was a valuable experience both personally and academically. We had the opportunity to witness firsthand the challenges industries face and to deepen our understanding of the material we studied throughout the school year.”

Catherine points out how the visits added depth to the academic foundation:

“The programme itself is very rich, combining core classes with numerous guest speakers from the field who offer insights into industry dynamics, policy-making, climate change, and finance. However, being able to visit these sites and engage directly with professionals added another dimension.”

“It wasn’t just about the industrial exposure or the cultural enrichment—we also gained a practical understanding of the day-to-day realities these industries are navigating.”

How did this impact your career thinking?

“Absolutely. While the MSc in Climate Change and Sustainable Finance programme has an important component on blended finance and policy, it sparked a greater interest in industrial firms.”

Did the expedition meet your expectations?

“It exceeded my expectations. It felt very necessary to understand the grander scheme of things beyond numbers, protocols and class.”

Was there a visit that stood out to you in particular?

“Yes, exploring the nuclear field was a truly eye-opening experience.”

Catherine highlights the impact of visiting CEA and ITER:

“Given how often the topic is debated and surrounded by misconceptions, visiting the sites and engaging directly with those navigating both the technical and diplomatic complexities was invaluable.”

“What made the experience especially memorable was the genuine enthusiasm of the professionals we met—they were eager to share not only their expertise but also their personal motivations tied to science and the future of energy.”

“Witnessing the sheer scale of the facilities and understanding their long-term potential left a lasting impression.”

How did the visits relate to your coursework?

“The visit shed light on the technical aspects of value chains and decarbonization, along with their connection to real-world market challenges.”

“It directly complemented the technical concepts we studied at Mines Paris - PSL, while also offering a broader perspective beyond classroom modeling, policy frameworks, and financial strategies.”