Meet our students - Dulamkhuu Bujaa

" I grew up in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, and graduated from a dual program at an international school. I completed both the Mongolian curriculum and A-levels in mathematics, physics, and geography. Only three public high schools in Ulaanbaatar offer such dual programs; they select students from all over the country based on mathematical skills, logical thinking, and proficiency in English. The admission rate is very low, at about 0.2%.
 

Dulamkhuu, in front of Ecole Polytechnique's lake

After graduating from high school, my plan was to study abroad at one of the best universities in the world. I took two years out to search for the universities and countries that best suited my personality and ambitions. Among the institutions I focused the most on was École Polytechnique.

During those gap years, I also worked as a tour guide and got to meet tourists from all over the world, while learning all about western culture. I immediately felt connected with it and with France especially. I was accepted into universities in Hungary, Korea, Japan and Turkey, but I chose France.

I did not know what to expect before coming to France. More than 10,000 Mongolian students leave to study abroad every year, but France is not a common destination. Maybe it is because of the language. I am the first generation in my family to go to university, so no one around me could share their experience about studying abroad. When I landed here in August, everything was so new. I am still very curious about French culture and eager to keep learning more about it.

As a child, I wanted to be a doctor. Later, in high school, I realized that becoming a doctor was not for me, as it did not match my personality.

I did not have professors in high school to teach me the fundamentals of physics, so I started studying it auto-didactically. I enjoyed it so much that I eventually entered the National Physics Olympiads, and won third place. I found out I had a huge interest in the field and was offered to join the Mongolian Physics team. In the team, I had university-level classes given by professors from the National University of Mongolia.

I want to combine both Physics and Biology, so I decided to become a biophysicist. After I complete the Bachelor Program, I am planning to pursue my studies with a Master’s degree and then a PhD, either at École Polytechnique or abroad. Following this, I hope to work in research, maybe in bionics to improve the human anatomy, and maybe someday make a positive impact on the human body. "

Dulamkhuu Bujaa