Written by Andrea Gappell

In the U.S., the back-to-school season centers on students returning to class. In France, “la rentrée” signals a nationwide reset—schools, universities, workplaces, and cultural events spring back to life after the calm of the summer holidays. Georgia Tech-Europe is no exception, with work on the GTE building expansion ramping up and September bringing a record number of students to experience Georgia Tech-Europe (GTE) and Metz.

This fall, GTE welcomed 276 students to Metz, including 144 undergraduates, a 55% increase from last year’s 93. The First-Year Semester Abroad program also expanded, enrolling 75 first-year students, up from 50 the previous fall.

Among the fall undergraduates are eight students participating in the Serve-Learn-Sustain (SLS) program, led by Georgia Tech French Professor Christophe Ippolito. All students will complete fieldwork, with some joining the Hunger Project to gain hands-on experience while supporting efforts to address food insecurity and improve community well-being. The program connects French language study with sustainability and community engagement.

There are 132 graduate students in Metz this fall. Additionally, 57 dual-degree master’s students are continuing their studies in Atlanta after completing at least one semester at GTE. This transition connects their Metz experience to the academic, research, and professional resources at Georgia Tech’s main campus.

La rentrée also brings growth beyond the classroom. Construction on GTE’s expansion, which broke ground in October 2025, is accelerating. The project will add capacity to support the site’s growing academic community and strengthen Georgia Tech’s presence in Europe.

Georgia Tech-Europe President Abdallah Ougazzaden noted, “Georgia Tech-Europe’s growth in student enrollment is a testament to the value of the transformative educational experience students enjoy here in Metz. The site’s expansion is moving rapidly, and we are eager to welcome many more students at Georgia Tech-Europe with these additional academic spaces.” During the recent Institute Address in Atlanta, Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera recognized Abdallah Ougazzaden, who was in the audience, for his leadership of Georgia Tech-Europe and highlighted the importance of GTE’s expansion project in Metz to the broader Georgia Tech community.

The warm tones highlight Metz’s golden-yellow limestone architecture, offering a vibrant backdrop as the city celebrates the end of Mirabelle plum season with city-wide annual festivities. Metz’s fall calendar adds even more to the experience. The Moselle Open will bring international tennis competition to the city. At the same time, a papal visit, one of only three stops in France, will include Mass at the Gothic Saint-Étienne Cathedral and an appearance by the Pope in the historic city center.

A growing student body, a comprehensive academic calendar, a major site expansion, and Metz’s full range of fall activities make this year’s rentrée a celebration not only of returning but also of what comes next in Georgia Tech-Europe’s 37th academic year.