The success of certain projects sometimes depends on just a few elements: an international week in Mechelen, a moment of conviviality, and a touch of spontaneity during an informal exchange. Without these ingredients, the exchange between Thomas More and HELHa’s Charleroi campus would probably never have come to life.
“We realised that we had relatively similar fields of expertise and we thought: why not? We are not doing much internationally. This is the perfect opportunity to get started,” explains Bertrand Michaux, Coordinator of the Industrial Computing programme in Charleroi.
Three days to learn, discover and practice another language
For the second consecutive year, from November 17 to 19, 2025, 19 students from Mechelen and their two lecturers packed their bags for Charleroi for three days of activities combining cultural discovery and academic immersion.
On the agenda:
Day 1: Visit of Charleroi and its industrial heritage.
Day 2: Node-RED Bootcamp.
Day 3: Conference by Nicolas Coppée and Philippe Lipinski on data center supervision and management, followed by a site visit.
“It’s a way to help Thomas More launch their second semester courses and, on our side, it’s the same: these subjects will support our students in their Block 2 and Block 3 projects,” adds Bertrand Michaux.
Language learning: a central objective
Beyond the technical activities, the exchange pursues a fundamental goal: developing students’ language skills.
Most activities are conducted in French for the Flemish students.
“It is truly important because we live in a country with three official languages. It is essential for students to practice French,” emphasizes Elke Boonen, Coordinator of Data Education at Thomas More.
This learning process comes with challenges: following a course in another language, interacting with peers… it is never easy. But students find solutions: switching to English or even using sign language when necessary.
Beyond language acquisition, these encounters also foster transversal skills: communication, cultural openness, and teamwork.
“At first, everyone is a bit shy, but then we start talking and building connections,” says Guillaume, a student at Thomas More.
And what’s next? Heading to Mechelen!
In March, it will be Charleroi students’ turn to discover Mechelen, from March 2 to 6, 2026. This time, all courses will be taught in English, the language of instruction at Thomas More. A new step to further strengthen their linguistic proficiency and international outlook.
As a reminder, at the start of the academic year, HELHa chose to focus on the theme of international openness. The Charleroi campus clearly demonstrates its active commitment to this objective.
Our industrial computing program
Our bachelor’s degree prepares students to:
- Develop applications using new information technologies across various platforms (web, mobile, embedded systems, “PC”), as well as interface with the external world (sensors/actuators) ;
- Manage, regulate and ensure predictive maintenance of industrial processes using programmable logic controllers and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies;
- Integrate into the Industry 4.0 movement through emerging technologies and specialised training;
- Install, administer, and secure IT and/or industrial networks, with a strong focus on cybersecurity concepts.
More information on our website: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Computer Sciences
Published on 13 January 2026
Sciences and Life Technologies