ENSTA ParisTech occupies a special place in the French educational system. Founded in 1741, it is one of France' oldest and most prestigious schools of engineering. Its programs in general engineering enable students to assume responsibility for the design, implementation, and direction of complex industrial systems under the constraints of tight budgets and stiff international competition. To achieve this objective, the school provides instruction of the highest scientific and technical quality, with the curriculum constantly updated in light of technical advances. Students' education is rounded out by courses in languages, culture, communication, law, and economics. Teaching duties are shared by the research faculty of ENSTA ParisTech and a large number of visiting faculty who contribute up-to-the-minute knowledge of a wide array of economic and industrial domains.