Welcome Days: an international start to the academic year at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne
From 7th to 11th September, Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne welcomed its new international students enrolled in exchange programmes and full degree mobility through the Welcome Days, an orientation week designed to help them settle into their new academic environment. Combining information sessions, institutional welcomes and social events, the programme marked an important first step in their university experience.
Supporting new international students from day one
In September, more than 580 international exchange students from over 40 countries joined the university for either one semester or a full academic year. On 7th September, they were welcomed at the university's new La Chapelle campus by President Christine Neau-Leduc, who highlighted the importance of international academic cooperation:
"I strongly believe in intercultural and inter-university exchanges. It is very important for the academic world that universities and students continue to meet, discover other countries and cultures, explore different forms of knowledge, and exchange views on major global challenges such as climate change and artificial intelligence."
Organised by the International Relations Department, the introductory meeting provided students with all the practical information needed regarding their arrival and enrolment. Through presentations delivered by the university's departments and services, they also discovered the many opportunities available to them throughout their stay, including student life, sports and cultural activities, as well as clubs and societies.
Building an international student community
Beyond administrative support, the Welcome Days are designed to foster the integration of international students into the university community. Throughout the week, exchange students were offered French as a Foreign Language (FLE) courses organised by the university's Department of Languages (DDL).
On 10th September, more than 320 international students gathered at the Cité internationale universitaire de Paris for a welcome cocktail reception. The event encouraged exchanges between students from different nationalities and provided an additional opportunity to build connections. Ayrton, a Master's student in Economics at the University of Cape Town (South Africa), shared his first impressions:
"When the opportunity arose at my home university, I was very excited about studying at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne because of its historical legacy. I took part in all the Welcome Days activities and thought they were very good. I felt thoroughly welcomed, and it has been a positive start to a new chapter."
More than 260 international full-degree students were welcomed at the Centre Panthéon on 8th September. The event provided them with a dedicated session and additional information, complementing the welcome meetings organised by the university's academic departments before the start of the academic year.
The International Students Association of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (ISAP1) also took part in the Welcome Days, presenting its activities, guiding new arrivals and helping to create an international student community.
A university open to the world
Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne has nearly 360 partner institutions across 79 countries. During the previous academic year, the university welcomed more than 800 students through these partnerships, as well as over 3,100 newcoming full-degree students. Overall, international students represent more than 20% of the university's student population.
Awarded the highest three-star level of the “Bienvenue en France” certification since 2025, Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne reaffirms its commitment to providing international students with a welcoming and supportive environment throughout their mobility experience.
