Welcome Days: Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne kicks off academic year for international students
Organised by the International Relations Department (DRI) of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University, the Welcome Days took place from 9th to 13th September. This induction week offered international exchange and full degree students a special welcome before the start of classes.
Diving into university life at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne
Nearly 500 exchange students from over 30 countries joined the university in September for one or two semesters. To help them settle in Paris and integrate into the university, a welcome week offered them the opportunity to attend several events and take French as a Foreign Language (FLE) classes run by the Department of Languages (DDL). These actions are fully in line with the “Bienvenue en France” label awarded to the university in 2020 (two-star level).
On 9th September, some 350 students took part in the welcome meeting for international exchange students at the Centre Lourcine. This event gave them the opportunity to discover the university, its services, clubs and societies. It was also an occasion for them to ask all their administrative and academic questions to the international relations team, who will remain their key contact throughout their stay. Christine Neau-Leduc, President of the University, kicked off the Welcome Days by reminding the benefits of international mobility: “Seeing this auditorium full today is a great sign for our university, as it confirms our desire to promote international mobility among our students and to welcome students from all over the world. It is a fantastic way to foster and expand contact, influence and exchange opportunities between higher education and research institutions”.
Vice-president for International Relations Camille Salinesi stressed the students' role as ambassadors: “For many years to come, you will be representatives of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University, first at your home institution, then in other countries and throughout your career and your life”. Fabienne Peraldi-Leneuf, vice-president for Europe, underlined the importance of the European continent in the international strategy of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University and introduced the Una Europa alliance, which she described as “a wonderful network of 11 prestigious and historic universities”.
Fostering integration and building intercultural links
Over 260 students took the opportunity to enjoy another special gathering by attending the welcome reception for international exchange students, organised in partnership with the Cité internationale universitaire de Paris (CiuP) on 11th September. On this occasion, they were introduced to the "Welcome Desk Paris", a service set up by acc&ss Paris Centre to inform and assist international students with administrative procedures. Participants then got to know each other, sharing their backgrounds, and forging new links. This is the case of Athina and Ioannis, two law students from the National and Capodistrian University of Athens, who arrived in Paris a few days earlier. “I attended a Greek-French school in Greece, so I was very keen to come and study in France and particularly at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University since it is highly renowned in the field of law” explains Athina. Both had the chance to attend the course of “legal methodology and introduction to French law” offered by the Sorbonne Law School (EDS) during the week. They will stay at the university for one semester as part of the Erasmus+ programme, before returning to Greece to complete their studies and sit the bar exam.
On 10th September, over 150 full degree international students also benefited from a special welcome during a meeting that included several presentations as well as a Q&A session. Most participants came from countries outside Europe, including Brazil, Lebanon, Egypt, Ukraine, Tunisia, Algeria, Guinea and Togo.
► Download the 2024-2025 International Student Welcome Guide (10 MB)
