CESI shares its expertise in welcoming international students at the “Bienvenue en France” symposium
On this page :
- Showcasing CESI’s Multi-Campus Approach
- Initiatives Enhancing the International Student Experience
- A Symposium Strengthening European Cooperation
On 15 and 16 June, CESI took part in the Franco-Polish symposium Bienvenue en France (Welcome to France), held in Warsaw and Łódź. Bringing together French and Polish higher education institutions, the event aimed to share best practices for welcoming and integrating international students in order to enhance their experience throughout their academic journey.
Showcasing CESI’s Multi-Campus Approach
Represented by Laura-Juliana Mendoza Romero, International Mobility Officer, CESI contributed to a workshop on the Welcome Process, focusing on strategies to support international students from admission through to their successful integration into their host institution.
During the session, CESI presented the distinctive features of its multi-campus model. With 26 campuses located across France, the school has developed an approach designed to ensure a consistently high standard of support while taking into account the specific characteristics of each campus. This organisation is based on a charter of best practices that establishes a common framework for student support, covering every stage from pre-arrival preparations to settling in and integrating into a new academic and cultural environment.
Initiatives Enhancing the International Student Experience
The presentation also highlighted several initiatives implemented by CESI to enrich the international student experience. Welcome Desks and Welcome Packages help students complete their initial administrative and practical procedures, while International Student Offices run by students themselves provide a supportive environment that encourages integration, intercultural exchange, and the sharing of useful day-to-day information.
CESI also introduced a project currently under development: a Welcome Week designed for all international students, whether they are exchange students, double-degree students, or enrolled in a full-degree programme. The objective of this integration week is to create a shared first experience before students are assigned to their respective campuses, strengthening their sense of belonging to the CESI community.
A Symposium Strengthening European Cooperation
Beyond the presentations, the symposium provided an opportunity for French and Polish participants to discuss strategic topics such as the role of alumni networks and European university alliances, both of which are key drivers of cooperation between higher education institutions. The meeting in Łódź also offered an opportunity to strengthen ties with one of CESI’s partner institutions and to discuss several joint initiatives, particularly in the areas of student mobility, Summer Schools, and the development of future double-degree programmes.
By taking part in this event, CESI reaffirms its commitment to providing high-quality support for international students and its determination to contribute actively to European discussions on the internationalisation of higher education.