Orientation Days: How De Vinci’s Welcome Program Eases the Path for International Students in Paris

The Orientation Days at De Vinci Higher Education, encompassing EMLV and ESILV schools, are designed with one central goal: to ensure a warm and efficient welcome for international students. The event is structured to help them integrate smoothly into their new academic and cultural environment, making the transition to student life in France as seamless as possible.

The Orientation Days focus on two significant aspects: introducing key personnel within the educational institution and providing essential administrative information. By equipping students with these tools, De Vinci Higher Education aims to make the adjustment process smoother and stress-free.

A Welcome Conference to learn the Essential Introductions

The students’ first step was to collect their student badges at the campus entrance, marking the beginning of their journey at De Vinci. They then gathered at the Learning Center for a Welcome Breakfast.

Before diving into the day’s formal proceedings, they could connect with their peers in this relaxed environment. Next, the students attended the official Welcome Conference at the Lecture Hall.

This session served as an introduction to De Vinci Higher Education, where the staff introduced themselves and would guide and support them throughout their studies.

After the conference, a lunch break allowed for further networking and relaxation.

Workshops and Fun: Digital Tools and Paris Exploration

Post-lunch, students were divided into groups for the Digital Tools Workshop, an essential session where they were guided through the digital platforms and tools they would use at De Vinci Higher Education. These tools are vital to navigating academic resources and connecting with the school’s services.

In a fun-filled exploration of their new home, students were treated to a Bateau Mouches cruise on the Seine, offering a unique introduction to the beauty of Paris.

This guided tour allowed them to see iconic landmarks from the river, offering a memorable first-city experience.

Settling into Life in France: Survival Kit and Fair

Moving to a new country always involves navigating administrative procedures, and De Vinci Higher Education is keen to make this process as painless as possible for its students. The Survival Kit session provided invaluable information on VISA procedures, including guidance on validating visas and preparing for renewals or future status changes.

Complementing this session was the Settling in France Fair; where students could gather detailed information about crucial administrative processes, they would need to tackle upon arrival. These included understanding the French health system, setting up a bank account, and other essential tasks.

The school’s banking partners held booths where students could book appointments to open bank accounts while health experts answered questions about the French healthcare system.

Campus Life and Entrepreneurial Opportunities

Beyond the administrative necessities, the Erasmus Student Network provided campus tours, while Erasmus Place, a partner organization, offered budget-friendly travel options to explore more of France.

Students also had the opportunity to engage with De Vinci Startup, the institution’s startup incubator, where entrepreneurial-minded students could begin discussing and planning their following big ideas.

ESN DeVinci, an essential reference for exchange students

The mission of the Erasmus Student Network at De Vinci Higher Education Campus is to make international students’ stay in Paris an unforgettable souvenir. Under the Students Helping Students principle, ESN DeVinci welcomes international students to Leonard DeVinci schools (ESILV, EMLV, IIM).

Working in close collaboration with the International Relations Department of the school, ESN DeVinci brings students the best events and integration. ESN DeVinci believes every student’s international experience should be filled with excitement, cultural exchange, and lifelong friendships.

The association carefully curates events to immerse international students in French culture. For example, an agenda with main events is available on their social media and a “survival guide” on their website.

 

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Integration and Icebreaking: A Race through Paris

To round off the Orientation Days, students participated in an Orientation Race, a fun and interactive activity designed to help them get to know Paris and each other. Divided into teams, students embarked on a parkour challenge through one of the city’s most popular districts, completing tasks and challenges. This unique icebreaker allowed students to connect with different cultures and build friendships in an enjoyable, relaxed atmosphere.

The De Vinci Higher Education Orientation Days ensured international students received the essential information they needed and felt truly welcomed.

An initiative under the “Bienvenue en France” label

This initiative aligns with the “Bienvenue en France” label, designed to support the arrival and stay of international students in the country. This label was created to allow institutions to highlight their ability to accommodate new international students. It is awarded by Campus France for a period of 5 years and validated by an independent commission.

This label is part of a broader initiative to promote French higher education worldwide by simplifying administrative procedures and improving the quality of the welcome offered.

The school’s International Relations Department organises Orientation Days and has established a network of carefully selected partner universities to ensure the programmes match.

They aim to provide international students with the best possible welcome, specifically through the Welcome Desk.

This first academic year only concerns the Master in Management (Grande Ecole Programme) students. The MSc and MBA students will arrive in October.

Learn more about the international dimension of the EMLV