International-oriented training and workshops for students of Paris-Saclay University
Since 2020, Paris-Saclay University has benefited from the support of ESN France to develop the Buddy Programme with students and staff members. Among other actions, ESN France provides trainings for mentors and associations, on the topic of interculturalism, in order to help them better understand and exchange with international students.
Understanding the situation of international students
At the beginning of the second semester, after being matched with international students, the local students of the Buddy Programme had the opportunity to attend a training course to learn the basics of mentoring. From the cultural shock to administrative procedures, our instructor from ESN presented the important aspects of arriving in France as an international student. These explanations will enable mentors to better understand the needs and the situation of their mentees and to support them during their stay. They will also be useful for future exchange students or adult expats, when it will be their turn to be in a foreign country!
These training courses take place at the beginning of the semester and are open to all local students registered for the Buddy Programme of Paris-Saclay University. To attend the next ones, see you in October!
Understanding the expectations of international students
Events are organised all year long for international students, by the International Welcome Desk but also by student associations. The 2020 Buddy Programme Call for projects, launched in June 2020, gave five associations the possibility to imagine a project involving international students: art workshops, hackathon, visit of Paris... ESN France used its knowledge on student associations and project management to help the students in charge of these projects, through training on the organisation of events for international students. The key is to adapt the content and communication, in order to meet the expectations of international students and spark their interest.
Understanding the importance of involving international students
In addition to training the student associations who participated in the 2020 Buddy Programme Call for projects, ESN France invited all student associations of Paris-Saclay University to a workshop on the internationalisation of their activities. The goal is to show how to include international students, not only by organising projects but also as members of the association. Internationalising an association is a great occasion for the members to implement new actions, develop intercultural skills, find new members and gain visibility in the university!