Orientation Days at De Vinci Higher Education, including Engineering School ESILV, are crafted to ensure a welcoming and efficient start for international students. The main objective is to ease their integration into the academic and cultural settings of their new life in France, offering a smooth transition into student life.
The event prioritizes two core areas: introducing students to crucial personnel and offering essential administrative details. By focusing on these aspects, De Vinci Higher Education aims to facilitate a stress-free adaptation process for its international students.
A Welcome Conference for Key Introductions
The first step involved students collecting their badges at the campus entrance, symbolizing the start of their journey at De Vinci. After this, they gathered for a Welcome Breakfast.
Before the formal proceedings began, students could connect with their peers in a relaxed setting. The day continued with a Welcome Conference where the staff introduced themselves and outlined how they would support the students throughout their academic experience.
Following the conference, a lunch break provided additional opportunities for networking and socializing.
Workshops and Exploration: Navigating Digital Tools and Discovering Paris
After lunch, students participated in the Digital Tools Workshop, an essential session that guided them through the platforms and tools they would use at De Vinci Higher Education. These digital tools are vital for managing academic resources and accessing the school’s services.
To introduce students to their new home, a Bateau Mouches cruise on the Seine offered a unique tour of Paris, allowing them to take in the city’s iconic landmarks from a fresh perspective.
This memorable activity was a fun way for students to experience Paris for the first time.
Settling into Life in France: Essential Information and Fair
Adjusting to life in a new country can involve navigating complex administrative procedures, but De Vinci Higher Education aims to ease this process.
The Survival Kit session provided vital information on visa procedures, including guidance on validating visas and preparing for potential renewals or status changes. The Settling in France Fair, which offered detailed information on essential tasks like understanding the French healthcare system and setting up a bank account, complemented the session.
The event aimed to integrate international students, mainly through the cluster’s student associations. More than 30 associations were present, including Digiteam, Leo 4L, Leo Talks, and many others.
The school’s banking partners were available to help students set up bank appointments, while health experts answered any questions regarding healthcare in France.
Exploring Campus Life and Entrepreneurship
In addition to essential administrative processes, international students were introduced to campus life.
The Erasmus Student Network provided campus tours, while Erasmus Place, a partner organization, offered affordable travel options for students to explore more of France.
Students interested in entrepreneurship could also engage with De Vinci Startup, the school’s incubator, to discuss and develop potential business ideas.
ESN DeVinci: A Key Resource for International Students
ESN DeVinci is essential in ensuring a memorable stay for international students at De Vinci Higher Education. The Erasmus Student Network, through its motto of “Students Helping Students,” helps integrate international students into campus life, particularly at ESILV, EMLV, and IIM.
In close collaboration with the school’s International Relations Department, ESN DeVinci organizes engaging events to ensure a smooth cultural transition. They aim to make every student’s international experience exciting and filled with cultural exchange and lasting friendships.
They maintain an event calendar on social media and provide a “survival guide” on their website, which helps international students navigate their new environment.
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Building Connections Through an Interactive Paris Race
To conclude Orientation Days, students participated in an interactive Orientation Race, a fun and engaging activity designed to help them explore Paris while bonding with their peers.
Students were divided into teams and completed various challenges in one of the city’s iconic districts. This activity was a creative way to foster cross-cultural friendships in a lively, informal setting.
The Orientation Days at De Vinci Higher Education provided vital information and a warm and engaging welcome to international students.
ESN DeVinci welcomes international students to Leonard DeVinci schools.
Orientation Days 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.
The International Relations Department organizes these Orientation Days and works closely with a network of partner universities to offer students the best possible experience, including through the dedicated Welcome Desk.
Their ultimate goal is to ensure international students feel supported when they arrive in France.
This first academic year only concerns the Master in Engineering (Grande Ecole Programme) students. The MSc students will arrive in October.
