International Students Welcome Ceremony draws crowds

20 Oct 2014 | A region on the move

The first Welcome Ceremony for international students was a great success, with 500 participants from 25 schools and universities across Northern France converging on Lille on October 7

Half the world’s countries

Five hundred foreign students from across Northern France took part in this 1st Welcome Ceremony for international students, organized jointly by the Regional Council and Nord France Invest. No fewer than 85 nationalities were represented—nearly half the total number of countries in the world! This exciting evening event took place at the spectacular Euratechnologies site. 

Getting to know you

Hailing from a wide range of schools and universities across Northern France, participants got a unique opportunity to discover our region, its resources—and its special features. Five themes were in the spotlight: culture, tourism, food, sports and business. Activities included an introduction to traditional Flemish games, judo and local gastronomy, plus opportunities to meet local businesses, a demonstration of freestyle soccer, a quiz on the region’s image and a giant drawing with prizes including airline tickets to winners’ destinations of choice. 

The bigger picture

While the Welcome Ceremony was a fabulous venue for networking and meeting people, organizers also had their eye on the bigger picture. With some clearly defined goals: by helping these young visitors feel at home and enhancing their Northern France experience, they were laying the foundations for long-term contacts and relationships. Because once their courses have ended, these same students will return home with their degrees or travel to other parts of the world. They are, after all, the business leaders—and possibly opinion leaders—of the future. Forging solid ties between them and Northern France today is one way to position our region in world markets tomorrow.

Watch the video of this unforgettable evening.