Excelia has obtained renewal of the Bienvenue en France label (Welcome to France Label) which is held by only 156 business and management schools in the whole of France.
A rare distinction
Following the 16th Certification Commission meeting, which took place on 24th May 2024, and brought together the committees of various organisations (CPU, CDEFI, CGE), as well as HCERES, CTI and Campus France, 156 establishments, including Excelia, now hold the Bienvenue en France label.
Of the establishments that obtained this recognition, only 9 higher education establishments (universities and ComUEs, engineering schools, and business and management schools) have been granted renewal of the label this year.
Objectives and criteria of the Bienvenue en France label
The Bienvenue en France label not only acts as an information tool for international students in terms of ‘how’ a French establishment will welcome and support them, but it also highlights the initiatives taken by these establishments for their international students. In addition, it is proof of a quality approach in improving welcome facilities within the establishments themselves.
Four criteria are analysed for the awarding of the label:
- The quality and accessibility of information
- The quality and accessibility of welcome initiatives and the quality of life on campus
- The quality and accessibility of the programmes on offer and the educational support provided
- The quality of post-graduate support and guidance
Excelia’s initiatives in welcoming international students
Today, within Excelia, international students make up some 25% of the student body, with 80 different nationalities represented. In addition, 55% of its faculty come from abroad. A number of initiatives have been implemented, which include:
- The existence of 6 overseas offices (Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, West Indies, Morocco, India, China, in addition to representatives based in La Rochelle for Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America) that provide assistance and act as a local presence for international students.
- A multilingual team of three people, based in La Rochelle, who are responsible for admissions, the procedures for which are now carried out online to take into account the geographical distance of candidates.
- For several years now, Excelia has had a one-stop shop (Student Life) aimed at helping international students settle in to life in France. Assistance with housing, a buddy programme with students already on campus, the establishment of international representatives by geographical zone and the implementation of a designated pre-start date complete this support system.
- Digital technology is being extensively used to facilitate interaction between students and faculty, and preparatory academic support programmes have also been set up.
- Excelia supports and guides its international students to facilitate access to internships and employment with its economic partners.
Video about the label
