AgroParisTech has renewed its ‘Bienvenue en France’ label

Led by Campus France, the ‘Bienvenue en France’ label recognises institutions that have developed concrete measures to welcome their international students. It has three objectives: to inform prospective students about the actual conditions of host institutions, to certify the quality of this welcome, and to promote a genuine culture of hospitality within French universities and colleges. The label is awarded for five years on the basis of a self-assessment and, from the second year onwards, a visit by independent experts, before being validated by a national committee.

With 14 per cent of its students coming from overseas across its campuses in Palaiseau, Montpellier, Nancy and Clermont-Ferrand, AgroParisTech has seen several of its initiatives praised by the commission: the complete digitisation of applications, dedicated staff trained in intercultural issues, a digital learning environment accessible in English, and support from the multi-service helpdesks at the EPE Université Paris-Saclay and the SAEIC in Montpellier. Support with accommodation, mental health services staffed by English-speaking personnel, as well as an active alumni network and robust support for career integration and entrepreneurship were also highlighted.

The maintenance of Level 2 is accompanied by ways to improve identified by the commission, notably regarding the clarity and English translation of the information available online, as well as better coordination between the International Relations Department and the various campuses. These areas of focus confirm AgroParisTech’s commitment to a continuous process of improving its student welcome, alongside the other institutions labelled by Campus France.