Highlights from Sorbonne University's 2021 International Day
Sorbonne University's inaugural International Day took place on October 19th, 2021. It provided staff and students alike with the opportunity to discover the international mobility experiences available to them. As an inherently international institution, Sorbonne University is committed to ensuring its members can partake in exchange and mobility experiences, offering language, financial and logistical support to every person interested in going abroad.
With engaging talks, student testimonies, information stands, a live DJ and a very special guest appearance from one of the university's most accomplished alumni, the event served as a reminder of Sorbonne University's international strength.
International Day began with presentations about international mobility opportunities for Sorbonne University staff. Members of faculty, administrative staff and doctoral candidates who had already spent time abroad at a partner university recounted their positive experiences, and attendees interested in doing the same asked questions about the process.
In the evening, international day switched its focus to current students. Student brass band Moktar Sound System kicked off festivities at 5pm on the Campus de Cordeliers, attracting not only Sorbonne University students and staff, but also members of the public wandering around Paris who stopped at the gates to get a peek. This led into student testimonies about exchange programs. Raquel Ferrón and Adeline Afonso from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and Axelle Domin and Océane Piedallu from the Faculty of Science and Engineering spoke about the challenges and highlights that marked their international experiences.
Then came the moment many had been waiting for - our keynote interview with internationally renowned computer scientist (and Sorbonne University alumnus) Luc Julia, best known for co-creating Apple's Siri. TéléSorbonne, the Sorbonne's student media organisation, conducted the interview, and Julia also answered many questions from the buzzing student crowd. He especially reiterated the strength of France's higher education, and strongly encouraged all in attendance to pursue international opportunities with openness and optimism.
Once Luc Julia had left the stage, it was time for three other special guests to enter it: Ershad Vaeztehrani, Sogol Mirzael and Rusan Fillztek, who performed a 'World Music' mini concert. The remainder of the evening took on a festive character. DJ Ack and DJ Spirits got students dancing, while they also munched on food from all over the world: mini pizzas, burgers, sushi, rice paper rolls and more. Various faculty and university services had stands set up for students eager for further information, and there was even a photo booth to ensure that memories of the night could be saved for future keepsaking.
International Day proved a successful gathering of the Sorbonne University community at all levels. It united students with teachers, administrative staff with faculty members, and, of course, Sorbonne University with the world.
Read more about our international development and activity.
