Each year, nearly 1,500 international students choose the Université Savoie Mont Blanc (USMB) to pursue their studies. Upon arrival in France, the international relations department assists them with their first steps: settling in, discovering their host city, and understanding the university's operations. A mountain integration weekend, organized by the USMB Welcome Centre, follows.
Throughout the year, the USMB and the City of Chambéry join forces for four flagship initiatives: the Welcome Party, the Friendship Families program, the Young Ambassadors program, and Shared Christmas. This international academic year opening was marked by these events, co-organized with the City of Chambéry and local stakeholders.
The Weekend Integration Nature (WIN), held from Friday, August 28 to Sunday, August 30 in Courchevel, brought together 84 newly arrived international students. The program included team-building games, hiking, treetop adventure courses, via ferrata, and an international evening, aiming to foster friendships, explore the region, and share a convivial moment.
The Welcome Party, held on Tuesday, October 6, at the ice rink in Chambéry, gathered nearly 300 participants to celebrate cultural diversity. Skating, music, entertainment, and local product tasting allowed international students and USMB staff to discover the city in a fun and festive way.
The Friendship Families program, a joint initiative by USMB and the City of Chambéry, held its first meeting on Tuesday, October 13, at the Chambéry Town Hall. This program connects volunteer residents from the Chambéry area with international students for shared meals, outings, cultural activities, and discovery of local traditions. This second edition brings together 53 pairs from 32 nationalities.
Sara Rotelli, deputy mayor for education and youth policies, and Nicolas Méger, USMB Vice-President for International Relations (VPRI), presented the program, which aims to promote open-mindedness, mutual aid, and solidarity.
The Young Ambassadors Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes program, active for 25 years, also held its launch event on Thursday, October 15, at the Chambéry Town Hall. This mentorship program pairs international master's or doctoral students with local decision-makers, facilitating integration and professional networking over seven months.
Delphine Declemy, president of the Chambéry branch, and Nicolas Méger, USMB VPRI, hosted the event, where the 10 pairs for the 2026-2027 cohort had the opportunity to connect over a cocktail.
The Shared Christmas initiative, offered for over 20 years by the City and USMB, allows international students to spend the end-of-year holidays with a family in Chambéry. USMB also provides support through student ambassadors, French as a Foreign Language (FLE) courses at the ACCENTS language center, and events co-organized with the Erasmus Student Network (ESN).
