Hello Lille International Student EveningHello Lille International Student Evening
©Hello Lille International Student Evening

MEL, a land of welcome and future for international talent!

Higher education is turning cities into magnets, and the Lille metropolitan area is a perfect example. As France’s second-largest university centre (outside the Île-de-France region), the Lille European Metropolis (MEL) shines with its unique atmosphere. This is the spirit in which Hello Lille organises its annual International Student Evening. This event reveals what makes Lille so much more than just a place to study – it’s a springboard for building a future and adding a little more to the region’s dynamism every day!

The International Students’ Evening: when the spirit of Lille meets the talents of the world!

The International Students’ Evening, organised by Hello Lille in partnership with the MEL, the University of Lille and the Catholic University of Lille, has become a not-to-be-missed event for first-time international students.
Every year, the Lille Attractiveness Agency makes this event a special occasion, an immersion that goes well beyond the welcome, offering students the chance to connect and get a full taste of life in Lille.
In a friendly atmosphere, everything is done to make each student feel at home. ###Lille and its partners are working together to create links and help students discover the many facets of the city, from studies to careers, culture and local dynamism.
It’s a real welcome party that immerses participants in the warm spirit of the city!

During the plenary session, one of the highlights of the evening, participants discover the motivations of newcomers and listen to the testimonials of alumni, who share how their international profile has become a valuable asset for recruiters. Local business leaders also spoke about the many career opportunities available to talented people trained in Lille. After the discussions, students are invited to extend the evening at the Lille Street Food Festival, which over the years has become the biggest food event north of Paris!
After four editions, the International Students’ Evening has become an eagerly awaited highlight. It reflects the commitment of local players to creating a welcoming space where young talent from all over the world can come to launch their future!

Maria Eduarda MilagresMaria Eduarda Milagres
©Maria Eduarda Milagres

My first impression on arriving was the warmth and friendliness of the people, and this really helped me to feel at home from the very first days.

Maria, a Brazilian student at the Law Faculty of the Catholic University of Lille.
Study, grow, succeed: MEL has it all

The metropolis, an obvious choice for talent in search of success

Lille is much more than just a place to study: it’s a land of opportunity with international ambitions! The region shines in terms of its academic appeal, with institutions that attract students from all over the world. Here, students don’t just come to get a degree, they come to train for excellence with recognised masters degrees in fields as varied as they are international. For students looking for solid skills and a global outlook, the city is an unmissable choice.

smartsmart
©smart

I chose the University of Lille for its solid academic reputation; it’s one of the best and offers excellent masters degrees. Lille is also a city where you can easily reconcile your personal life with your studies. This balance is great for doing well while building a great career.

Samantha, Colombian student in the MLISC Masters programme at the University of Lille
Maria Eduarda MilagresMaria Eduarda Milagres
©Maria Eduarda Milagres

In Brazil, I studied Brazilian law, but in Lille, I have access to international law courses, which is fantastic because I want to become a lawyer. These are essential skills for my future career

Maria, a Brazilian student at the Law Faculty of the Catholic University of Lille

At the heart of Europe, a great place to study

Thanks to its geographical location, the area is connected in no time to major European cities such as Paris, London, Amsterdam and Brussels. But it’s not just its strategic location that makes Lille so attractive, it’s also its warm atmosphere, its student city spirit and its rich culture. From the centre of Lille to the towns and villages of the metropolitan area, each place offers students an environment where life is good.

My favourite place is Old Lille: I love the bars, the restaurants and the cosy atmosphere. I also love the Citadelle when the weather’s fine. It’s a great place to walk around and relax.

Maria, a Brazilian student at the Law Faculty of the Catholic University of Lille

Festivals, concerts, exhibitions… the region beats to the rhythm of young people and there’s never a shortage of opportunities for new experiences.

My first impression was of a very welcoming city for international students. Everyone was so helpful and made me feel at home. It’s also a region rich in history, with places like the birthplace of Charles de Gaulle and the Musée des Beaux-Arts. For those with a passion for culture, this really is the place to be.

Samantha, a Colombian student on the MLISC Masters course at the University of Lille.

Where ambitions take flight

When it comes to careers, the city offers a world of opportunities. Local companies in a wide range of innovative sectors are opening their doors to young talent with exciting career prospects. Lille is a real springboard for international students who want to start their career in an environment that values their skills and ideas. By combining professional opportunities and quality of life, the Lille Metropolis is a launch pad for all ambitions, in a setting where it’s great to build a future.

Sarah AlkibsySarah Alkibsy
©Sarah Alkibsy

Working here means taking advantage of an environment rich in innovation and opportunity, where there’s never a dull moment.

Sarah, alumni, working at Razer.

What I appreciate most here is the balance between professional and personal life, which is very important for the French, and which I’ve discovered is essential for me too. But it’s not just a question of hours. I work just as hard and I invest just as much, but I also manage to free up time to do what I love on the side.

Paula, Brazilian and Project Manager at Semeru.
An international breath of fresh air serving the dynamism of an entire metropolis

International students bring a breath of fresh air to Lille! By combining their varied backgrounds and multiple horizons, Lille is transformed into a veritable crossroads of cultures, a place that attracts those seeking an inclusive and cosmopolitan environment. But it doesn’t stop there! On the economic front, these talents from elsewhere are injecting their skills and creativity into the local fabric. In engineering, law, project management or technology, they bring fresh approaches that are connected to international realities. Thanks to their versatility and ability to navigate in different cultural contexts, they open the doors to innovation and give local businesses a real window on the world.

My international profile brings a different perspective. Having worked in Brazil, I have a variety of points of view. Over there, we’re used to thinking outside the box, whereas here, things are more framed and structured. When I add a more original touch, it sometimes comes as a surprise, but people appreciate having a different perspective.

Paula, Brazilian and Project Manager at Semeru

And when some of them decide to put down their suitcases for good, the impact is long-lasting! ###Lille is well aware of this precious asset, and wants to turn these talented people into true ambassadors for the city.

More than just a welcome, it’s an invitation to succeed!

###Lille is a key player in making the city a top choice for young talent from all over the world. By organising this welcome evening, the agency is welcoming, engaging and opening up the field of possibilities to these globally connected students. This long-term commitment reflects a philosophy of not just training talent, but giving them the keys to success.
What’s more, international students are invited to a wide range of events throughout the year, including major events such as Series Mania and ‘Fiesta’, the next edition of Lille3000. These invitations not only give them the chance to discover local culture, but also to help raise the profile of the city and become potential ambassadors for the region. So if you’re dreaming of a city that’s welcoming, growing and open to the world, Lille is the place for you!

Interviews

Rencontre avec Maria Eduarda Milagres Fonseca, Faculté de Droit de l'Université Catholique de Lille
Rencontre avec Maria Eduarda Milagres Fonseca, Faculté de Droit  de l'Université Catholique de Lille
Rencontre avec Maria Eduarda Milagres Fonseca, Faculté de Droit de l'Université Catholique de Lille
Rencontre avec Paula Amaral, Alumni Junia
Rencontre avec Paula Amaral,  Alumni Junia
Rencontre avec Paula Amaral, Alumni Junia
Rencontre avec Samantha Santamaria en Master MLISC à l'Université de Lille
Rencontre avec Samantha Santamaria en  Master MLISC à l'Université de Lille
Rencontre avec Samantha Santamaria en Master MLISC à l'Université de Lille
Rencontre avec Sarah Alkibsy , Alumni Master in Global e business Université de Lille
Rencontre avec Sarah Alkibsy ,  Alumni Master in Global e business   Université de Lille
Rencontre avec Sarah Alkibsy , Alumni Master in Global e business Université de Lille