The Soirée des Étudiants Internationaux, orchestrated by Hello Lille in partnership with the MEL, the Université de Lille and the Université Catholique de Lille, has become an unmissable event for first-time international students. Every year, the Agence d’attractivité makes this event a moment apart, an immersion that goes well beyond the welcome, offering students the opportunity 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. Hello Lille and its partners are mobilizing to create links and discover the thousand facets of the metropolis, from studies to careers, culture and local dynamism. A real welcome party that immerses participants in the warm spirit of the metropolis!
During the plenary session, one of the highlights of the evening, participants discover the motivations of newcomers and listen to testimonials from alumni, who share how their international profile has become a valuable asset for recruiters. Local business leaders also talk about the many career opportunities available to talent trained in Lille. Following 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 talents from all over the world come to launch their future!
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.
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 study destination: it’s a land of opportunity with international ambitions! The region shines in terms of academic attractiveness, with institutions that attract students from all over the world. Here, students don’t just come to earn a degree, they also train for excellence, with recognized master’s degrees in fields as varied as they are international. For students in search of solid skills and global perspectives, the metropolis is an unavoidable choice.
I chose the University of Lille for its solid academic reputation; it’s one of the best and offers excellent masters programs. 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 successful career.
In Brazil, I studied Brazilian law, but in Lille, I have access to international law courses, which is fantastic, as I want to become a lawyer. These are essential skills for my future career
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 center of Lille to the communes of the metropolis, each location offers students an environment where life is good.
My favorite place is Vieux-Lille: I love the bars, restaurants and cosy atmosphere. I also love the Citadelle when the weather’s fine. It’s an ideal place to stroll and relax.
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 Charles de Gaulle birthplace and the Musée des Beaux-Arts. For culture buffs, this really is the place to be.
Where ambitions take flight
When it comes to careers, the metropolis offers a world of opportunities. Local companies in a wide range of innovative sectors open their doors to young talent, offering stimulating 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. Combining professional opportunities with quality of life, the Lille metropolitan area is a launching pad for all ambitions, in a setting where it’s good to build a future.
Working here means taking advantage of an environment rich in innovation and opportunity, where there’s never a dull moment.
What I appreciate most here is the work-life balance, 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.
An international breath of fresh air for a dynamic metropolis
International students bring a breath of fresh air to the Lille metropolitan area! By combining their varied backgrounds and multiple horizons, Lille is transformed into a veritable crossroads of cultures, a place that attracts those in search of an inclusive and cosmopolitan environment. But it doesn’t stop there! On the economic front, these talents from elsewhere inject 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 doors to innovation and give local businesses a real opening onto 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 structured. When I add a more original touch, it sometimes comes as a surprise, but people appreciate having a different perspective.
And when some of them decide to put down their suitcases for good, the impact is long-lasting! ###Lille, aware of this precious asset, wants to turn these talents into true ambassadors for the metropolis.
More than just a welcome, it’s an invitation to succeed!
Hello Lille is a key player in making the metropolis a top choice for young talent from all over the world. By organizing this welcome evening, the agency welcomes, engages and opens up the field of possibilities to these world-connected students. This long-term commitment reflects our philosophy of not just training talent, but giving them the keys to success. What’s more, international students are invited to numerous events throughout the year, including major events such as Series Mania and “Fiesta”, the next edition of Lille3000. These invitations not only enable them to discover local culture, but also to participate in the development of the metropolis, becoming potential ambassadors for the region. In short, for all those who dream of a welcoming, fast-growing city open to the world, Lille is the place for you!