Welcoming international students: the Buddy Programme at the heart of integration

Beyond information: the need to forge connections

Among the various initiatives offered by Centrale Nantes to support the integration of international students, the Buddy Programme helps to create opportunities to forge connections and discover student life.

Discussions with students and staff at the shcool have highlighted several factors that can facilitate integration: meeting and getting to know French students, gaining a better understanding of student activities, and receiving support to help students pluck up the courage to take part in their first events. The aim of the Buddy Programme is precisely to provide support and help forge these initial connections. 

The biggest challenge isn't finding information. It's finding a sense of belonging. Many international students make friends with other international students but struggle to connect with French students. Having someone you can trust from the very beginning can make a real difference.

Precious Chukwuezi, a Nigerian student at Centrale Nantes and a Buddy Programme coordinator

The principle is simple: new international students are divided into groups of around twenty, each accompanied by two ‘buddies’: one French student and one international student from Centrale Nantes. The exchanges begin even before students arrive in Nantes via the Goin app, and then continue throughout the welcome week and the first few weeks of the semester.

I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to connect with other students through the Goin app and the Buddy Programme even before officially starting at Centrale Nantes. Being able to communicate with people before arriving meant that we already had groups and connections when we reached Nantes, rather than arriving in a completely unfamiliar environment without knowing anyone.

Madhav, Indian student

Support before, during and after arrival

The main role of the buddies is to build relationships and support new international students as they take their first steps at Centrale Nantes, by creating opportunities for them to meet and interact. 

Before arriving here, Mr. Precious has been of great help as he has been answering most of my questions, which helped in most of the things that was needed before my arrival. After arriving at the airport, the welcome team came to the airport to help me and some other students in getting to our accommodation. 

Rebecca, Nigerian student

Having someone to ask even small questions, where to buy groceries, how the campus works, how to get around the city made those first weeks much less stressfull.

Aiša, Bosnian student

The buddies accompany their groups during Welcome Week, which features a range of highlights designed to help students discover the school in a fun way, meet student societies and take part in their first campus activities. For many, these initial interactions are essential to helping them find their feet. 

My first few days in Nantes actually made me feel that I had made the right decision in choosing France and Centrale Nantes. One of the things that impressed me the most was how kind and helpful people were. 

Madhav, Indian student

Over the following weeks, the buddies remain on hand to answer day-to-day questions and encourage new students to take part in a school activity or event.

Two buddies, two complementary perspectives

The decision to pair a French student with an international student is at the heart of the scheme.

Having both a French buddy and an international buddy means students benefit from two complementary perspectives: the experience of a local student and that of someone who has already gone through the same journey.

Precious, a Nigerian student at Centrale Nantes and a Buddy Programme coordinator

The French buddy helps new arrivals discover campus life, the school’s 120 clubs and associations, and everyday life in France. The international buddy shares their own experiences, answers the questions they themselves asked upon arrival, and supports students as they take their first steps.

By bringing these two perspectives together, the programme fosters more natural exchanges and, in particular, encourages the formation of bonds between French and international students. 

Having a mentor is a great thing and the need for a mentor cannot be over emphasized. Thank you to everyone who made this journey a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Rebecca, Nigerian student.

A programme led by students

The role of buddy is open to all students at Centrale Nantes, whether on a Bachelor’s, Master’s or engineering programme. The aim is to form diverse groups that encourage interaction between French and international students. The programme relies on the commitment of students who are curious and keen to help new international arrivals settle into life at the school.

In 2026, two students are on contracts with the school to help run the Buddy Programme.

The buddies support their group during the first few weeks of the academic year, but the aim goes far beyond that.

The Buddy Programme officially lasts only a few weeks, but we hope the friendships created through it will last much longer.

Precious, a Nigerian student at Centrale Nantes and a Buddy Programme coordinator

A more extensive welcoming system

The Buddy Programme complements a range of initiatives put in place by Centrale Nantes to support international students: support from the International Relations Department, assistance with administrative procedures and settling in, the Welcome Team, French language classes, and multicultural events organised throughout the year…

This comprehensive welcome programme has been recognised by the ‘Bienvenue en France’ label, awarded by Campus France. Renewed in 2026, this Level 3 label – the highest level – is awarded for five years and attests to the quality of the welcome services offered by the university.

Find out more about the welcome initiatives for international students at Centrale Nantes: Centrale Nantes retains the highest level of the ‘Bienvenue en France’ accreditation for five additional years