As administrative procedures are often a source of complexity for international students upon arriving in France, the Université Numérique d’Île-de-France has developed the Online Welcome Desk platform. Université Paris Cité has chosen to adopt the tool by making it available to its international student and reseach communities enabling them to prepare for their stay with us.
Personalised Assistance
“This platform provides international students, PhD candidates and researchers with a personalised roadmap of the various administrative steps they need to take before arriving in France. From applying for a visa to opening a bank account, health insurance and finding accommodation, Online Welcome Desk guides each student according to his or her personal situation,” explains Pascal Deschamps, head of the Student Life desk at Université Paris Cité.
The tool, available in French and English, provides answers to the most frequently asked questions, as well as specific advice based on each user’s profile. Featuring a reliable database, the platform helps to ensure a smooth administrative process for international students.
Raising Attractiveness
The roll-out of this platform is also playing a key part in Université Paris Cité’s endeavours to obtain the “Bienvenue en France” label, awarded by Campus France for a period of 5 years to universities who are committed to showcasing their welcoming facilities, and validated by an independent commission. Today, over 30 institutions have embedded the platform into their websites to boost their attractiveness.
In addition to these practical features, Online Welcome Desk provides the international communities with unique features including an interactive map locating useful services in the vicinity of the university, such as housing, transportation and public administrations.
With flexible hours, available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, the platform provides international students with a peace of mind when preparing for their arrival in France as well as at our university.
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