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For the first time, ICES organized an International Week from Monday, March 2nd to Thursday, March 5th, 2026.
AN OPEN DOOR TO DIVERSE CULTURES
Through this event, ICES highlighted its openness to the world, a strategic focus that contributes to the institution’s richness. This week was an opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity, encourage exchanges between French and international participants, and share convivial moments centered around many international traditions.
Each day, students, faculty members, and administrative staff were able to discover a cultural aspect of a new country or continent.
A VIBRANT AND COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM
Monday, March 2nd: Latin America
Mr. Olivier LENNE (Portuguese teacher) and his students hosted a stand on the theme of Brazil, featuring tastings of Brazilian culinary specialties (pão de queijo, bolinhos de chuva, guaraná) on one side, and Portuguese-language materials (books, comics) available for consultation on the other.
The International Relations Office provided a card game to help participants learn a few words in Portuguese.
At the end of the day, the student association Globo organized an introductory workshop on Salsa and Bachata, led by the highly popular Latin dance school “Vibration Latina”.
Tuesday, March 3rd: Europe
Ms. Betty NGOTO-BOLL (German teacher) and her trainee Emma, who comes from Holzgerlingen in Baden-Württemberg, hosted a stand focused on a regional German specialty: East Frisian tea.
Zlata and Anastasiia, Ukrainian students currently on academic exchange at ICES, presented key elements of their culture (artists, traditional clothing, music, etc.), notably through an image exhibition and card distribution.
The International Relations Office provided a card game to learn how to say “thank you” in all European languages.
Wednesday, March 4th: North America
The ICES cheerleading association delivered an impressive performance combining choreography and set routines.
The International Relations Office provided a card game to learn American and Quebec idiomatic expressions.
At the end of the day, the student association Politeia hosted an international forum: first-year undergraduate students were able to connect with third-year students who had just returned from studying abroad, and they could ask questions to guide them in their choice of their future destinations.
Thursday, March 5th: Asia and Oceania
Three Asian students currently on academic exchange at ICES led a calligraphy workshop, each showcasing the ideograms of their respective countries: Yu-Heng (Taiwan), Jimin (South Korea), and Mana (Japan).
At the end of the day, the student association La Séance Étudiante displayed the movie Seven Years in Tibet in its original version.
A 360° EVENT
The International Week mainly took place in La Rotonde, the students’ favorite space to take a break between classes. Alongside the workshops mentioned above, a music selection was played daily to help participants become familiar with both traditional and modern sounds from each continent.
The Globo association and international students sold culinary specialties every day throughout the week.
The general knowledge quizzes organized by the International Relations Office attracted many students eager to win gifts from partner universities.
A final-year student in the English and Political Science double degree program, Faustin, achieved the feat of topping the leaderboard throughout the entire week.
The University Library created a large-scale exhibition featuring thematic sections available on every floor: a spotlight on each continent, languages around the world, international relations between states, literature and art worldwide, and more.
Finally, the International Relations Office organized a photo exhibition in the hall of building St Thomas d’Aquin, showcasing pictures taken by students during their international academic exchanges in 2025.
This first edition of International Week achieved its primary goal: sparking students’ curiosity about international experiences, cultural diversity, and foreign languages. ICES will repeat the experience in Spring 2027.