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It is usual that students are well prepared before an experience abroad. But it is rare to discuss the next step, namely the moment when they come back home.
During a seminar with its partner universities in 2025, the International Relations Office of ICES observed that supporting students upon their return is often an overlooked – yet essential – stage in the international mobility cycle of students.
For the first time, the International Relations Office organized a welcome session on Thursday, January 22nd for students who had returned to La Roche-sur-Yon at the beginning of 2026.
Around thirty students from various academic programs attended: third-year undergraduate students from Law, History, and Life Sciences degree, who had completed an optional semester abroad, as well as final-year students from the Master’s degree in International Relations, who had completed two semesters of mobility in 2025.
The event began with an interactive poll, inviting students to name their host countries and describe their international experience in one word. Many described it as “memorable” and “enriching,” and some even as “magical.”
The Director of the International Relations Office, Mr. Matthieur BRECVILLE, expressed how delighted ICES was to welcome the students back to campus (see picture above). He introduced the concept of reverse culture shock to prepare them for potential challenges they might face in the coming weeks.
ICES students who had returned from academic mobility in 2025 shared their personal experiences and reassured participants about their ability to overcome these temporary difficulties (see picture on the left).
Ms. Gaëlle DELAVOIE, Student Mobility Officer at the International Relations Office, and Mr. Nicolas LE CARRE, Head of the Life Sciences program, provided practical advice to help students readapting academically and personally.
They also encouraged them to stay connected internationally, for example by joining the student association Globo, whose mission is to welcome and socially integrate international students at ICES.
Ms. Laura BOTTEREAU, Student Mobility Officer at the International Relations Office, helped students identify the new skills they have developed during their academic mobility and advised them on how to highlight these skills in their CVs and during job interviews.
The event concluded with a friendly gathering over refreshments. Students shared anecdotes about their experiences and thanked the International Relations Office for the warm welcome and the relevance of the information provided.
Overall, this new format was considered a success and will be expanded on a larger scale in September 2026.