Well-being and international collaboration at the heart of Nantes Université’s Staff Week
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From 12 May 2025 to 16 May 2025false false
From 12 to 16 May 2025, Nantes Université hosted the second edition of its International Staff Training Week, with a strong focus on well-being and the exchange of good practices. Titled “International Students in the Spotlight”, the Staff Week received more than 70 applications, and brought together 23 participants from 12 European countries, all united around a common goal: strengthening support for international students by making well-being a key pillar of international higher education strategies.
A week of dialogue and discovery
The Staff Week in Nantes brought together participants from all over Europe (Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland) to share best practices in welcoming international students.
Designed for international relations officers and staff working with international students, the programme combined training sessions, participatory workshops, site visits and convivial activities. The diverse schedule – from a World Café exploring support practices, to a reflective walk on the Île de Nantes, student testimonies and even an introductory French class – enabled each participant to contribute and enhance their professional approach.
Participants also had the opportunity to discover Nantes Université’s campus and the city itself, gaining insight into the university’s commitment to creating inclusive and sustainable learning environments. A highlight was the collaborative workshop “My Ideal Campus”, where attendees imagined the university of 2050, placing student well-being and inclusivity at the centre.
A hub of good practices
Throughout the week, discussions focused on a wide range of topics, including student empowerment, mental health, accessibility and diversity. Presentations from the University of Murcia’s Diversity Support Service and Nantes Université’s Welcome Desk offered concrete examples of holistic support systems.
“As I look back on my time in Nantes, what stands out most is the rich exchange of best practices, particularly around inclusion and support for students with specific needs,” said one participant. Another added, “Staff Weeks like this are vital – they turn international agreements into meaningful experiences for both students and staff.”
By placing well-being at the core of its discussions, this Staff Week reflects Nantes Université’s ambition to make the student – and staff – experience a central component of its international strategy. It also illustrates a broader shift across European higher education, where institutions increasingly recognise that excellence must go hand in hand with the well-being of their communities.
A strong human dimension
Beyond the content, participants repeatedly praised the warm welcome and friendly atmosphere of the Staff Week. “I enjoyed meeting everyone. I learned a lot, made new friends, and discussed future collaborative projects,” noted one attendee. For many, it was not only a professional experience but also a deeply personal one.
Hélène Suong and Sandrine Gelly-Guichoux, the organising team, expressed their satisfaction at having “created a dynamic where everyone felt at ease,” highlighting the importance of offering diverse and inclusive activities that could meet a wide range of expectations. They thanked the EUniWell partners, international relations officers and student contributors for helping to make the week a success.
