ESN Besançon - International Students Association

ESN Besançon, the international students association, supported by the University of Franche-Comté (FSDIE) and the International Relations Office (DRI), was founded in September 2004 by students from Besançon who had participated in an exchange programme during their studies.

The students realised that Besançon had close to nothing in place for international students and certainly nothing led by students in Besançon. We decided to create this association with two main objectives in mind:

1. Making sure students both on an exchange programme and solo felt welcome and integrated well
2. The promotion of international mobility among students in Franche-Comté

Our activities include:

• Welcoming the students and helping them settle into both the academic and social aspect of the University of Franche-Comté;
• Supporting students with administration (enrolment at the university) and visits to/tours around Besançon;
• A welcome evening and activities during the first week of term;
• Activities enabling international students to meet people;
• Organising events and cultural programmes
• The local association (place Saint Jacques) communicates with international students, giving them the opportunity to enrol in activities and buy their ESN card.
• Language-apéros - which enhance both linguistic skills and cultural knowledge - are held several times a month from 18:00 to 20:00.
• Visits to historical and local sites (including the Arbois vineyard and buying Haut-Doubs produce) as well as cities close to the region(Lyon, Zürich...

... and much more throughout the year!