JMI 2025: a day to open up your studies to the world

Understanding the challenges of mobility abroad

The day began with an introductory session on international mobility, designed to provide students with the necessary foundations for building a solid project. The different types of mobility, their benefits, possible destinations, application procedures and key steps, as well as financial aid schemes were presented. “We have more than 260 partners around the world offering study abroad programs for students at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne,” said Annie Soriot, Director of International Relations, while pointing out that selection rates vary depending on the destination and that the most important thing is to have a project that is consistent with your academic background : "All the agreements we have negotiated are of high quality. Building a mobility project must above all be done in line with your field of study, your career plans, and your language skills." 

Two thematic sessions then provided an opportunity to discuss opportunities by geographical area. The EDUCO and MICEFA programs were highlighted for studying in North America, while the Una Europa alliance—of which Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne is a founding member—was presented to introduce students to the many opportunities for short or long stays offered at the ten other partner universities. “Going to Europe is often easier in terms of organization, geographical proximity, and mobility assistance, but that doesn't mean it's any less of a change of scenery,”, said Sonia Miranda Pignal, head of the exchange and financing mobility department, after detailing the differences between Erasmus+ agreements and bilateral agreements outside of Erasmus+.

Throughout the day, participants were able to talk to representatives from the DRI, the Language Department, and partners organizations and networks at various stands, as well as directly with faculty members responsible for international relations. For those interested in international professional experience, the Career Services Office and France Éducation International were on hand to present opportunities for internships and French language assistantships abroad.

Student stories: inspiring accounts

Students shared their experiences during two sessions devoted to mobility by region, highlighting a variety of destinations such as Brazil, China, the United States, Germany, Finland, and Slovenia. Gabrielle, who went to Howard University to experience North American life, practice her English, and immerse herself in the African-American community, said: “The experience is wonderful and totally worthwhile if you take the time to build a project that suits you. It was there that my interest in international relations was confirmed.” Nathan, meanwhile, highlighted the intercultural richness of his stay at the University of Ljubljana: “Because Slovenia is at the crossroads between Western Europe and the Balkans, I was able to meet people from all over the continent: Portugal, the Czech Republic, Poland, Kosovo, and Serbia.”

During the 2024-2025 academic year, more than 1,500 students from Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne embarked on international adventures, either through study abroad programs or internships. Next year, this may be the case for Louhane and Stywen, who attended all the sessions and were clearly delighted to discover the diversity of opportunities available to them. “What I found most interesting were the student testimonials. They gave us concrete feedback, took us beyond the theoretical and administrative framework, and helped us to better picture ourselves in the future,”, explains Stywen, a student pursuing a double degree in history and German. Louhane, a student at IED-EDS, is considering studying abroad in Argentina or an Eastern European country. She shares this sentiment: “We learned a lot, and it was also valuable to hear about the difficulties that students can face abroad.”