Celebrating International Week and Welcoming Our February Cohort at Schiller International University

Over the past weeks, Schiller’s global campuses have been filled with energy and anticipation as we welcomed our February cohorts across undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

From the very start, students were immersed in an experience that reflects the international spirit at the heart of Schiller — where academic preparation meets cultural exchange, and new beginnings are shaped by global connection.

A Dynamic Start: Welcome Week Meets International Week

In the final week of January, undergraduate students began their journey with a comprehensive Welcome Week program. This year, it coincided with International Week, featuring a Language & Culture Immersion initiative across campuses.

Shortly after, during the week of February 9, our postgraduate February cohort was welcomed through dedicated orientation sessions focused on academic expectations, university structure, student services, and career development resources. These sessions ensured students felt prepared, supported, and confident as they embarked on this next stage of their academic and professional journeys.

The convergence of Welcome Week and International Week transformed our campuses into vibrant hubs of exchange. As new students adjusted to academic life, they did so alongside visiting peers engaged in cross-campus mobility, language immersion, and cultural exploration — creating a uniquely multicultural and collaborative environment from day one.

Paris: Language and Culture in the City of Light

At our Paris campus, students balanced practical orientation sessions with opportunities to explore one of the world’s most iconic cities.

New arrivals visited landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Jardin des Tuileries, immersing themselves in the history and beauty of the French capital. A bowling outing at Front de Seine offered a relaxed setting for building friendships and fostering community.

Meanwhile, International Week participants took part in immersive French language courses and cultural activities in collaboration with CAVILAM Alliance Française. Through this partnership, students deepened their linguistic skills while experiencing Paris from a local perspective.

The presence of visiting students brought additional international energy to campus life, enriching discussions and strengthening intercultural connections.

Madrid: Building Community Through Cultural Exchange

In Madrid, Welcome Week blended essential practical guidance with meaningful opportunities for connection.

Students attended sessions covering housing, banking, transportation, academic resources, and campus services — equipping them with the tools necessary for a smooth transition. An intercultural workshop encouraged dialogue, empathy, and understanding among classmates from diverse backgrounds.

Campus tours, neighborhood walks, museum visits, and initiatives led by the Student Council fostered a strong sense of belonging. Visiting International Week students joined activities and interacted closely with the February intake, strengthening bonds while exploring Madrid’s vibrant cultural landscape together.

Heidelberg: Shared Experiences in a Historic Setting

At the Heidelberg campus, new students were welcomed by campus leadership and student services teams through sessions covering academic resources, IT systems, and employability support.

Community-building moments played a central role in the week’s activities. Coffee breaks featuring traditional German Brezeln, explorations of the historic Altstadt, and a Student Council-led city tour near the Alte Brücke helped students connect in meaningful ways.

The presence of International Week participants further enriched the experience, encouraging collaboration and cultural exchange between visiting students and new arrivals.

Tampa: Addressing Global Challenges and Inspiring Professional Growth

International Week in Tampa centered on innovation, impact, and professional development.

Students participated in a Global Challenge focused on addressing real-world barriers to education. The winning project, “DOORS — Distant Online Opportunities for Rural Students,” was presented by Distance Learning Master in Business student Davit Abrahmaya from Armenia. His initiative proposed a family-centered solution to communal distractions and limited access to quiet study spaces, introducing concepts such as Family Learning Kits and a Quiet Space Covenant to transform home environments into active support systems for academic success.

The week also featured a special visit from Jorge Figueroa, former president of the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce in Central Florida. Sharing insights from his professional journey, he emphasized the importance of engaging in professional organizations and encouraged students to join local and international chambers of commerce to expand their networks, strengthen their development, and unlock new global opportunities.

A Foundation for Global Success

Across all campuses, these first weeks reflect the intentional work behind creating a meaningful student experience from day one.

Welcome Week ensures that students begin their programs prepared and confident. International Week builds upon that foundation through cultural immersion, collaboration, and global engagement — reinforcing Schiller’s commitment to developing internationally minded professionals.

Our sincere appreciation goes to the campus teams, advisors, faculty, and staff whose dedication and coordination make these experiences possible, always placing student growth, connection, and success at the center of everything we do.

At Schiller, every beginning is global.