From January 26 to 30, 2026, HELHa continued its activities centred on the theme of international openness. This initiative invited staff members to take part in a week dedicated to languages, knowledge exchange and the discovery of other cultures.
Various activities were organised to allow everyone to practise another language at their own pace, in a friendly and supportive environment. English conversation tables, language games, pedagogical workshops, an introduction to Romanian and even a conference held in English shaped the week’s programme.
Speaking another language with colleagues
The International Days provided an opportunity to share simple and authentic moments among staff members, in a setting different from everyday professional life.
Aurélie Berkhoff, a member of the Infrastructure Service who led a board game workshop in English, reflects on the experience.
“At first, it felt a bit artificial to switch languages with colleagues we regularly work with. But thanks to an icebreaker built around board games, everyone gave it a try. We spent nearly thirty minutes chatting before even starting to play. The atmosphere was very relaxed – we would gladly have extended the moment.”
A growing interest in international engagement
From the perspective of the International Office, Clotilde Moulin highlights the positive momentum that developed throughout the week.
“The International Days were a truly rewarding experience, both to take part in and to organise. The workshops took place in a friendly, curious and cheerful atmosphere. Colleagues dared to speak English, sometimes stepping outside their comfort zone.”
The International Days also provided an opportunity to present the missions of the International Office and the mobility opportunities available to staff members, both academic and administrative. The exchanges brought together diverse profiles: some who had already experienced mobility abroad, others discovering these opportunities for the first time. These moments highlighted the growing interest in the internationalisation of HELHa, both at an institutional and personal level.
The momentum is clearly one to build on…
Published on 5 February 2026
HELHa