On Friday, September 11, 2026, the member institutions of the Pôle Hainuyer organized a Welcome Day for international students in Hainaut. Hailing from 25 different countries, 114 students had the opportunity to explore their new surroundings, meet other international students, and make their first connections.
The day began with a series of activities focused on eco-responsibility, Belgian culture, and intercultural understanding. Participants also heard accounts from students who had studied abroad. Among them was Jarod WALLON, a student in the Department of Education and Social Work at HELHa, who shared his experience from an internship he completed in Seville last year.
After an eco-friendly lunch and a presentation by ESN (Erasmus Student Network), the participants headed to downtown Mons. Through a treasure hunt, they explored their new host city in a fun and friendly way.
The day ended with a social gathering over drinks at the ARTS² premises. This friendly occasion also gave incoming Erasmus students the opportunity to meet representatives from the HELHa Student Organization (OEH)—a valuable first step toward making their integration easier and ensuring a smooth start within our institution.
The event also attracted the interest of the regional media. Télé MB and RTBF were present to cover this day dedicated to welcoming international students.
These exchanges promote the sharing of experiences, offer practical advice, and help forge initial connections between international and local students!
👉Watch the reportage from Télé MB :
Les étudiants internationaux du Hainaut s’intègrent déjà à leur nouveau lieu de vie | Tele MB
Published on 4 November 2026
HELHa