Staff Mobility (STA IN)
If you are a staff member at a partner institution and are planning to teach at USMB, you can contact the Office of International Relations (DRI) at the following address:
erasmus[at]univ-smb.fr
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Welcome to France
For international students
The USMB has been awarded two stars under the "Bienvenue en France" program, thanks to its high-quality support for international students.
Exchange program
For international students
Exchange programs allow you to study at USMB for one or two semesters as part of a partnership with your home university.
As an independent candidate "Free Mover"
For international students
You have the option of enrolling at USMB for the entire academic year under the same status as French students, without needing to go through a partnership with an institution in your home country.
Dual degrees
For international students
Dual degree programs allow you to complete part of your studies at USMB and the other part at your home institution. Upon completion of the program, you will receive degrees from both universities.
English language training
For international and French students
USMB offers degree programs taught entirely in English, as well as international semesters in English specifically designed for international students.
Learn French (ACCENTS)
For international students and external applicants
The ACCENTS Language Center offers French language courses for international students and for people who wish to learn French alongside their main occupation.
Summer schools
For international students
A summer school is an international university program that is typically offered, as the name suggests, during the summer.
Practical information: Preparing for your arrival
For international students
Before coming to USMB, please plan your visit by reviewing our practical information.
Integration
For international students
Every year, the Office of International Relations organizes orientation events for incoming students.
Schedule of Orientation Events for the 2025–2026 Academic Year
Previous integration events
➡️ END-OF-SEMESTER PARTY 2 – May 2, 2025
On May 2, the Goodbye Party was held at Charly’s Pub in Chambéry, as some students are about to leave… It was a fun gathering featuring free pizza and appetizer platters provided by the USMB🍕, lively karaoke 🎤 led by our students, and a dance party with a DJ.🕺 It was a chance to get together one last time, share memories, and have a good laugh before everyone heads off. 
➡️ WALIBI – April 19, 2025
Our international students enjoyed a fun-filled day at Walibi Rhône-Alpes—the region’s largest amusement park! Roller coasters, laughter, thrills, and good cheer were all part of the experience.
➡️ HIKE, TOUR OF THE CHAUTAGNE CAVE, AND WINE TASTING – April 5, 2025
Our international students enjoyed a lovely hike between Conjux and Chanaz, with an incredible view of Lake Bourget. The itinerary included beautiful scenery, a picnic break in the sun, a visit to the Chanaz Lookout, and a tasting of local wines and cheeses at the Caveau de Chautagne.
International students from the University of Savoie Mont Blanc came together at the Chambéry Savoie Stadium to make this 27th edition a success! This year, Italy was the featured country. The program included concerts, food tastings, craft booths, parades, games, dancing, and much more!
See you next year for the 28th edition, celebrating Algeria!
➡️ CHAMONIX & AIGUILLE DU MIDI – February 15, 2025
A beautiful sunny day in Chamonix. International students from the University of Savoie Mont Blanc had the chance to climb theAiguille du Midi, at an altitude of 3,842 meters, and admire a breathtaking of Mont Blanc! After this unforgettable experience, they enjoyed the alpine atmosphere by strolling through the village of Chamonix.
➡️ORIENTATIONDAY– January 25, 2025
A new adventure for our exchange students! 🌍🎒 Settling into a new country also means enjoying unique experiences and meeting new people! 🌍 Last Saturday, our international students took on the challenge of the mountains during their orientation day in La Féclaz.
On the agenda: biathlon, sledding, avalanche transceiver searches, and team challenges, with sports activities organized by the USMB Sports Department. ⛷️🏹💨 And of course, a secret trunk filled with Savoyard surprises at the end! 🏆🧀🍫
Welcome to all our new students! This semester is off to a great start, full of fun and friendship.
➡️ GOODBYE PARTY – December 19, 2024
Our international students enjoyed a wonderful day of exploration! We started the day with a guided tour of Ripaille Castle in Thonon-les-Bains, before exploring the charming medieval village of Yvoire. In the afternoon, two guides led the group through the picturesque narrow streets, introducing them to the fascinating history and beauty of the place, before they enjoyed some free time by Lake Geneva.
➡️ WELCOME PARTY – October 18, 2024
➡️ GOODBYE PARTY – May 1, 2024
It is with a heavy heart that the 2023–2024 academic year comes to an end for our exchange students.🥹
The farewells went off without a hitch at the Goodbye Party, which brought together more than 60 international students on May 1! 🤩 It was a chance for them to share their experiences, reminisce about the good times, and show off their talents during a lively karaoke session. 🎤
Congratulations to everyone for having the courage to take on this immersive experience abroad—thank you for choosing our university. We hope we’ve helped make your experience even more wonderful.☺️
➡️ WALIBI AMUSEMENT PARK – April 13, 2024
With the arrival of warmer weather in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 80 international students from the University of Savoie Mont Blanc were able to enjoy the sunshine at the Walibi Rhône-Alpes amusement park.☀️
This totally fun event gave the students a chance to laugh, get their adrenaline pumping, and bond—all together! It was a great way to unwind after midterms and celebrate the end of the semester for most of them.🥹
Thank you to them for their good spirits and smiles—it’s always a pleasure to spend time with our students!
➡️ SKI DAY IN LES SAISIES – March 23, 2024
This day gave many of our international students the chance to try their hand at downhill skiing at a resort in the French Alps: Les Saisies.⛷️
Accompanied by a team of instructors from the University’s Sports Department, students of all skill levels were able to practice in all kinds of weather: in the fog, in the snow, and finally in the sunshine! ⛅️
Thank you to the 60 students who attended for their determination, patience, and smiles. 🤩
➡️ WORLD TOUR AT THE STADIUM – MARCH 15 & 16, 2024
Once again this year, international students at the University of Savoie Mont Blanc came together to make this 26th edition a success! 🤩
🇨🇮 Ivory Coast was the featured country for this inaugural event at Chambéry Savoie Stadium. ☀️ The sun shone on us throughout this lively weekend filled with singing, dancing, and even a rugby match! 🏉
See you next year for the 27th edition, with an Italian theme! 🇮🇹
➡️ CHAMONIX & THE MER DE GLACE – February 10, 2024
Last Saturday, some of our international students got to explore one of the most famous winter resorts in the French Alps! 🌨️
Located at the foot of Mont Blanc, the village of Chamonix is full of charm in winter with its historic buildings. After some free time in the picturesque village center, our students were able to explore the Mer de Glace glacier following a breathtaking ride on the Montenvers train.🚂
🤩 Thank you to the 60 participants for their smiles and good spirits!
➡️ ORIENTATION DAY – January 27, 2024
👩👩👦👦 January brings new arrivals to the International Relations Office’s reception team!
This year, for the first time, a team challenge day was held at La Féclaz resort, just outside Chambéry. ⛰️ The prize? The region’s finest cheeses and chocolates—a surefire way to help newcomers settle in!
Students from the three campuses competed in various events organized by the USMB Sports Department, getting to know one another in a fun and lively atmosphere!
After today, we can assure you that there will be plenty of good cheer this semester at USMB.🤩
➡️ GOODBYE AFTERNOON – December 20, 2023
With the Christmas break approaching and the end of the first semester, this also marks the end of the USMB experience for some students. 😭
🎉 To honor them and celebrate the end of their few months in France, the international students enjoyed an afternoon at the Chambéry ice rink, followed by a get-together at a local bar.
This was an opportunity for the reception team to talk with them about their experiences, their hopes for the future, and their memories of USMB.
➡️ SHARED CHRISTMAS, SOCIAL EVENT – December 14, 2023
As it does every year, Savoie Mont Blanc University is partnering with the City of Chambéry to offer students staying in Savoie for the Christmas break the chance to join a local family for a meal.🍽️
This year, students have the opportunity to join a host family 🎅🏻 for dinner on December 24, lunch on December 25, or dinner on December 31.
🎄 This is a chance for them to enjoy the holidays with welcoming families and discover French traditions!
To ensure the smooth running of this program, a get-together for international students and host families is held in the City Hall’s ceremonial hall in December: a wonderful opportunity for interaction and sharing.✨
➡️ IVORY COAST, LAKE LEMAN & AVULLY CASTLE – November 18, 2023
This year, an event dedicated to international audiences was held at the Manège in Chambéry. The program for students and partners included traditional Savoyard folk dancing, a cocktail reception featuring a variety of local specialties, an entertainment area, games, and a dance party.
The Welcome Party is THE must-attend welcome event to celebrate the start of the year at USMB!
➡️ ORIENTATION SEMINAR IN COURCHEVEL – August 27–September 2, 2023
Welcome to Savoie Mont Blanc University!
This year, the seminar took place in Courchevel. Between rafting, tree-top adventures, hiking, and spa treatments, the international students were able to explore the region, push themselves, and get to know one another!
➡️ Testimonial:
Here is a testimonial from Igor, an international student at the University of Savoie Mont Blanc!
➡️ Farewell dinner – April 27, 2023:
A farewell dinner at La Frite Dorée restaurant. Welcome back to our international students!
➡️ A Visit to Walibi Park – April 22, 2023:
The last outing of the academic year. The students enjoyed the attractions at Walibi Park!
➡️ Hike and boat tour in Bourdeau – March 18, 2023:
A wonderful way to explore Savoie’s cultural and natural heritage, featuring a cruise on Lake Bourget followed by a visit to Hautecombe Abbey and a hike to Bourdeau.
➡️ Around the World at the Manège 2023:
This year, the featured country was the Netherlands.
For a weekend, Chambéry took on the colors of the world. More than 80 students participated in this event, which was rich in shared experiences and a celebration of cultural diversity.
International students showcased their traditions through food tastings, activities, dances, and much more!
➡️ Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix – February 11, 2023:
The international students explored Chamonix and the Aiguille du Midi, which soars 3,842 meters into the sky.
On the agenda: breathtaking views of the French and Italian Alps and snow-covered landscapes bathed in sunshine! 
➡️ Snowshoe hike and traditional Savoyard dinner:
For one evening, international students had the chance to go snowshoeing at dusk under an almost full moon, making their way to the Orionde lookout, where they could admire the nighttime view of Lake Bourget and the Chambéry basin.
After all that effort, it’s time for some comfort food: a traditional Savoyard dish from the Bauges Massif called Matouille. This cheese-based specialty has won over students’ hearts, surpassing other classic dishes like fondue.
➡️ Orientation Weekend – February 21–22, 2023:
The orientation weekend took place in Courchevel. The students tried their hand at downhill skiing and snowshoeing.
The perfect way to explore the area, get to know each other, and kick off the semester on the right foot!
➡️ Farewell Dinner – December 16, 2022:
A farewell dinner for the first-semester international students!
All-you-can-eat raclette and Savoyard fondue at Le Savoyard restaurant. The students exchanged gifts during a Secret Santa.
➡️ Christmas Together 2022:
Spend a cozy evening with a French family and discover their traditions over Christmas dinner!
Article from *Le Monde* on elite schools and universities
➡️ Tour of Avully Castle and Yvoire – November 26, 2022:
A guided tour in French and English of Avully Castle in Brenthonne, followed by a visit to the village of Yvoire with its beautiful view of Lake Geneva!
➡️ Welcome Party – October 14, 2022:
An evening dedicated to newcomers!
A Savoyard cocktail reception, dances from Burkina Faso, a dance party, and fun games: THE must-attend event to celebrate the arrival of international students at USMB.
➡️ Orientation Seminar for International Students – Late August 2022:
Welcome for New International Students
The orientation seminar took place in La Féclaz. Between French classes, unique activities (via ferrata, paragliding, etc.), tours, and hikes, the students explored the region and shared unforgettable moments!
➡️ Young Ambassadors Gala Evening – April 7, 2022:
On Thursday, April 7, 2022, the Young Ambassadors (JA) Gala was held at the Manège in Chambéry, during which the awards for the Trophies Competition were presented.
For the occasion, Young Ambassadors, sponsors, and partners gathered from all of the association’s branches in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region (Chambéry, Lyon, Saint-Étienne, Grenoble, and Valence) to attend the awards ceremony and celebrate this wonderful journey together.
We would like to congratulate all the young ambassadors on their wonderful projects, and especially the contest winners:
- Citizen Project Category: Paula ROSCHEL and Matheus Vinicius PIACENTINI, Brazilian students, for their project promoting cultural development among disadvantaged Brazilian youth through art.
- Promising Project Category: Anja DINIC, a Serbian student, for her “Community Case Study” project.
- Attractiveness Project Category: Ismène KPEDJO, a student from Benin, for her project “Sharing Red Gold” between the AURA region and the Atlantic region of Benin.
Special congratulations to our student from Burkina Faso at Polytech Chambéry, Ragnagnéwedé David KOLOGO, who won the Innovation Project Award for his Solar Electrifying Vehicle (SEV) project.
➡️ Lac du Bourget Outing – April 2, 2022:
About sixty students, accompanied by staff from the USMB’s International Relations Office, took a boat tour to visit Chanaz and Hautecombe Abbey. 🏰
After boarding at the main port in Aix-les-Bains, the students had the opportunity to sail on Lake Bourget, the largest natural glacial lake entirely located in France. The weather conditions weren’t ideal, but that’s precisely what made the snow-capped mountains stand out so beautifully against the landscape.
The cruise continued along the Savières Canal to Chanaz. In the village of Chanaz, the students learned about the process of making walnut oil, just as it was done in the 19th century, at the small mill.
They then spent their free time meeting local shopkeepers, such as the owner of the houseboat housing a beehive, where they learned more about honey, or browsing a typical French flea market. Some also visited the village church or explored the forest around the mill.
After lunch, the boat set sail again for the former princely necropolis of the House of Savoy, Hautecombe Abbey, where the students toured the abbey church to round out the day, which delighted many of them.
Local French craftsmanship is a fascinating aspect of our culture that deserves to be showcased. Small villages are an integral part of life for many French people, so we believe it’s worthwhile to offer this type of excursion to international students.
➡️ Chamonix Trip – February 19, 2022:
On Saturday, February 19, 2022, the USMB International Relations Office organized a day trip to the Aiguille du Midi (Chamonix Mont-Blanc) for the university’s international students.⛰️
The 60 students and three chaperones (Nina Soufi, Séverine Quilliet, and Amandine Bouchet) marveled at the beauty of the snow-covered Alpine landscapes (including Mont Blanc) at an altitude of 3,842 meters!
We were incredibly lucky to be able to take the cable car up to the Aiguille du Midi and visit the museum exhibits, enjoy the panoramic views, and walk across the glass-bottomed walkway. In fact, the cable car—the highest in France—had been closed all week leading up to the event due to bad weather; Saturday was the first day the Aiguille du Midi was able to open.
The scenery was breathtaking. The students loved it; it was definitely worth braving the cold (-14°C, feels like -20°C) to see it. Since the high altitude can make you feel a bit lightheaded, the students were free to head back down whenever they wanted to visit the town of Chamonix.
Chamonix and Mont Blanc are iconic destinations known around the world, but it can sometimes be difficult to get there without a car, and the cost of activities can be high. Through us, students have the opportunity to visit these places easily.
➡️ Orientation weekend in La Féclaz – January 29 and 30, 2022.
➡️ Welcome Party – October 21, 2021:
The USMB and the city of Chambéry organized a welcome party for international students.🎉
➡️ Orientation Week in Savoie – August 25–31, 2022.
Useful information for settling in
Join the Facebook group “International Students – Savoie Mont Blanc University”to stay informed about events in the area.
Join the International Friendship Buddies program to be paired with a French-speaking student from the University of Savoie Mont Blanc.
This is a welcome program for international students organized by the Office of International Relations and run by students at the university, with the goal of helping you navigate the process and settle in at the University of Savoie Mont Blanc. This program is here to help you. Your “Local Buddy” can provide you with useful addresses, tips, and recommendations when you arrive.
How does it work?
One or two students from the University of Savoie Mont Blanc will be able to mentor several international students arriving at the University of Savoie Mont Blanc, in order to form groups and help you get your bearings as soon as you arrive.
Savoie Mont Blanc University encourages and supports student clubs. You’re sure to find something that interests you among the many clubs—whether they’re sports, cultural, artistic, or other types. Don’t hesitate to join one to meet French students!
Get active! Throughout the year, the Sports Department offers more than 60 sports activities: skiing, swimming, dance, track and field, water sports, excursions, rock climbing…