The French Summer School at IMT Mines Albi, a unique experience of living together that brings together refugees and international students

A diversity that makes the French Summer School program unique

Welcoming refugee students to prestigious universities is nothing new, particularly in the context of short-term mobility programs specifically designed to accommodate them. However, IMT Mines Albi has taken a completely different approach by fully integrating refugee students into its international program.

In 2024, the school welcomed 16 students with refugee status out of the 40 students who made up the Summer School; there were 15 in 2022 and 14 in 2023. In total, over three years, 45 young refugees have attended the IMT Mines Albi Summer School. Their participation is 100% funded by the school, without external subsidies, in line with a CSR approach that is now fully established.

A project launched in support of Ukraine, which has become a major CSR initiative for IMT Mines Albi

When Russia invaded Ukraine, IMT Mines Albi was in talks with Dnipro University of Technology (Ukraine) to establish an academic partnership. Although the war prevented this initiative from being finalized, the idea of welcoming Ukrainian students to enable them to continue their education despite the war quickly gained traction. The proposal quickly expanded, and this linguistic and cultural integration program was opened up to other refugees. Three years later, the school has welcomed young refugees from 10 different countries: Bangladesh, the Dominican Republic, Nepal, Colombia, Syria, Iraq, and others.

Collaboration projects with the University of Dnipro have also continued, with the two institutions planning to sign a cooperation agreement in the near future.

A month immersed in French culture and higher education

The next IMT Mines Albi Summer School will take place from July 28 to August 20, 2025. Everything has been designed to help students settle in quickly and feel at home: tutoring by school students, on-campus accommodation, community and sports activities, culinary discoveries... A total immersion in French culture, student life, and customs to facilitate their studies in France. Highlights of the 2025 Summer School include visits to the Mining Museum in Albi, an Airbus and Boeing subcontractor, the Soulages Museum in Rodez, the Viaur Viaduct, the Najac Fortress, the Cité de l'Espace in Toulouse, and an introduction to rugby.
 

And, for some, a springboard to a new life...

"The French Summer School was really useful for me. After that, I learned a little more French with a tutor, and eventually it allowed me to work in France. I worked in Martigues in the maritime sector until the end of 2024. After that, I moved to Canada and settled near Vancouver. So, even though I no longer use French in my daily life today, my life in France was greatly facilitated. Thank you very much for your help to all Ukrainians in 2022," emphasizes Andrii, a student from Ukraine.

"The Summer School helped me discover many cultures and improve my French. I passed my DELF B2 exam and now I'm thinking of becoming a nursing assistant. Now it's vacation time, and next month I'll be working at a summer camp in the food service industry. Thank you to the entire French Summer School team for making last summer special and filled with wonderful memories," says Athina, a student from Bangladesh.