Franco-German Student Exchange 2026 – Making a Short Film (Part One)

In collaboration with the Crous Clermont Auvergne in Clermont-Ferrand, the STWNO organizes two-year exchange programs for students. From March 9 to 14, 2026, during the Regensburg International Short Film Week ("Regensburger Kurzfilmwoche"), German and French students met in Regensburg to create a short film together under the professional guidance of a workshop leader from Clermont-Ferrand. In 2027, the group will meet again in Clermont-Ferrand for a return visit. A look back.

Launch of the project with an ambitious timeline

Is it possible to make a short film in four days? “Yes, although it’s going to be very tight,” says Jérémy Laurichesse, who has already led his “72 H film project” workshop at the Crous Clermont Auvergne. But would the workshop also work in Germany with a group of students from different majors who don’t know each other? The students came from a variety of fields: They were studying not only media or art studies, but also business psychology, biology, music, social work, and computer science. Their prior knowledge of film production also varied widely.

The challenge at the start of the exchange week therefore seemed daunting. And time was tight. So the students wasted no time and, after a brief round of introductions and two icebreaker games, got right to work on the project.

The twelve students in total - six from France and six from Germany - were divided into three groups to develop screenplay drafts. But that wasn’t all: this was followed by a pitch of the drafts, questions from the group, the selection of one of the presented film ideas, a new division into groups to work on the screenplay, shot list, and post-production, as well as a casting call among the students to select the lead roles. After a difficult decision, a consensus was finally reached on a German-French couple.

German-French friendship in action

The short timeframe leading up to the completion of the short film required close collaboration from the very beginning. Everyone’s openness and their shared commitment to a common goal quickly brought the students together. And more than that: the group became a close-knit community of friends, where language barriers and cultural differences were not obstacles but rather a source of enrichment. The exchange thus quickly evolved into a living example of Franco-German friendship.

Filming in a historic setting

In addition to making the film, there was also time to get to know each other better through group activities - some of which were unrelated to the upcoming shoot, while others were planned with it in mind. On the very first day of the project, a guided tour of Regensburg provided ideas for filming locations. As a result, the Old Town served as the backdrop for several scenes in the days that followed. The students also incorporated Regensburg cafés into the project. The owners were all helpful, though sometimes the location wasn’t suitable (too much noise or poor lighting for filming). Selecting suitable filming locations offered the Regensburg students, in particular, a whole new perspective on “their” city.

On set, the students found themselves in entirely new roles. They rotated through the roles so that almost everyone could try their hand at every task: setup, sound recording, camera work, directing, clapperboard, and so on. The group quickly realized just how much work goes into a film shoot. It also quickly became clear that the short film could only be completed in such a short time if everyone communicated well with one another and didn’t lose sight of their shared goal. Fortunately, the shoot went quickly and successfully. Often, only a few takes of a scene needed to be recorded. This left time to expand the filming locations and visit the Walhalla in Donaustauf in addition to Regensburg. The sunny outing was a welcome treat for everyone.

Exchange Topic: Film – Within and Beyond the Project Work

The exchange was all about film. Alix, who is completing a voluntary social service year in the cultural department of the Crous Clermont Auvergne, took on a second film project: she filmed the students’ daily lives and conducted interviews to create a making-of video.

And it was no coincidence that the exchange took place during the Regensburg International Short Film Week. Over the course of two evenings, the group attended short film screenings at cinemas in Regensburg’s Old Town. Perhaps the short film they made together will one day make it into the festival program.

Final Day: Voice-over, film editing, and presentation of the project

Filming was followed by post-production: Fortunately, STWNO has a professionally equipped media studio with an editing suite and a sound studio for recording voice-overs. Musically talented students from the group also composed their own film score, featuring lyrics, electric bass, vocals, and piano.

Working under intense pressure, the students finally completed their short film. All that remains is the final editing by a professional, and then the result can be presented to the public. STWNO staff members already got a first glimpse of the finished film during a “workshop visit.” Those present were thrilled by the quality of the short film. Bravo!

With so much work to do, time flew by, and so, after six long days, the guests from France left Regensburg to begin their journey home to Clermont-Ferrand with a touch of sadness. There is already great anticipation for the reunion in Clermont-Ferrand in 2027. Feedback from the German group aptly sums up the week (translated into English): “It was truly one of the best weeks I’ve had in a long time. A real enrichment. And I’m extremely looking forward to the trip to Clermont-Ferrand. The French exchange students are super nice and funny.”

The result of all that hard work: “Leur dernière danse”

After the final edit was completed, the short film was ready as early as April 2026. The first public screening took place in the Salle des frères-Lumière at the Crous in Clermont-Ferrand.

You can watch the finished film here:

And you can get a glimpse into the film’s production process in this making-of video:

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Deutsch-französischer Mitarbeiteraustausch 2026 – Lebensraum Campus (2. Teil)

From June 8 to 12, 2026, nine staff members from the Studierendenwerk Niederbayern/Oberpfalz (STWNO) traveled to Clermont-Ferrand to learn how the Crous Clermont Auvergne welcomes and supports international students and first-semester students.

Nine staff members? Not quite. The French volunteer from the Franco-German Youth Office (DFJW in German) at STWNO had already set off a week earlier, cycling from Regensburg to Clermont-Ferrand together with two students from Regensburg. An ambitious Franco-German friendship project - you can learn more about it here.

Once in Clermont-Ferrand, the group finally had a big reunion. On the one hand, the travel group from Germany was now complete again. On the other hand, many of the German and French exchange participants already knew each other from the first phase of the exchange in 2025 in Regensburg and Passau. After a warm welcome on the first evening, they were therefore able to begin their exchange of experiences on the second day without lengthy introductions.

Welcoming and Supporting International Students in Clermont-Ferrand

The exchange program began with a tour of the Clermont Auvergne INP Polytechnic School of Engineering, including a presentation by the International Relations Department and a visit to a research laboratory. The delegation from Germany gained insight into how international students are welcomed and supported at the university and how close cooperation with the Crous facilitates this process.

The rest of the afternoon was then devoted entirely to the Crous. An official welcome by Managing Director Philippe Négrier was followed by a presentation on the Crous Clermont Auvergne. The upcoming challenges, in particular, sparked lively discussions among the binational group: On the one hand, the introduction of a 1-euro meal plan - including an appetizer, main course, and dessert - for all students; on the other hand, the planned imposition of tuition fees for students from non-EU countries starting in September 2026. Both measures will pose significant staffing and financial challenges for the Crous. Accordingly, preparations for the start of the fall semester are already well underway.

In particular, the introduction of tuition fees is likely to further increase the financial burden on many international students. This makes the work of the Espace d’Accueil Étudiants (EAE) all the more important. The dedicated team of students and young staff members helps students from France and abroad get started with their studies. Its responsibilities include providing information on the services offered by the Crous, assisting with scholarship and dormitory applications, and preparing residence permit applications for international students. As a service unique in France, the EAE thus provides valuable support—including assistance with the subsequent processing of applications by the Puy-de-Dôme Prefecture.

Le Tour d’Auvergne – more than volcanoes and cheese

Still brimming with new impressions and insights from their first professional exchange, the group’s agenda for Wednesday included getting to know the city and the region. After all, the exchange is intended not only to promote cooperation but also to foster a deeper understanding of language, culture, and daily life.

During a guided tour of Clermont-Ferrand, the group visited, among other sites, the impressive cathedral, the Basilique Notre-Dame du Port, and the historic Montferrand district, which was once an independent town and later merged with Clermont to form the modern city of Clermont-Ferrand.

They also explored the area surrounding the city. The program included a visit to the Cave of Volvic, known for its mineral water and the distinctive dark rock that characterizes Clermont-Ferrand’s cityscape, as well as the Puy-de-Dôme volcano. The ascent was not made on foot, but comfortably via the cog railway. Once at the top, the group was rewarded with an impressive panoramic view of the Auvergne volcanic range, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason.

Essential aspects of student life—housing, finances, culture, and social work

Back in the city, the professional exchange continued. After all, the support services offered by the Crous go far beyond welcoming international students.

At the “Les Cézeaux” student dorm near the Clermont Auvergne INP, Crous staff presented the two typical housing options: rooms with private bathrooms and shared kitchens, and studio apartments with private bathrooms and kitchenettes. Similar to the STWNO’s housing complex tutors, the Crous also relies on dedicated students who serve as on-site contacts, help combat isolation, and strengthen the sense of community.

A “Crous student representative” shared a first-hand account of his involvement and collaboration with the housing department. For the German delegation, it became clear once again just how valuable it is to closely involve students in the design and further development of housing options.

But that was by no means the end of the professional program. In several short presentations, the Crous introduced the “Dossier Social Étudiant” - comparable to a state scholarship application - as well as its social and cultural services. Since three staff members from the cultural department were among the participants from Germany, a lively exchange developed, particularly regarding the cultural initiatives.

The entire group was also impressed by the Crous’ social work services. These play an important role in supporting students dealing with psychological stressors such as isolation or depression. A partnership with a psychiatric unit at a local hospital is designed to offer additional help to students facing difficult life situations.

Nearly 50 Years of Franco-German Friendship in action

Even the most wonderful journey must come to an end at some point. Everyone celebrated together one last time at the farewell dinner on Thursday evening at the Crous.

Stefan Pritschet, deputy managing director of the STWNO, provided a special surprise. He brought photos of his father, a former employee of the Studierendenwerk who had participated in a staff exchange in Clermont-Ferrand 44 years ago. The historical photos immediately caught the attention of the German-French group and were examined with curiosity. They looked like snapshots from another era - and at the same time made it clear just how long the connection between the two institutions has existed.

As the event drew to a close, all participants were once again reminded that they were part of a partnership that has now spanned nearly half a century. With many new impressions, professional insights, and strengthened Franco-German friendships, the German tour group—now truly numbering nine members—set off on their return journey to Regensburg and Passau.

The photos from the past show that this was likely not the last visit.

Finally, we would like to thank the Franco-German Youth Office, whose financial support made both exchange programs possible (more information on the Franco-German Youth Office).