Welcome to the Circle U. Festival of Languages and Cultures!
Organised by CU.mil, the festival will take place from 16 to 20 February 2026 and will celebrate the rich diversity of languages and cultures across Circle U.
The programme features a mix of online and in-person events, including language tasters, conversation cafés, a movie night, workshops, and much more.
Open to the entire Circle U. community, the festival is an invitation to connect, learn, and share — so take a look at the programme below and join us. The more, the merrier!
What can you expect?
Conversation Cafés
Looking to practice a foreign language in a relaxed setting? Then, join our Conversation Cafés, where students and staff can come together to chat and connect. No pressure—just conversation and community.
Language Tasters
Curious about learning a new language? Our Language Taster Sessions give students and staff a fun, low-commitment introduction to a new language. Come curious, leave inspired. No experience required.
Networking Sessions
Do you speak Chinese/Fārsi/Türkçe in your family?
Calling all Circle U. students, researchers, and staff with Chinese/Persian/Turkish as part of their family heritage! Come to our online networking events for an informal chat to meet others, connect across universities, and share your experiences!
A Slice of Life sessions
Thinking about studying abroad in a Circle U. university? Join our Slice of Life sessions given by students from different Circle U. universities and get a first-hand glimpse of university and student life in another country.
... and many activities onsite!
A movie night, music quiz, language jams, conversation cafés, and more.
Don’t miss the chance to discover or practise languages in a fun, relaxed and festive way!
Monday 16 February - Online activities
No registration required.
Zoom link for the session:
https://zoom.us/j/99742958514?pwd=ixpGjYlelDTmfJhbWyH9e8tUKluuzh.1
There are times when we are all at a loss for words, even in our native tongue. Luckily, reading texts aloud can allow us to speak fluently without having to think much about grammar, vocabulary, or content. This session shows you how to use a structured method of reading aloud with a language-tandem partner to improve your pronunciation, speaking confidence, and even writing. Speakers of all languages welcome.
No registration required.
Zoom link for the session:
https://hu-berlin.zoom-x.de/j/93626946785?pwd=QU1rTWgvcVk3UVJSVjVHR1d5RWFlQT09
Looking to practice French in a relaxed setting? Then, join our Conversation Café, where students and staff can come together to chat and connect, and speak French. No pressure—just conversation and community.
Registration recommended. Register here.
Zoom link for the session:
https://u-paris.zoom.us/j/82625323286?pwd=DYvNHKazxJbTi5ObbCgq05XmmM7K92.1
Thinking about studying abroad at a Circle U. university?
Join this Slice of Life session and get a first-hand glimpse of university and student life at Aarhus University, UCLouvain, and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.
No registration required.
Zoom link for the session:
https://hu-berlin.zoom-x.de/j/64321064912?pwd=toqfucRL6cM0DgKIKOjBvItknMdLen.1
Calling all Circle U. students, researchers, and staff with Persian as part of their family heritage!
Come to our online networking event for an informal chat to meet others, connect across universities, and share your experiences!
Registration recommended. Register here.
Zoom link for the session:
Tuesday 17 February - Online activities
Curious about German? This workshop is your perfect starting point! We'll explore three solid reasons why learning German can be a rewarding experience. Then, we'll jump right into hands-on German with practical small talk questions you can use immediately. Finally, we'll discover some vocabulary that feels like old friends – words that are surprisingly accessible and easy to pick up. No prior knowledge needed – just bring your curiosity! Come join us and see how approachable German can be.
No registration required.
Zoom link for the session:
https://hu-berlin.zoom-x.de/j/64783411220?pwd=uqqXhu5LbCqAGHw0v1YDoOObBa3yaU.1
Jump into Italian in just one hour! In this immersive taster session, you’ll get an introduction to the language, along with fun cultural insights that bring Italy to life. By the end, you’ll leave with practical expressions and phrases, ready to start speaking Italian right away!
No registration required.
Zoom link for the session : https://us06web.zoom.us/j/7044771714?omn=89267066256
!!! Please note: the event time is indicated for both UK and Central European time zones.
10:00 AM (UK – London time)
11:00 AM (CET – Central European Time)
Russian alphabet in a few minutes and discourse formulae in Russian.
No registration required.
Zoom link for the session:
https://hu-berlin.zoom-x.de/j/68865689847?pwd=pMllEoT1qNtuyDG0wAz8czRsibel4N.1
Thinking about studying abroad at a Circle U. university?
Join this Slice of Life session and get a first-hand glimpse of university and student life at Aarhus University, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and University of Belgrade.
Registration recommended. Register here.
Zoom link for the session:
How to get into the habit of learning a language independently.
No registration required.
Zoom link for the session:
https://hu-berlin.zoom-x.de/j/69956146809?pwd=68vsZiTilNpNNnqhFlaM4JGFvXMSZT.1
Join us for an exciting Korean taster where you'll explore the language, culture, and traditions of Korea! Perfect for beginners and anyone curious about this fascinating country.
Registration required. Register here.
A taste of French language: French for beginners.
No registration required.
Zoom link for the session:
https://hu-berlin.zoom-x.de/j/62059772223?pwd=FareiRJ16gmOTbobDr0BMi0iX2CinO.1
Calling all Circle U. students, researchers, and staff with Chinese as part of their family heritage! Come to our online networking event for an informal chat to meet others, connect across universities, and share your experiences!
Registration recommended. Register here.
Zoom link for the session:
https://u-paris.zoom.us/j/8272024350?pwd=QjRqYU1pYVNKSG0zVjJvbzk3K1lPUT…;
Wednesday 18 February - Online activities
Sometimes we don't need words, sometimes too many...
No registration required.
Zoom link for the session:
https://hu-berlin.zoom-x.de/j/66829492532?pwd=X7PZTRVb6wUa0yFH7aVqAKXbCHIe6C.1
Meeting ID: 668 2949 2532
Password: 794775
Thinking about learning French?
This online beginner taster session offers a relaxed introduction to French. You’ll gain a feel for the language, build confidence, and see how enjoyable language learning can be, no experience required.
No registration required.
Looking to practice English in a relaxed setting? Then, join our Conversation Café, where students and staff can come together to chat and connect, and speak English. No pressure—just conversation and community.
Registration is required. Places are limited (maximum 15 participants) and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Register here.
"Ciao, sono ..... " Italian for beginners
No registration required.
Zoom link for the session:
https://hu-berlin.zoom-x.de/j/67044839482?pwd=GKvJ030wgmbJMxhkB5eApNSFXjMAsb.1
Meeting ID: 670 4483 9482
Password: Ciao
Thursday 19 February - Online activities
Calling all Circle U. students, researchers, and staff with Turkish as part of their family heritage! Come to our online networking event for an informal chat to meet others, connect across universities, and share your experiences!
No registration required.
Zoom link for the session:
Looking to practice Serbian in a relaxed setting? Then, join our Conversation Café, where students and staff can come together to chat and connect, and speak Serbian. No pressure—just conversation and community.
No registration required.
Zoom link for the session:
https://zoom.us/j/92559665248?pwd=aWnaBKibLckwx6duKdzrAZj2aboMng.1
Curious about learning Mandarin?
Our Language Taster Sessions give students and staff a fun, low-commitment introduction to Serbian. Come curious, leave inspired. No experience required.
Registration is required. Places are limited (maximum 25 participants) and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Register here.
!!! Please note: the event time is indicated for both UK and Central European time zones.
14:00 AM (UK – London time)
15:00 AM (CET – Central European Time)
Curious about Danish? Join this 1-hour beginner taster session where you’ll learn how to introduce yourself, practise pronunciation, and discover some key features of the language. No prior knowledge needed—just bring your curiosity!
No registration required.
Zoom link for the session:
https://zoom.us/j/94072765229?pwd=7dmxzUfOamK91C2x5COAMq5PBFQ3Vi.1
Curious about Spanish? Join this 1-hour beginner taster session where you’ll learn how to introduce yourself, practise pronunciation, and discover some key features of the language. No prior knowledge needed—just bring your curiosity!
Registration is required. Register here.
!!! Please note: the event time is indicated for both UK and Central European time zones.
14:00 AM (UK – London time)
15:00 AM (CET – Central European Time)
Friday 20 February - Online activities
This beginner-level taster session introduces the basics of Mandarin, including simple self-introductions, basic pronunciation, and the fundamentals of Chinese characters through fun and interactive activities. It will also explore the meanings behind Chinese names and common naming practices, all in a welcoming and engaging format.
Registration is required. Places are limited (maximum 20 participants) and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Register here.
!!! Please note: the event time is indicated for both UK and Central European time zones.
09:00 AM (UK – London time)
10:00 AM (CET – Central European Time)
Join us for a fun and interactive French taster session! You’ll learn how to introduce yourself, pick up some fascinating insights into French grammar and pronunciation, and discover a few popular French idioms along the way. Designed especially for complete beginners, this session requires no prior knowledge of French. The class will be delivered in a mix of French (mostly) and English, so you can dive in with confidence and curiosity!
Registration is required. Register here.
!!! Please note: the event time is indicated for both UK and Central European time zones.
10:00 AM (UK – London time)
11:00 AM (CET – Central European Time)
Curious about learning German?
In this taster session you will learn some basic phrases to introduce yourself, have a look at German pronunciation and learn in a fun and relaxed way, because language learning can be easy.
Registration is recommended, but last-minute participants are welcome!
Link for the session here.
!!! Please note: the event time is indicated for both UK and Central European time zones.
11:00 AM (UK – London time)
12:00 AM (CET – Central European Time)
Looking to practice French in a relaxed setting? Then, join our Conversation Café, where students and staff can come together to chat and connect, and speak French. No pressure—just conversation and community.
Registration is recommended, but last-minute participants are welcome!
Register here.
Zoom link for the session:
https://zoom.us/j/93486985054?pwd=EDOKCzc28WtTb5tDzQAt1xYbgfD3Ml.1
Curious about learning Serbian?
Our Language Taster Sessions give students and staff a fun, low-commitment introduction to Serbian. Come curious, leave inspired. No experience required.
No registration required.
Zoom link for the session:
https://zoom.us/j/94231631675?pwd=gavbVzaQ9uyvlGaHZl2hKc5GqgfLER.1
Curious about learning Norwegian?
Our Language Taster Sessions give students and staff a fun, low-commitment introduction to Norwegian. Come curious, leave inspired. No experience required.
No registration required.
Zoom link for the session:
https://zoom.us/j/93826187253?pwd=hPKZn9uV8Xf5oBAwTXeEzeVJW0arw5.1
Monday 16 February - Onsite activities
Curious to discover Belgian Francophone Sign Language?
Join our sign language taster session to learn the basics in a fun and interactive way.
No prior knowledge needed — open to all students and staff.
A great chance to explore a different way of communicating!
13:00 - 14:00
Espace L, ILV.
Registration required (max 25 participants). First come, first served. Register here.
Curious to discover Belgian Francophone Sign Language?
Join our sign language taster session to learn the basics in a fun and interactive way.
No prior knowledge needed — open to all students and staff.
A great chance to explore a different way of communicating!
14:15 - 15:15
Espace L, ILV.
Registration required (max 25 participants). First come, first served. Register here.
Put your knowledge to the test at our Language Centre Trivia Night! Enjoy a fun, pub-quiz–style evening exploring languages at KCL through music, history, culture, and linguistics.
17.00 - 19.00 London Time
Join us for a campus movie evening featuring The Imitation Game (2014), a historical drama based on the life of mathematician and cryptanalyst Alan Turing. The film explores the role of mathematical reasoning and early computing in the Allied effort to break the Enigma code during World War II, while also addressing themes of scientific innovation, ethics, and recognition. The movie evening is open to all students and staff. Come along, unwind, and watch a great film together.
18:00 - 22:00, Studio 11, Louvain-la-Neuve.
Registration required. Max 50 participants. First come, first served. Register here.
Tuesday 17 February - Onsite activities
Games • Cafés • Calligraphy • Music • Karaoke • Coffee • Sweets
11:00 - 14:00
Location: Campus Grands Moulins, Bâtiment Olympes de Gouges, room 240
Looking to practice Spanish in a relaxed setting? Then, join our Conversation Café, where students and staff can come together to chat and connect, and speak Spanish. No pressure—just conversation and community.
12:00 - 13:30
Location : Halles universitaires, Aile C, 4ème étage, Salle C.435.
Bring your lunch!
There will also be a cosy reading corner with books available to browse on site, to get inspired and discover new authors. You can come with your books as well!
Registration is required. Register here.
Looking to practice English in a relaxed setting? Then, join our Conversation Café, where students and staff can come together to chat and connect, and speak English. No pressure—just conversation and community.
18:00 - 20:00
Espace L, ILV
Registration is required. Register here.
Wednesday 18 February - Onsite activities
Games • Cafés • Calligraphy • Music • Karaoke • Coffee • Sweets
11:00-14:00
Location: Campus Grands Moulins, Bâtiment Olympes de Gouges, room 240
Discover what Circle U. is and what it has to offer through fun and interactive activities organised by students, for students.
Treat yourself to some sweets and take part in a big contest with great prizes to win: train tickets, campus shop vouchers, and more!
13-00 - 17:00
Location: Learning Center Christine de Pizan, Louvain-la-Neuve
No registration required.
Thursday 19 February - Onsite activities
Games • Cafés • Calligraphy • Try a new language • Karaoke • Coffee • Sweets
11:00-14:00
Location: Campus Malakoff, salle Cartou
Join us for a fun and inclusive music quiz!
Songs in different languages will be played, in line with the festival’s theme. No expert knowledge needed — everyone is welcome, students and staff alike. All you need is curiosity, a good mood, and the desire to have fun and recharge your energy for the afternoon!
12:00-14:00, Espace L, ILV, Louvain-la-Neuve
Bring your lunch!
Registration required. Max 25 participants. First come, first served. Register here.
Looking to practise Dutch, German or English in a relaxed setting?
Join our multilingual Conversation Café, organised by Babbelkot, where students and staff come together to chat and connect. No pressure — just conversation and community.
A sweet treat and a drink will be offered.
There will also be a cosy reading corner with books available to browse on site, to get inspired and discover new authors.
14:00 - 17:00
Espace L, ILV
! To ensure a drink and a sweet treat, registration is recommended. Participants who are not registered may still join the activity on the day, subject to availability.
Register here.
Curious about learning French? Our Language Taster Sessions give students and staff a fun, low-commitment introduction to French. Come curious, leave inspired. No experience required.
Location : Alumni of the Faculty of Philology, address 1300 Kaplara 1, Belgrade
No registration required.
Curious about learning German?
Our Language Taster Sessions give students and staff a fun, low-commitment introduction to German. Come curious, leave inspired. No experience required.
Location : Alumni of the Faculty of Philology, address 1300 Kaplara 1, Belgrade
Curious about learning Danish?
Our Language Taster Sessions give students and staff a fun, low-commitment introduction to Danish. Come curious, leave inspired. No experience required.
Location : Alumni of the Faculty of Philology, address 1300 Kaplara 1, Belgrade
No registration required.
Friday 20 February - Onsite activities
Curious about learning Italian?
Our Language Taster Sessions give students and staff a fun, low-commitment introduction to Italian Come curious, leave inspired. No experience required.
Location : Alumni of the Faculty of Philology, address 1300 Kaplara 1, Belgrade.
No registration required.
Curious about learning Norwegian?
Our Language Taster Sessions give students and staff a fun, low-commitment introduction to Norwegian Come curious, leave inspired. No experience required.
Location : Alumni of the Faculty of Philology, address 1300 Kaplara 1, Belgrade.
No registration required.
