The French Institute of Chile and Campus France Participate in the Mobility Fair of the First French Week Bon Voyage

September 5, 2019

Within the framework of the First Festival Bon Voyage, the French Institute of Chile and Campus France participated in the Information Day, giving details about the exchange opportunities currently existing between France and the USACH. The Department of International and Inter-Universities Relations, the Faculty of Engineering and the Vice-Rectory of Outreach, Social Engagement and International Relations organized this event.

The Mobility Fair took place at the front plaza of the Department of Electrical Engineering with the participation of students from different undergraduate programs. It also included a French Express Workshop and food trucks of typical French food.

In this regard, the representative of Campus France, Soizic Gaborel, pointed out that "our role in Campus France is to make Chilean students aware of the possibilities of higher studies, because they mostly don’t have the information about this. For us, this opportunity is very important because there are historical ties between France and the USACH.” He also commented that one of the main reasons for travelling to France is the quality of education, which is innovative and economic, and is guaranteed by the French State.

Fabiola Oyarzún, a professional in charge of the French Express Workshop from the French Institute, considers this type of activities of great importance since "it is necessary to broaden the spirit of young people. Right now, there are plenty of scholarships to travel to France, unknown by many people. Speaking French opens big doors and really makes a difference," she explains.

The French Week included the participation of stakeholders and activities such as Faculty staff and the French ambassador, the presentation of a classical orchestra, a Chile-France International Cooperation Talk focused on academic affairs for development, and the display of "The alchemists of Light: Georges Mèliés and the French Pioneers (1895-1915)".

The first version of the festival ends with TANDEM France, an activity for cultural exchange with international students who are currently studying in our university, and would be held in the Recicla building of the Faculty of Administration and Economy.

The Vice-Rectory of Outreach, Social Engagement and International Affairs, together with the Department of Electrical Engineering, led these activities towards a whole successful event.

Written by Catalina Águila

Translated by Alexandra Cabrera