On June 7, the “Francophones of Northeast China” exhibition sharing session was held at the French Village of JISU’s Global Village. This event, co-organized by the Consulate General of France in Shenyang, JISU’s Office of International Exchange and Cooperation, and the School of Western Languages, was one of the series of activities of the 16th International Culture and Arts Festival. Nearly 70 students from the French Department of the School of Western Languages participated in the event.

Ms. Charlène Guillo, Cooperation Attaché of the Consulate General of France in Shenyang, introduced the “Portraits of Francophones in Northeast China exhibition”. Ms. Zhang Ling, General Manager of Beijing Qicheng Education Consulting, French teacher, and translator; Mr. Yang Huaibo, Senior Manager of the R&D Center at Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive Co., Ltd.; and faculty members Wu Bo and Shi Hao from the French Department of the School of Western Languages shared their experiences of studying and living in France, as well as their understanding of French culture and art. The students also engaged in interactive discussions with the guest speakers on topics such as impressions of France, study abroad life, and career development.

The event also featured the “Portraits of Francophones in Northeast China exhibition”, showcasing the stories of 30 French learners from Northeast China and their connections with the French language and France, as well as their outstanding achievements in fields such as fine arts, philosophy, education, medicine, business, and engineering. Students mentioned that through this event, they felt the charm of the French language, deepened their understanding of French culture and art, and broadened their perspectives. They also recognized the diversity of career development opportunities in the French language field, which provided valuable guidance for setting academic goals and planning their professional futures.

Jilin International Studies University began enrolling undergraduate students in the French program in 2003, making it the first French program in Jilin Province. In 2011, it was recognized as a distinctive program during the 12th Five-Year Plan period in Jilin Province. In 2014, it was designated as a brand program in the province. JISU started offering a Master Degree program in French Interpretation in 2016 and introduced a translation track in 2021. In 2019, it was rated as a first-class program in Jilin Province, and in 2021, it was rated as a national first-class program. Currently, JISU has established cooperative relationships with nine French institutions, including Université Lumière Lyon 2, Université Catholique de Lyon, Université de Nantes, and Université Paris Diderot (Paris 7), facilitating exchange programs, joint bachelor-master programs, paid internships, and study tours. Over the past three years, nearly 50 students have been sent to France for further studies. This event also marks another close collaboration between JISU and the Consulate General of France in Shenyang, creating favorable conditions for advancing the development of the French program and related disciplines, improving the quality of talent cultivation, and accelerating the process of internationalization.

Jilin International Studies University Official Website

June 13, 2024