On Tuesday 15 March 2022, the Department of French at the University of Malta held an informative session on Higher Education in France at La Petite Auberge de France.
Dr Marilyn Mallia, Acting Head of Department, had the pleasure of welcoming Mr Christophe Buffet, from the Institut national du service public (INSP, ex ENA), as a guest speaker. Mr Buffet gave an enjoyable and interactive overview of the system of Higher education in France, including the system of the ‘grandes écoles’.
Students were able to compare and contrast the university systems, in the spirit of intercultural enquiry. As a more concrete complement to this explanation, the Maltese second year BA Honours students presented their Erasmus experience of Semester 1 in four different French Universities (Université de Lorraine, Université de Strasbourg, Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3, Université de Franche-Comté). The students elaborated on the academic, social and cultural dimensions of this enriching experience. They also discussed the way it modified initial impressions and stereotypes of the French culture.
The event was held as part of the celebrations of the Francophonie, which are held annually in March.
Mr Buffet will also be organising an event on Wednesday 27 April for students of different faculties, about the opportunities offered by French universities.
