Church Point (N.S.), February 18 2020 – Students enrolled in Université Sainte-Anne's "Integrated French Immersion Option" are preparing to experience a full year of cultural exploration as part of an exchange with the University of Veracruz in Mexico. They will participate in a twinning project that will enable them to have meaningful and authentic experiences with students from Mexico, all while perfecting their French.
This exchange is made possible thanks to Professor François Bélanger, director of the "Integrated French Immersion Option" program, who obtained a grant from the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF). This €5,000 ($7,500) grant will enable the development of varied programming with the goal of encouraging cultural exchanges in French between the participating groups.
Université Sainte-Anne students Mykkaela Lutes, Connor Fraser, Lauren Acorn, Émilie Gagné and Emily MacNeil will participate in the project, accompanied by Professors François Bélanger and Irène Costantin.
The Université Sainte-Anne students will participate in the exchange with a group of students from the University of Veracruz in Mexico, accompanied by their professor, Lucia Imelda Cruz Cardenas.
In January, the groups began exchanging messages and photos via email and as part of a private social media group. An evening Skype discussion was held on February 4 so that the participants could talk directly and get to know each other better. Other remote exchanges will take place throughout the year, including a presentation by the Mexican students on the Day of the Dead and participation in a review of the film Coco.
In addition, some of the participants will fly to Mexico and others to Canada. First, three students from Université Sainte-Anne will travel to Mexico from February 19 to 26 to spend four days in Poza Rica and two days in Mexico City, accompanied by Professors Bélanger and Costantin. The students will be hosted by their Mexican counterpart in order to be fully immersed in Mexican culture and everyday life. A precise itinerary is already planned to allow the group to visit as many cultural and historical sites as possible.
Then, 6 students from Mexico, accompanied by Professor Lucia Imelda Cruz Cardenas, will travel to the Church Point campus from July 5 to 26 to complete the first 3 weeks of the summer immersion session.
"The objective of the project is to increase cultural awareness and facilitate exchanges between the student populations of our two institutions. In a globalized world, it is becoming increasingly important to encourage openness to other cultures and ways of life. Our students are fortunate to be able to participate in this enriching project and we are delighted to be able to offer them such an opportunity," explained Professor Bélanger.
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About the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie
The Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) brings together 990 universities, French grande école institutions, university networks and scientific research centres which operate in French in 118 countries. Created nearly 60 years ago, it is one of the largest higher education and research institutions associations in the world.
About Université Sainte-Anne
Université Sainte-Anne, the only French language post-secondary institution in Nova Scotia, offers university and college-level courses as well as a French immersion program and customized training in French as a second language. Recognized for its excellent programs as well as its unique and exceptional living environment, Sainte-Anne offers experiential learning opportunities that promote student engagement and success, and an atmosphere which encourages a culture of excellence in research and development. Solidly established in its community, Université Sainte-Anne is a partner of choice for all those who wish to strengthen the vitality of the regions surrounding its 5 campuses as well as all of Acadie throughout Nova Scotia.
For more information
Rachelle LeBlanc, Director of Communications and Marketing
Université Sainte-Anne
Tel.: 902-769-2114 Extension 7222
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