« I'm delighted to share that I’ve joined the French+Sciences program in Montpellier, France as part of my cooperative training with the Faculty of Engineering at King Abdulaziz University. This program focuses on sustainable development, offering a unique opportunity to explore how global environmental challenges intersect with innovation and technology. As a computer engineering student in the Department of Electrical Engineering, I’m excited to broaden my perspective and contribute to a more sustainable future through engineering solutions. A heartfelt thank you to Accent Francais French Language School for organizing and hosting this incredible experience. I look forward to the learning, the cultural exchange, and the connections ahead! 🇫🇷🌱💻 »
« A Memorable Journey in Sustainability and Cultural Exchange. On October 14, 2023, the final jury of the Climate Change Competition took place, and my team, Alpha, comprised of myself and two incredible colleagues, Lana Hatabeh Karajah and Hana Al-Assaf secured first place. This competition was organized by the Jordan Green Building Council - المجلس الأردني للأبنية الخضراء | Jordan GBC in partnership with the French Embassy. The win brought more than just recognition; it awarded us a 3-week scholarship to Montpellier, France, to participate in the French+ Science Program among 31 participants from 14 different nationalities. I am truly grateful for this opportunity, which not only led to our victory but also allowed me to complete and obtain an A1 level in French language certificate from the Accent Francais French Language School with special thanks to our teacher, Audrey, who made our class the best ever. Also, participating in the Science Program which focused on sustainability across three major areas: housing, energy, and agriculture. The program included numerous valuable activities: 1. Sustainable development sessions with Enercoop covering circular economy, waste management, and life cycle assessment. 2. A visit to a sustainable housing community. 3. A Climate Fresk workshop by the Université de Montpellier. 4. A visit to an experimental farm in the south of France to learn about initiatives combating climate change. 5. My first experience installing PV panels and learning about solar energy and renewable energy solutions. 6. A visit to CIRAD to learn about their research projects and experiments. As an architectural student, Montpellier offered a lot to explore, from its sustainable public transportation and pedestrian areas to the diverse styles and colors of its building facades. The city feels like a living canvas with its blend of architectural designs. Special thanks to Stéphanie Checa and Juliane H. for their efforts in ensuring that this programme was executed and completed in an outstanding manner. Special thanks also to our speakers and instructors : Tom Desbertrand Elsa Mellon Sébastien A. Eyma Mathieu Mutel Daniella Blake Benjamin Martareche There is so much more I could say, but I'll conclude by expressing how much I enjoyed the experience, the city, and the wonderful people I met from various countries and cultures, who have now become friends. Thank you very much. »
« I am extremely proud to announce the completion of an amazing program that I was part of, the French + Sciences Program. I was honored to receive a full scholarship from the French Embassy in the UAE. As this program was coordinated by Accent Francais French Language School in collaboration with Enercoop sponsored by Campus France, TotalEnergies UAE. This program felt like a dream! The best 3 weeks of my life. It took place in a city that I have never heard of but will never forget, Montpellier. This city is internationally renowned for its research fields in health, agronomy and the environment. So while we were learning French on a daily basis, we were also taken to visit many places led by brilliant instructors, attending lectures all revolving around the topic of Sustainable Environment. I had a wonderful opportunity to interact with incredible individuals and students from over 10 different countries. This experience instilled in me a sense of responsibility and enhanced my ability to communicate effectively, fostering meaningful connections. Engaging with diverse groups allowed me to forge lasting friendships that I will cherish forever. Each week presented a fresh journey exploring a new topic, enriching my overall experience. During our visit to Montpellier, we explored the the largest pedestrian area in Europe Place de la Comédie, marveling at its historic buildings and efficient tramway system. Lectures on sustainable housing introduced me to co-housing, highlighting how buildings can adapt to climate change for a more sustainable lifestyle. A visit to a pioneering sustainable building showed Montpellier's dedication to environmentally-friendly urban development. The second week was highlighted by learning about renewable energy, agroforestry, and agronomy. Farming is prevalent in France and a significant source of income for the country. The growth of these crops is supported by the presence of sustainable energy. We also looked into the history of solar energy, its importance, and how citizens are advocating for its use in their homes. This demonstrates the city's strong commitment to environmental care. In the final week, one of the highlights for me was visiting CIRAD, where we explored three different laboratories. In the first lab, we learned about converting waste into highly acidic biofuel. The second lab provided insight into the process of sampling, DNA extraction, and having a look into some published projects. In the third lab, we saw how plants are planted and tested under extreme conditions to observe their behavior. We also visited the renowned Château de Restinclières, which is famous for its farms, hiking areas, and historical buildings. At the farms, we analyzed and compared the differences between the control and experimental groups involved in various experiments. Lastly, I am very thankful for everyone who made this journey exceptional, for leaving a mark and being part of an unforgettable memory! »
« I am thrilled to share that I was one of the awardees from Nigeria for the French + Sciences Scholarship with a Focus on Sustainable Development, alongside Mohammed Usman Lawan. During this program, I attended French classes at Accent Francais French Language School French Language School and achieved a CEFR A2 level. 🌟 I also gained valuable knowledge on renewable energy and sustainable housing through conferences and workshops hosted by Enercoop. Learned about the significant impact of individual and collective actions on climate change during the Climate Fresco workshop at the Université de Montpellier. The agro-workshop and conference with CIRAD provided me with a new perspective on the innovative agriculture practices being adopted by France, which I am eager to integrate into my career. I want to extend my gratitude to Campus France Nigeria for giving me this opportunity and also to Mrs. Stéphanie Checa for being extremely dedicated and helpful throughout the program. I was able to learn so much, experience the beautiful city of Montpellier and other provinces, and meet so many amazing people from different countries and learn about their cultures. This was a life-changing, unforgettable experience and for that, I am truly grateful, and I hope to visit again. »
« 🌍 I am thrilled to share my recent experience participating in the French + Sciences Program, focused on the theme of hashtag#SustainableDevelopment. 🎓 🇫🇷 As a recipient of the generous ‘French + Sciences Scholarship’ awarded by The Embassy of France in Australia, I had the privilege of spending the last month in the beautiful city of hashtag#Montpellier. This unique program integrated intensive French language courses with scientific workshops, conferences, and hands-on experiences revolving around the themes of renewable energy, resilient agriculture and sustainable housing. 🌱 Highlights included my fantastic C1-level French language courses at Accent Francais French Language School, the Climate Fresco and ‘Resilient Agriculture Week’, particularly the workshop and site visits on the topic of hashtag#agroforestry. Having just submitted my honours thesis evaluating New Caledonia’s regional integration before departure, my research into France’s development aid to the Pacific was front of mind as I began this journey. As such, visiting CIRAD and learning about their work in agricultural research and international development in the Global South was a highlight for me. 📚 Participating in the French + Sustainable Development program has been one of the best experiences of my life, presenting the perfect opportunity to explore the convergence of my areas of study, with majors in mathematics and international and global studies and a minor in French. This experience has provided me with a clearer vision of my role in promoting sustainable development and maintaining crucial international links. I am excited to bring these insights back home, where I hope to contribute to meaningful development projects in Australia and the Pacific, leveraging my French language skills to bridge gaps in the region. 🌟 I am eternally grateful to the Embassy of France in Australia and Campus France for entrusting me with this scholarship and to Tallis Everard for her invaluable help in coordinating my trip. A special thank you to Stéphanie Checa and her team at Accent Francais, who went above and beyond in organising every detail of this outstanding program, from our French language courses to our weekend excursions - we all appreciate your hard work. Thank you to all those at Enercoop, particularly Juliane H., and the Université de Montpellier for facilitating engaging scientific sessions and opening the doors to future study. ❤️ Finally, I would like to thank all of the other students (31 students from 14 countries) in the course, who I am lucky to now call my friends. The hashtag#multidisciplinary and multicultural insights you brought to our discussions added an invaluable extra dimension to this learning experience, and I cannot wait to see where this course takes you! I was very proud to represent Australia as the only student in this particular program, and I cannot recommend this experience enough to any students with an interest in French and Sustainable Development. 🌿🤝🇫🇷 »
« I am honored to be among the five Nigerian scholars chosen for the esteemed French Embassy's French+Science program, out of a pool of 400+ talented candidates. This prestigious international scholarship has afforded me the opportunity to engage with a global community of thought leaders and change-makers in the realm of sustainable development. Through immersive workshops and expert training, I have gained cutting-edge knowledge in agriculture, renewable energy, sustainable Housing and climate change, equipping me to contribute meaningfully to the global sustainable development agenda. Moreover, acquiring proficiency in the French language has expanded my cultural competency and enabled me to connect with a broader international community. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to CIRAD Research center,Université de Montpellier,Accent Francais French Language School, and Enercoop, Stéphanie Checa. for their invaluable contributions to our knowledge and experience. Their expertise and support have been instrumental in making this program a success. This experience has been a defining moment in my life, fostering invaluable connections with intellectual peers from diverse backgrounds and fortifying my resolve to drive positive impact in the world. I am deeply grateful to the French Embassy In Nigeria, Campus France Nigeria, and all the partner institutions for this life-changing opportunity, and I look forward to leveraging this experience to create a lasting legacy in the realm of sustainable development. »
« With the warmest of salutations, I am immensely proud to announce that over the last month, I have been part of an amazing program: the French + Sciences Program, sponsored by Campus France and Accent Francais French Language School in collaboration with ENTERCOOP . I was honored to be one of the selected students to receive a full scholarship from TotalEnergies. This program was nothing short of a surreal experience. We had the chance to learn French in the magnificent city of Montpellier while delving into the environmental sustainability facets of the city through a series of lectures, workshops, and site visits led by inspiring instructors. Let me take you on a deep dive into some of the incredible areas we had the utmost pleasure of exploring: 1. Montpellier as a Pedestrian City: Montpellier's extensive tramway network plays a crucial role in making a gradual transition to sustainability without disturbing the city's stability and historical charm. During the first week of the program, we discussed the meticulous planning involved in housing development. This included an introduction to co-housing, highlighted by a site visit that showcased how Montpellier is galvanizing people in the new wave of housing. 2. Solar Energy and Agroforestry: In the second week, we had two significant milestones. First, we learned about the culture of solar energy in Montpellier, led by an intelligent team of engineers and entrepreneurs. They demonstrated the importance of transitioning to a net-zero energy grid system, emphasizing that change starts with citizens. Additionally, we explored agroforestry in France. Farming, a leading industry in France, needs to be appropriately integrated with the new sustainable policies inaugurated by the French government. Given that France is the world's largest producer of wine, this was a crucial and fruitful discussion during our stay in Montpellier. 3. Corporate Sustainability Initiatives: In the last week, we visited various places to see the sustainable progress made by large corporations since the Paris Agreement. We had the chance to visit CIRAD, where we saw their genetics testing laboratories and numerous greenhouses. We also visited the Château de Restinclières, known for its phenomenal natural heritage and environmental diversity. The different experiments we observed and analyzed highlighted the importance of agricultural research and development, emphasizing efforts to achieve environmental restoration without infringing on farmers' rights. Overall, I extend my gratitude and appreciation to everyone who contributed to making this unforgettable journey a memorable one filled with informative sessions and great discoveries. I thank all the people I met during this program for making it exceptional. And last but not least, thank you, Montpellier, for leaving a longstanding impression on me. »
« I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated in the 2024 French & Sciences Programme organized by Campus France France in Montpellier🇫🇷🌿. This immersive experience encompassed a diverse range of activities, from engaging sessions on sustainable development with Enercoop to exploring the rich cultural and environmental heritage of Montpellier and its surroundings. Achieving an A1 level in Accent Francais French Language School at Accent Francais French Language School added a new dimension to my ability to connect and communicate in this vibrant city. I owe immense thanks to Stéphanie Checa for her exceptional leadership in orchestrating such a transformative program. Meeting and collaborating with talented individuals from 14 countries further enriched my journey, fostering a deep exchange of knowledge and cultural perspectives. Representing UAE🇦🇪 during this program was a privilege that allowed me to share our cultural richness while gaining profound insights into sustainable development. I am inspired to apply these learnings in advancing innovations in housing, energy, and agriculture. This experience has not only left me with cherished memories but also with a global network of passionate individuals committed to shaping a sustainable future. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Khalifa University for their ongoing support throughout my journey. Their consistent guidance and encouragement have been essential in shaping my accomplishments and personal development. »
« I am delighted to share that I have successfully completed the French + Science program, a journey made possible by the generous scholarship from the Embassy of France Singapore and Campus France. Blending my love for the French language with my intrigue into sustainability science, this experience has been transformative and these are some of the takeaways that I hold dearly to me. 🌏 Developed a deeper understanding of the cause-and-effect relationships between human activities and climate impacts through Climate Fresk organised by the Université de Montpellier. 🌱 Investigated the future of agriculture in France, focusing on innovative solutions like agroforestry and sustainable farming practices with CIRAD. 🧱 Delved into the circular economy in construction, particularly the reuse of building materials, calculating environmental benefits and understanding life cycle analyses at Pôle REALIS. ⚡️ Learned about the challenges of the energy transition and engaged in the hands-on installation of photovoltaic systems facilitated by Enercoop. 🇫🇷 Took immersive French lessons at Accent Francais French Language School, attaining an A2 CEFR European Level, which enhanced my ability to communicate and immerse myself in French culture. 🫂 Met peers from around the world, engaging in conversations enriched by diverse perspectives, and cherishing the friendships formed along the way. Throughout the program, I have gained valuable knowledge, developed new skills, and met inspiring individuals who have enriched my journey. I am deeply grateful to Ambassade de France à Singapour as well as Campus France for this incredible opportunity. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Stéphanie Checa for her dedication towards ensuring the smooth organisation of the program as well as Félix Anthonysamy for his invaluable help in coordinating my trip. I look forward to applying what I have learnt in the next steps of my career to create a lasting impact in the sustainable development sphere! »
« 🌍 I am thrilled to share my recent experience participating in the French + Sciences Program, focused on the theme of hashtag#SustainableDevelopment. 🇫🇷As a recipient of the generous 'French + Sciences Scholarship' awarded by The Embassy of France in Portugal , I had the privilege of spending one month in the beautiful city of hashtag#Montpellier. 📖This unique program integrated intensive French language courses with scientific workshops, conferences, and hands-on experiences revolving around the themes of renewable energy, resilient agriculture and sustainable housing. 🌿Highlights included my A1-level French language courses at Accent Francais French Language School, the Climate Fresco and 'Resilient Agriculture Week, particularly the workshop and site visits on the topic of hashtag#agroforestry, visiting CIRAD and learning about their work in agricultural research and international development in the Global South was fantastic. 📖Participating in the French + Sciences Program has been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, presenting the perfect opportunity to explore the convergence of my areas of study. This experience has provided me with a clearer vision of my role in promoting sustainable development and maintaining crucial international links. I am eternally grateful to the Embassy of France in Portugal and Campus France for entrusting me with this scholarship and coordinating my trip. A special thank you to Stéphanie Checa and her team at Accent Francais, who went above and beyond in organising every detail of this outstanding program, from our French language courses to our weekend excursions - we all appreciate your hard work. 🌟Thank you to all those at Enercoop, particularly Juliane H., and the University of Montpellier for facilitating engaging scientific sessions and opening the doors to future study. ❤️Finally, I would like to thank all of the other students (31 students from 14 countries) in the course, who I am lucky to now call my friends. The hashtag#multidisciplinary and multicultural insights you brought to our discussions added an invaluable extra dimension to this learning experience, and I cannot wait to see where this course takes you! I was very proud to represent Portugal through all this journey. Thank you so much! »