The Vocational Instructor of Alliance Française Medan, Sylvain Lelong Lacroix, visited Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) to explore opportunities for international collaboration in the fields of language, culture, and education. The meeting was held at the VIP Room of the UMSU Campus on Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan, Tuesday (February 3).
During the visit, Sylvain expressed his commitment to fostering collaboration and organizing various French language and cultural programs. Proposed initiatives include the Warung Prancis (French Corner) program, French film screenings, and French language courses.
“We fully support UMSU in organizing language-related activities. I am very eager to collaborate with UMSU, starting with the Warung Prancis program. Alliance Française can also contribute ideas for various initiatives and learning programs related to French language and culture,” he stated.
He added that Alliance Française is prepared to offer flexible schedules and learning schemes tailored to the needs of UMSU’s academic community.
“With regard to French language instruction, we can propose several flexible learning schedules,” he noted.
UMSU Vice Rector III, Dr. Rudianto, M.Si, warmly welcomed the collaboration initiative. He explained that UMSU has maintained longstanding ties with France and remains open to establishing special French language classes, either through its Language Center (PUSBA) or international learning programs.
“We strongly support this initiative. If there is a need for language development, it will certainly enhance student competencies and further UMSU’s internationalization efforts,” he said.
The meeting also highlighted UMSU’s international track record, including three academic visits to France. Additionally, opportunities for UMSU students to serve as volunteers in activities organized by Alliance Française were discussed.
Plans were also proposed for French-language radio programs on UMSU FM, aiming to promote French language and culture within the campus community and the wider public.
Also in attendance were OIC Chair Rafiqah Nalar Rizky, S.Sos., M.A., PUSBA Secretary Rizka Elfira, S.S., M.Si., and representatives from Alliance Française Medan, Nur Hidayah and Ghea Panjaitan.
This visit is expected to serve as an initial step toward a strategic partnership between UMSU and Alliance Française, strengthening students’ global competencies and expanding international networks in language and cultural exchange.
