EM Strasbourg and Alliance Française Strasbourg Europe seal an unprecedented agreement, combining their expertise to enhance the welcome of international students to Strasbourg.
The partnership was established on Tuesday, October 3 with the joint signatures of Dénia Bahadir Ben El Habbes, Director of Alliance Française Strasbourg Europe (AFSE), and Babak Mehmanpazir, Dean of EM Strasbourg. They were joined by Jean Hansmaennel, President of Alliance Française Strasbourg Europe, and Charlotte Massa, Associate Director for Programme Grande École at EM Strasbourg. This event marks a significant step forward in welcoming international students to Strasbourg by offering them an intensive French language training pre-program to obtain a B2 level in French.
Promoting and spreading the French language throughout the world
Today, Alliance Française is the world's leading cultural network, with 829 establishments in 135 countries dedicated to promoting and disseminating the French language and French-speaking cultures. The Strasbourg branch celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023, as well as the 20th anniversary of its international school of French language and civilization.
A pre-program to strengthen the French language skills of international students
For EM Strasbourg, which welcomes a large number of international students every year, this partnership formalizes the set up of a language pre-program accessible to any applicant wishing to join EM Strasbourg but needing to obtain B2 level certification in French to do so.
For entry into the Bachelor of International Business or Programme Grande Ecole, this three-, six-, or nine-month intensive French program includes
- workshops tailored to university objectives and the needs of each student,
- small-group workshops to improve phonetics and oral expression,
- personalized tutoring,
- cultural and integration activities, and
- preparation for and the organization of the DELF B2 exam.
Under the terms of this agreement, the two entities undertake to promote their respective programs, communicate on events and news aimed at international students, and expand their network of partners.
For Dénia Bahadir Ben El Habbes, “This partnership perfectly illustrates the shared values of both our organizations: sustainable development, ethics, and diversity. It's in our DNA to break the solitude of international learners by listening to their needs, facilitating their integration, and contributing to the success of their experience in France.”
Babak Mehmanpazir adds, “EM Strasbourg grows through partnerships, and the one signed today with the Alliance Française Strasbourg Europe is emblematic for our school, which welcomes over 600 international students every year. If you don't speak the language of others, you cut yourself off from them. This agreement will make it easier for many students to come to France, a very attractive country for higher education, and enter our programs under the best possible conditions.”