On April 16th, Wuhan University of Technology inaugurated its French Learning Center and held the first lecture on French culture at Nanhu Campus.Vice President Shen Gewu attended and unveiled the nameplate of the center together with Wuhan Alliance Française President Leroy. The ceremony was hosted by Han Tongyuan, Secretary of the Party Committee of School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences.

In his speech, Mr. Shen expressed his gratitude to the Alliance Fançaise de Wuhan for the attention and support it has given to the university, and to all the sides involved in the preparation and construction of the French Learning Center. He pointed out that French President Macron reiterated the importance that the two governments attached to cooperation in language teaching and learningduring his recent visit to China, and that the establishment of the French Learning Center at the University was timely and essential in promoting share of resources and win-win cooperation, as well as in accelerating cultural exchanges and higher education cooperation between China and France.It is hoped that the cooperation departments of the Center actively practice the student-oriented philosophyand help students better identify their French learning goals, make full use of the Center's platform and resources, enhance their interest in French and  communication skills, become practitioners of Sino-French friendshipand the community with a shared future, as well as strive to become international talents with a good command of foreign languages, broad vision and high quality.

Leroy was delighted by the participation of the Alliance Française de Wuhan in the construction of the center. She said that, as President Macron pointed, French is the language to the future and the five continents. The construction of the French Learning Center will not only contribute to the command of French of WUT students, but also help to enhance students’ understanding of the diverse cultures of French-speaking countries. The Alliance Française de Wuhan is ready to boost the development of WUT students with its mature teaching philosophy and teaching methods.

After the inauguration ceremony, Leroy gave the first cultural lecture in French entitled "Les Régions de France". The lecture introduced comprehensively the administrative divisions of France, as well as the history, culture, scenic spots and culinary specialities of each region. The lecture was well illustrated and interactive, from which the students benefited greatly.

It is reported that the Center organizes regular oral classes by French teachers for beginners in AMU and other schools, oral practice with international students and French language volunteers, and cultural lectures in French.

More than 150 people attended the event, including representatives from the University's Youth League, the International Office, the School of Foreign Languages, the School of International Education, Institute of WUT-AMU and other units, as well as student representatives from AMU.

Writtenby: Han Tongyuan, Yuan Guohua

Rewritten by: Liu Kexi

Edited by: Li Tiantian, Chao Yijia

Source: Institute of WUT-AMU