Review of the 2024 EPF-ESTP FLE Summer Program
A Look Back at the EPF-ESTP FLE Summer Program: An Enriching Cultural and Scientific Immersion
This summer, EPF-ESTP welcomed 58 international students for its French as a Foreign Language (FLE) program, an intensive 4- to 6-week session. This program, which combines French language instruction with a specific objective (FOS) and cultural exploration, offered participants a uniquely immersive experience.
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A Curriculum Focused on Innovation and Major Events
Under the captivating theme "Artificial Intelligence and the Paris 2024 Olympics," students followed a rich and diverse curriculum. In addition to intensive French language classes, participants developed their language skills through practical workshops, both written and oral. The courses were enhanced with tutorials accessible to all and scientific lectures, allowing for an in-depth exploration of complex topics related to artificial intelligence and the technological challenges of an event as significant as the Olympics.
Students also took specialized courses in scientific language to master technical vocabulary and attended theater and phonetics sessions to improve their speaking and pronunciation. These modules were designed to enhance their ability to express themselves confidently in an academic and professional Francophone context.
A Cultural Exploration in the Heart of Paris
The program extended beyond the classroom. A significant portion of learning took place outside the walls through cultural visits, allowing students to discover the historical and artistic richness of Paris and its surroundings. Participants strolled through the gardens of Parc de Sceaux, admired the artworks at the Stravinsky Fountain, explored the Cité Internationale and the Pantheon, and immersed themselves in history at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte.
The program also included visits to iconic Paris neighborhoods such as Montmartre and Le Marais, as well as renowned museums like the Carnavalet Museum and the Centre Pompidou. These excursions offered a deeper understanding of French cultural heritage while making language learning lively and relevant.
A Grand Finale: Project Presentations and Awards Ceremony
On August 23, during the program’s closing day, students presented their projects to a jury of professors and professionals, showcasing the knowledge acquired during these weeks of intensive learning. The top three projects were awarded medals, symbolizing the participants' excellence and dedication.
This summer program was much more than a language course. It provided international students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in French culture, strengthen their language and communication skills, and engage with contemporary issues like artificial intelligence.
In summary, this summer at EPF-ESTP was marked by enriching cultural and intellectual exchanges, leaving each participant with lasting memories and valuable skills for their academic and professional futures.
