The Embassy of France and Institut français India
organised the 3rd edition of the French-language Teacher Training Programme
Université régionale BELC Inde, Asie centrale et Asie du sud
22-25 May 2017, in Goa
New Delhi, 30 May 2017
Institut français India, the cultural service of the French Embassy, together with the International Center for Pedagogical Studies in Paris (CIEP) organised the 3rd Regional University BELC India, Central Asia and South Asia in Goa from 22-25 May 2017. The four-day training programme for French-language teachers was organised in collaboration with the Department of French and Francophone Studies at the University of Goa, in partnership with Goyal Publishers & Distributors.
The Regional University BELC is a highlight of the teaching of French as a foreign Language in India. The event took place in Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Delhi in May 2015. The following year, it took place at Amity University Noida, Delhi. In 2017, it was decided that the BELC would take place in a different region every year. Goa University had been chosen, thanks to Prof. Varun Sahni, Vice-Chancellor, whose policy was to increase higher education cooperation with France.
This May, Goa University hosted 122 teachers from various backgrounds (Alliances Françaises, schools and universities) and from various countries, including India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan and Sri Lanka. Seven experts in didactics for the teaching of French as a Foreign Language supervised 30 hours of training to these teachers from schools and universities. The teachers were enrolled in different workshops, according to their specific needs: methodology, French for specific purposes, linguistic and cultural links, development of oral and written skills, literature, grammar, group interaction, etc. Institut français India also offered a programme of cultural activities, through visits to various locations and concerts in Goa.
The event proved to be a great success to teachers, and participants comments were as follows: “Very useful and efficient, in a friendly atmosphere”, “a wonderful experience”, “rewarding”, “also useful for the intercultural exchanges with teachers from other countries”, “very well organised”, “good opportunity to share ideas and experiences”, “rewarding”, “work with pleasure”, “I recommend!”, “my objectives have all been met”.
The main objective of the service for cooperation in French Language, Education and Training at Institut français India (IFI), as defined by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, is to promote and support French-language training in India by providing quality training for teachers. To this effect, pedagogical and linguistic workshops and seminars are organised throughout the country, in schools, universities and Alliances Françaises, at a national and regional level.
Through such cooperation the French Embassy aims to develop and enhance links between French and Indian schools and universities, to promote student mobility, and to increase students’ employability on the international labour market.
Media Queries: Danial Nathan. Press Liaison Officer. +91 92053 52456/99113 82365 Institut Français India. 2, Dr. A.P.J Kalam Road, New Delhi 110011
NOTE TO EDITORS:
CIEP: As a public institution of the French Education Ministry, Higher Education and Research, CIEP has a longstanding expertise in education cooperation with French and international organisations. They offer programmes dedicated to education and French language worldwide: expertise in the context of sector-based projects, development of mobility programmes, recognition of diplomas, assessment and certification in French as a foreign language, training for teachers. Based in in Sèvres, near Paris, they can also host conferences and seminars.
University of Goa: Established in June 1985, Goa University has been accredited with an A Grade (2014-2019) by the NAAC. Located on a picturesque campus, it overlooks the Zuari Estuary and is in the vicinity of Panaji, the capital of Goa. Besides being the most important location for post-graduate studies, it is also serves as the academic hub of higher education in Goa with 55 affiliated colleges across the state, 30 in general education and 25 in professional education. Presently, Goa University has 12 faculties of which 6 faculties operate on the campus with 24 Departments and 3 Research Centers, all offering post-graduate education.
The Department of French and Francophone Studies offers an innovative Masters programme that aims at providing an interdisciplinary approach to French Studies emphasising both knowledge and application in various fields of study including Francophone Literature, Translation, Teaching Methodology, Functional French, Cultural Studies (Cinema, Theatre).
Goyal Publishers & Distributors: GOYAL Publishers & Distributors Pvt. Ltd. cater exclusively to learners of foreign languages. To facilitate the foreign language learning needs in India, GOYAL’S exclusive Foreign Language Bookshop and online store - - boasts a large collection of foreign language books in the country. They make quality books available at affordable prices and to identify and supply specific teaching support material to the various schools, colleges, universities, educational institutions and cultural centers of the Indian subcontinent.