With TKU as one of the sponsors, The Teacher’s Association for French in Taiwan (APFT) organized the first ever International Symposium for Teaching French as the Foreign Language for the Teachers of the International Federation in the Asian Pacific Region between April 27 and May 1. Over 200 scholars, teaching professionals, officials from the French government and some intergovernmental agencies of the world’s Francophone countries will attend this congress that accommodates 80 strong presentations and workshops.

Participants will come from all parts of the world that include Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei and Cambodia from the Asian Pacific Region; France, Belgium, Switzland, Germany, and Russia from Europe; Canada and Brazil from Americas; and Iran from the Middle East. They will meet to discuss themes that range from French as a foreign language, French-speaking communities, and French cultural identity.

Taiwan’s Minister of Education and Taipei Municipal Mayor will attend the opening ceremony at the Red Playhouse in Taipei. Their presence indicates the significance of such an international event for Taiwan, and also highlights its efforts in promoting French language and culture in this part of the world. (~ Ying-hsueh Hu )