French language centre opens at AU

Ajman University Chancellor Dr Karim Seghir, and French Ambassador to the UAE Ludovic Pouille with the staff of Alliance directed by Bernard Frontero opened the “Alliance Française Ajman” (AFA) Centre on Sunday morning at Ajman University, Student Hub.

A memorandum of understanding to this effect has been inked by both parties at Ajman University in the presence of AU students, faculty, dignitaries, and media.

“Ajman University, since its inception in 1988, spares no effort to address community education needs,” Dr Seghir said. “Special discounts will be given to AU students and faculty, leave alone aspirant learners in northern emirates.”

He added that the Centre, based in Ajman University ‘J2-G21’ building, is to offer an array of courses and international diplomas for basic, independent and fluent users.

“Up to 500 students are already taking French courses in Ajman University, and the number is expected to grow with the opening of this Centre.”

French Ambassador to the UAE Ludovic Pouille said they have chosen Ajman University due to its long history as the first private institution of higher education in the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region.

“Ajman University is one of the most renowned universities in the region and the world,” he said. “Hopefully, we will be offering a bachelor’s degree in the near future upon securing due logistics and formalities.”

The Alliance Française Ajman Centre is to start offering a variety of services at the beginning of the university courses, and definitely by Sept.15 this year 2019, he added.

“These are apart from many cultural events and exhibitions, starting with cinema as well as conferences and music.”

Aspirant learners will be able to communicate with all French universities with the help of the Centre, he pointed out. “The Centre is to develop links between Ajman University and the French ones.”

Bernard Frontero, CIO, Alliance Française Ajman Centre, said the AFA Call Centre is now open, though.

“Well-informed staff will be ready to take tour calls and answer all enquiries over Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursdays, 9am to 5pm.”

More services will be added to the centre, as is the case with other Alliance Française branches in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain, Frontero unveiled. “Applicants shall get 30 per cent discount on exam fees after five consecutive French courses sessions.”

Candidates can take level test, and then pick the course most suitable for them,” he said. “These include ‘Beginner and Upper Beginner’ levels for Basic Users, ‘Intermediate and Advanced’ levels for Independent Users, and ‘Expert and Master’ levels for Fluent Users.”

Special courses will be offered all along the year to prepare candidates for international diplomas, though, he pointed out.

“The diplomas available with the Centre span DELF Prim – for attesting French level of children between 8-12 years old, DELF – DALF for attesting adults’ French level, and DELF Pro for candidates seeking employment opportunities.

“Also available are TEF & E-TEF diplomas for immigration to Canada, TCF-Quebec for immigration to Quebec to apply for French nationality or to make business with African countries as many heads of companies are based in the UAE but dealing with Africa and Asia.”

The Alliance Française, launched as an international organisation in 1883 in Paris, is a non-profit organisation aimed at promoting French language and the Francophonie cultures. “This is an important mission now that the UAE are associated members of the “International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF).”

Globally, the “Alliance Française” has more than 830 centres in 137 countries, Bernard Frontero said. “These include the UAE with already three centres in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai, and now the fourth in Ajman.”