The “University of Toulouse” Day kicked off at XMU on May 23. Approximately120 students and faculty members of the CFLC’s Department of French Language and Literature took part in the opening ceremony and witnessed the signing of a partnership agreement between the two universities.

The opening ceremony was emceed by two students from the French Department. Their impeccable French and relaxed confidence deeply impressed the audience. The opening gala began with another two students from the French Department presenting the French song Famille. This was followed by eight other students singing the classic French song Les Champs Elysées in chorus, with their fellow students in the audience cheering and singing along in their seats.

Dr. Shen Peng, an assistant professor of the French Department, served as the interpreter for the speeches given by XMU University President Prof. Zhu Chongshi and his Toulouse counterpart, Prof. Jean-Pierre Vinel. His interpreting skills earned praise from both presidents.

The resounding success of the opening ceremony is attributed in large part to weeks of intense preparation made by the students and faculty of the French Department. And the reception and translation services provided by the student volunteers from the department were highly appreciated by the organizers.

During the events, Professor Jocelyne Sourisseau of the University of Toulouse met with CFLC officers to explore ways of furthering exchange. He was all praise for the French majors’ linguistic skills and CFLC’s high standard of teaching, as well as for the XMU’s beautiful campus and superb facilities.