What was the day about?

Larissa: ‘We talked about placements and organised the Alliance Française together, among other things.’
Jason: ‘Guests included French business schools and the consul of the Moroccan embassy in Rotterdam. He gave a lecture on the importance of the French language. He also talked to several students about their placement position.’

Is the French language important to you?

Jason: ‘Yes, it’s my second language. I’ve lived in France before. I’m not studying in France because I’m attending a four-year IBL course here now.’
Razvan: ‘The business schools in France are too expensive, as they’re all private schools.’

But you like it here?

Jason: ‘It’s great! And I can also visit France easily from here, last year I used to travel there about once a month by bus.’

And the study programme? I learned that you are all in the same class together as international and honours programme students…

Jason: ‘I like it. We’re second-year students and during the first year a lot of our fellow students were rather less motivated. Many students didn’t really know what study program fits them.’

Did a lot of students attend the French Day?

Teacher Magali: ‘There were many students here in the morning, but it was a long day and otherwise we’d have had to cancel classes.’
Jason: ‘I think motivation plays a role, too. But if you’re attending the IBL programme, you’d think language would be a priority. And it’s free. I think it’s weird that many people never showed up.’
Magali: ‘Perhaps we should have offered it as a mandatory part of classes. Such a day could be very useful for students, as there were many possible placements available.’

Did you find a placement position today, Jason?

‘No, I was too busy with organising the event. I’ll do my placement in English. For my exchange position I’ll choose French, but I’m not sure where I will go yet.’

Right, and now a nice glass of French wine?

Jason: ‘Hm, no, just a beer. A La Chouffe.’

Jos van Nierop