The air in Charinyarasami Hall wasn't just filled with anticipation on March 4, 2026; it was alive with the sweet, nostalgic melody of Françoise Hardy’s 1962 classic, "C'est le temps de l'amour." Performed by a talented group of MUIC French majors, the song of young love and new beginnings provided the perfect soundtrack for a historic moment: the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Mahidol University International College (MUIC) and the esteemed Alliance Française.
This landmark agreement formalizes a dynamic partnership between two leading institutions, paving the way for a future rich with collaboration and cross-cultural enrichment.
The MOU was officially signed by Prof. Chulathida Chomchai, MD, Dean of MUIC, and M. Jean Bourdin, Director of Alliance Française, in a ceremony that celebrated both a shared history and a bright future. As Mrs. Agnieszka Atthasit, French Language Lecturer, noted in her opening remarks, the relationship has been flourishing for years through collaborative activities and educational visits, making this signing a natural and exciting evolution.
“What began as a shared vision to promote language learning and cultural exchange has grown into a meaningful and dynamic collaboration,” declared Dean Chulathida. “Today we celebrate not just an agreement but a partnership built on mutual respect and a common commitment to our students.”
This comprehensive agreement will create a wealth of opportunities for MUIC students, including:
Vibrant cultural promotion and events
Exclusive educational visits and exchanges
Pathways to official French language certification
Valuable internship and teaching opportunities
Immersive summer courses
M. Jean Bourdin, representing an institution that has been a cultural beacon in Bangkok since 1912, spoke powerfully about the crucial role of language in fostering global connection. He emphasized that learning French is more than an academic pursuit; it is a gateway to "wider understanding and more empathy in the world"—a mission more vital today than ever before.
Ajarn Agnieszka added, “I believe this partnership will greatly enrich the learning journey of our French major and minor students, giving them direct access to authentic language, culture and an international environment.”
She explained that “French is not only a language but also a refined form of cultural expression, carrying a particular sense of elegance and aesthetics. The Alliance Française plays a remarkable role in transmitting this cultural richness to new generations of learners. I am delighted that our students will be able to create a natural link between classroom learning at MUIC and cultural experiences at Alliance Française.”
The ceremony, which included a heartfelt exchange of gifts and commemorative group photos, concluded with closing remarks from Asst. Prof. Dr. Matthew Ferguson, Chair of the Humanities and Language Division. He expressed deep gratitude to Alliance Française and hailed the MOU as an affirmation of the Foreign Language program’s objectives and aspirations.
This partnership is more than a document; it is a bridge connecting students in Thailand directly to the heart of Francophone culture. Indeed, it promises to open doors, expand horizons, and empower the next generation of global citizens with the skills and empathy to thrive in an interconnected world.
