The French Ambassador to Albania, Catherine Suard, dropped by the Faculty of Foreign Languages. Her visit kicked off the new Bachelor’s program in French and Albanian Sign Language.

First, Ambassador Suard sat down with the Faculty Dean, Prof. Dr. Esmeralda Kromidha. Then, she went over the activities of the French Language Department with the lecturers. She also checked in with students enrolled in French and Sign Language programs.

This visit backs up the French Embassy’s ongoing support for the Faculty. It also builds on years of collaboration with French universities and international institutions in and outside Albania.

During her speech, Dean Kromidha thanked the ambassador for dropping by. She also appreciated her interest in the new program. Then, she laid out the Faculty’s inter-university collaborations. She pointed out the Francophone partnerships. She highlighted the humanistic values that the program brings together. According to her, the program stands for inclusion, equal opportunities, and quality academic training.

Next, Ambassador Suard spoke up about the Faculty’s key role in Albania. She pointed out that students trained at the Faculty take part in vital sectors like innovation and tourism. She added that foreign languages bring together people and cultures.

Finally, the ambassador praised the Faculty for setting up a comprehensive program. It allows students who are deaf or hard of hearing to join in higher education. She underlined the importance of research in Sign Language. She also showed readiness to carry on collaboration with the Faculty. In particular, she mentioned projects that promote languages, cultures, and Albania’s integration into the European Union.