From 13th to 26th of July, teachers of French from higher educational institutions of Turkmenistan completed an internship at the Francophonie language centre, located in one of the picturesque cities of France - Nice.
The event brought together teachers of French from dozens of countries - Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Greece, Serbia, Luxembourg, India, Italy, Germany and many others.
The Turkmen group included teachers from the Turkmen State University named after Magtymguly, the Turkmen National Institute of World Languages named after Dovletmammet Azady, the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, and the French Institute in Turkmenistan.
During the internship, intensive trainings were organised for the participants aimed at improving pedagogical activities, improving qualifications, deepening knowledge, developing professional skills and abilities of teachers.
The educational program for teachers was structured into 16 modules on topics such as «Using artificial intelligence in teaching French», «Using elements of theatre and music pedagogy in French lessons», «Teaching vocabulary and grammar in a playful way», and others.
The teachers were offered a choice of training in several of the proposed modules. During the classes, special attention was paid to the use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in the process of teaching students, as well as to the consideration of best practices and experiences in this area. The trainings were held under the guidance of invited teachers from French-speaking countries - Switzerland, Belgium, Canada and others.
The internship program also included «open-air lectures» - cultural and educational excursions conducted for the teachers by the founder and director of the Francophonie language centre Jan Librati. During informative excursions to the sights of Nice and nearby cities, the teachers got acquainted with the cultural characteristics, national traditions of the French, the history of the French language, and also discussed its modern development and influence as one of the languages of international communication, the official languages of the UN and other international organisations. The topic of further popularisation, preservation and strengthening of the status of the French language in conjunction with the teaching mission in this context was also considered.
Upon completion of the advanced training courses, the teachers were awarded the corresponding certificates.
The meeting in Nice ended with a large, friendly and colourful gala concert, during which the participants demonstrated the beauty and richness of the history and culture of their countries in the language of art. The Turkmen group presented to the audience a presentation dedicated to the traditions and culture of Turkmenistan, as well as a bright and colourful national dance kushtdepti, which undoubtedly delighted and pleased the assembled audience.
The internship for teachers or the «Summer University» as it is called by the representatives of the Francophonie language centre is an annual event. The educational institution in Nice, specializing in teaching French as a foreign language, offers courses for teachers, students, specialized programs to prepare for international French language exams such as DELF and DALF, as well as courses focused on business French.
The training for Turkmen teachers at the «Francophonie» language centre was organized for the first time by the French Embassy in Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Education of our country in honour of the significant date celebrated in 2025 - the 30th anniversary of teaching French in Turkmenistan. Since the first visit of French President Francois Mitterrand to Turkmenistan in April 1994, the study of French has become an important component of higher and secondary education programs in our country. This significant event is of particular importance in the history of the development of Turkmen-French relations and intercultural communication.
Every March, together with the member states of the International Organization of Francophonie, represented on all five continents, Turkmenistan widely celebrates the Francophonie holiday. This year, the Francophonie hтoliday in our country and all its events were dedicated to the theme «30 years of teaching French in Turkmenistan».
Celebrating the anniversary of teaching French emphasises the importance that Turkmenistan attaches to cultural exchange, strengthening educational and friendly ties with France and the entire French-speaking world.
turkmenistan.gov.tm
