On the afternoon of April 10, the first lecture of Beihang French Culture Series, co-organized by the International Relations Department and the French Research Center, took place at the Xueyuan Road Campus. Sa Rina, a professor of the Sino-French Engineer School and the executive director of Beihang’s French Research Center, delivered a lecture titled “Impressions of France: An Introduction to French Culture and Charm,” attracting over 120 students from 23 schools. The lecture was chaired by Wan Lina, the deputy director of the International Relations Department.
Professor Sa Rina provided a rich exploration of French culture from the perspectives of art, literature, history, language, and geography. She engaged the students with discussions on cultural symbols like French cheese, coffee, and bread to illustrate the unique French lifestyle and also explained the significance of these elements in daily French life and expression. She analyzed France’s openness and multicultural vitality, citing examples from global literature and art to illustrate the wide influence of French culture.
In the Q&A session, the students actively asked questions on specific issues such as the background of Sino-French cooperation, the internal differences of French culture, and the difficulties in French learning. Professor Sa Rina provided thorough answers that helped to deepen students’ understanding and interest in French culture.
Beihang University has a robust and longstanding collaboration with France, boasting nearly 40 years of partnerships with 34 French academic institutions and companies in various fields. This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, with numerous commemorative events planned across student exchanges, research collaborations, and cultural and sports activities. The Beihang French Culture Series is part of these efforts, aiming to enhance students’ understanding of French culture and foster Sino-French academic and cultural exchanges.
Written by: Fan Hang, Li Bingwei
Photos by: Chen Zhihua, Lu Jiuren
Reviewed by: Weng Jingnong
Edited by: Jia Aiping, Zhuo Yuzhu
Translated by: Zhuo Yuzhu
