News and Opportunities
Australia France Alumni Network launched in Paris
18 Apr 2012
The Australia France Alumni Network (AFAN) was officially launched by the Ambassador to France at the Australian Embassy on 28 March 2012.
More than sixty French alumni attended the launch of AFAN, which was co-hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australian Education International (AEI) and Austrade.
The event was coordinated around the visit to Paris by Professor Ingrid Scheffer from the University of Melbourne. Prof Scheffer was in Paris to accept the prestigious UNESCO and L’Oreal Woman Scientist of the Year Award 2012 (Asia Pacific) for her research into epilepsy in paediatrics. Prof Scheffer entertained the French alumni with her speech on the challenges women face in gaining recognition in their field.
French alumnus from the University of Wollongong, Vincent Barat, also spoke about his studies in Australia and how beneficial the experience had been for him on a personal and professional level.
Following the speeches a reception was hosted in the ambassador’s residence, where visitors were also shown the Future Unlimited video.
The next AFAN event is scheduled for September 2012 and will be based around Australia’s contribution to the annual photographic exhibition organised by the Paris Government and the world famous Branly Museum of non-European art.
Currently more than 100 French alumni have registered on-line to become members of AFAN. Austrade helped promote AFAN through a variety of sources including agents, exchange partners and Tourism Australia’s Facebook page for French Working Holiday Visa makers.
The creation of AFAN indicates that there is now a significant critical mass of French alumni to sustain an active network of future ambassadors for Australia’s education system.
Ambassador Ric Wells (centre) with Prof Ingrid Scheffer to his left enjoying the Australia France Alumni Network reception with French alumni.