On April 17, the Center of Excellence in French and Francophone Studies and the French Department, in collaboration with the Institute of European Studies (IES), Villa Albertine, the Consulate General of France in San Francisco, and the FACE Foundation, hosted the first French Internship and Job
Fair at UC Berkeley.
The event took place in the Library of French Thought (Room 4229, Dwinelle Hall) and attracted approximately 50 students. Attendees were encouraged to bring résumés to share with prospectiveemployers.
Participating organizations included: The French-American Chamber of Commerce, L’Alliance Française de San Francisco, L’Alliance Française de Silicon Valley,The Consulate General of France in San Francisco / Villa Albertine, L’École Bilingue de Berkeley, The Francophone Charter School of Oakland, LeLycée Français de San Francisco, The International School of San Francisco, VéroniqueVassout, historian and founderof “Véro’s French Classes on the Road”, Ellen S. O’Connor, from the Andrew P. Barowsky School of Business and Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Leadership Studies, The Institute for Field Education, UC Berkeley Study Abroad, UC Berkeley Career Center, and The UC Berkeley French Department.
The fair featured tables arranged throughout the library, each hosted by a representative from a participating organization. Students circulated among the tables, engaging in one-on-one conversations, exploring career and internship opportunities, and receiving informational materials. Light refreshments, including croissants and water, were served, contributing to a warm and professional atmosphere.
The event offered a valuable platform for students to explore a wide range of French- and Francophone-related professional paths. It highlighted the strong presence of French institutions and communities in the Bay Area and underscored the variety of opportunities available to French majors and minors both locally and abroad. French viennoiseries from Maison Benoît in Danville, CA, were served.