Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi signs an MoU with Grigo Robakidze University in Tbilisi, Georgia

As part of its commitment to expand the French higher education system on a regional and international level and to attract students from all around the world, Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi has signed an MoU with Grigo Robakidze University in Tbilisi, Georgia on the university’s campus in Tbilisi. Professor Eric Fouache, Vice Chancellor at Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and Professor Mamuka Tavkhelidze, Rector of Grigo Robakidze University signed the agreement in the presence of HE Pascal Meunier, French Ambassador to Georgia, HE Aleksandre Jejelava, Minister of Education and Science of Georgia and Dr. Fatima Al Shamsi, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administrative Affairs at Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi.

The MoU aims to foster exchanges between UAE, France, and Georgia in the field of higher education; this is to be achieved through student and faculty exchanges and enhancing the research cooperation through joint researches and practical collaboration. This MoU also aims to develop lifelong learning programmes and projects with long-term scientific and cultural dimensions. With the start of the next academic year, Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi will establish a foundation programme for the Georgian students. This programme will help them enhance their French language skills and prepare them for the University Diploma (DU) in “French as a Foreign Language”, therefore giving them the opportunity to apply for the undergraduate programmes in French at Paris-Sorbonne University or Sorbonne Abu Dhabi.

HE Pascal Meunier, French Ambassador to Georgia said: “The French embassy in Georgia has made university cooperation one of its top priorities. In collaboration with the Georgian authorities, our mission focuses on the development of French university courses relocated in the country. In this context, the opening of the foundation programme by Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is excellent news since it is very successful in promoting the French higher education internationally. The presence of Sorbonne Abu Dhabi in Georgia will undoubtedly reinforce the influence of France in the education sector”.

Professor Eric Fouache, Vice Chancellor at Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, states: “The MoU with Grigo Robakidze University reflects our commitment to support international students during their academic journeys through broadening their options with the possibility to learn the French language and enrol in our bachelor programmes. We anticipate a very successful cooperation that will help develop the Georgian students as well as promote our academic programmes on an international level. Additionally, student exchange is an excellent platform for our Sorbonne Abu Dhabi students to meet other students from different cultures and educational backgrounds which helps enhance their academic and personal development”.

Professor Mamuka Tavkhelidze, Rector of Grigo Robakidze University, said: “This project represents a new step in the integration of Georgia into Bologna process. It is also a new and strong asset for Georgian students and youth aiming at a better knowledge of French culture, deep understanding of European core values, modern education and training of competitive specialists.”

Within the framework of the cooperation between Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and Grigo Robakidze University in Tbilisi, Sorbonne Abu Dhabi will develop a medley of courses and training programmes tailored to different levels of French language proficiency and competence. Also, and prior to the start of the courses, the Head of Department of the French as a Foreign Language programme and professors will visit Grigo Robakidze University’s campus to meet the students and evaluate their French language levels.