In the Aula of the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice on April 15, 2026, a generously conceived all-day promotional and educational event was held aimed at supporting French language and its application in professional life. The event titled RENDEZ-VOUS À LA FRANÇAISE took place with the participation of prominent public figures and received an exceptionally positive response from students, educators, and the general public.
The ceremonial opening was attended by rector Pavel Kozák, French Ambassador to the Czech Republic Stéphane Crouzat, and mayor of the statutory city of České Budějovice Dagmar Škodová Parmová. The event was held under the patronage of the city mayor and the governor of the South Bohemian Region.
Major actors of the Francophone world contributed to the organization – the Faculty of Arts of the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, the French Alliance South Bohemia, the French Institute in Prague, and the Czech-French Chamber of Commerce. The main objective was to present French as an important tool for study, mobility, and future professional application.
The program offered rich all-day content. The morning session included plenary presentations focused on opportunities for studying French at the university, opportunities for secondary and higher education mobility, and studying in France. A panel discussion with guests who use French in their careers also generated great interest, including graduates of the Institute of Romance Studies at the Faculty of Arts of the University of South Bohemia.
The afternoon was devoted primarily to practical experience and connection with practice. Participating companies presented their activities and offered students the opportunity for personal meetings at promotional stands, where they provided information about job opportunities requiring knowledge of French. Participants also appreciated interactive workshops led by experts from practice, including simulated job interviews.
The event was intended primarily for secondary school students, university students, and other interested members of the public. The high attendance and active participation of visitors confirmed that interest in French and the Francophone environment has strong foundations in the region and significant potential for the future.
The organizers assess the event as exceptionally successful and beneficial, both in terms of attendance and the quality of the program and contacts established between students, institutions, and employers. As stated by the main organizer Ivo Petrů from the Faculty of Arts of the University of South Bohemia: "This event clearly confirmed that French has its firm place in today's world and is able to open doors to interesting study and professional opportunities. We are very pleased with the exceptional interest of participants and positive feedback. We are already looking forward to the next edition, which we want to advance one step further."
