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As part of Ain Shams University’s commitment to strengthening international academic cooperation and advancing French language teaching practices, four faculties—Arts, Al-Alsun (Languages), Education, and Women—participated in the international closing conference of the “FEF Égypte REINVENTE” project. Held under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, and Prof. Rami Maher Ghali, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs, the conference took place at the French Institute in Mounira, Cairo, from October 20 to 22, 2026, under the theme “Teaching in French at Egyptian Universities: What Innovations for What Transformations?” It brought together academics from Egypt, France, Spain, Algeria, and Italy. Prof. Youmna Safwat, Dean of the Faculty of Al-Alsun, served on the conference’s scientific committee.

The Faculty of Arts was represented by Prof. Maha Eliwa, Head of the French Language Department, who delivered a presentation on moving from pedagogical innovation to curriculum and academic regulation reform, with an emphasis on aligning educational programs with labor market demands.

Dr. Nadia Shama delivered presentations on international online student collaboration, integrating literary walks and experiential learning into French language teaching, and enhancing teaching practices through multimedia activities. She also chaired a scientific session on the use of dramatization in learning.

Dr. Mona Mohsen presented papers on documenting learners’ language development through digital portfolios, international student collaboration, and the use of literary walks to improve French language teaching methods.

The Faculty of Arts also contributed to the conference’s organization, with Dr. Nadia Shama serving on the organizing committee. Several second- and third-year students from the French Language Department assisted in organizing activities and welcoming guests, particularly on the first day, gaining valuable hands-on experience in organizing an international academic event.

Representing the Faculty of Al-Alsun, Prof. Rania Adel Khalifa served on the scientific committee and chaired a session on curriculum design, exploring approaches to developing and redesigning academic programs to meet learners’ needs and the evolving requirements of university education.

The Faculty of Education was represented by Associate Prof. Dina El-Shafie, who contributed to a session on incorporating literary walks into French language teaching. She also delivered a joint presentation with Dr. Émilie Leconte from Aix-Marseille University, examining teachers’ language perceptions and their role in either facilitating or hindering pedagogical innovation.

Prof. Ebtisam Mohamed Abdel Khalek also presented a paper on curriculum development for non-French-speaking students, in the presence of Prof. Ghada Saber, Head of the Faculty’s French Language Department.

The Faculty of Women participated through Prof. Samah Nasr, Head of the French Language Department, who delivered a joint presentation with Dr. Angela Gonzalez from Aix-Marseille University. Their presentation explored innovative approaches to translation teaching through the integration of electronic dictionaries and digital resources to enhance students’ learning and develop their language and translation skills.

The conference was also attended by several professors and junior academic staff members from the French Language Departments of the four faculties, reflecting the university’s commitment to broadening academic participation and promoting knowledge exchange among faculty members and researchers.

This participation forms part of the ongoing cooperation between Ain Shams University and the French Institute in Egypt, aimed at advancing French language education, enhancing students’ career pathways, modernizing curricula, and equipping teaching staff to keep pace with educational and technological developments.

Alongside the academic program, the conference featured several social and cultural gatherings that strengthened connections among participants from different universities. At the end of the first day, participants were invited to the French Embassy in Cairo, where they were welcomed by French Ambassador Éric Chevallier, in the presence of Mr. Matthieu Combe, Counselor for Cultural Cooperation and Director of the French Institute in Egypt.

On the second evening, participants gathered at the French Institute for an event that provided opportunities to exchange experiences and strengthen professional and personal connections. The third day concluded with a Nile cruise, bringing participants together in a distinctly Egyptian atmosphere and marking the end of three days of academic exchange and cultural engagement.

As part of efforts to strengthen institutional cooperation, Ain Shams University had previously welcomed Mr. Matthieu Combe, Counselor for Cultural Cooperation and Director of the French Institute in Egypt, and Mr. Daniel Regnault, Educational Attaché, on October 14, 2026, to discuss ways to further academic cooperation and develop the partnership between the university and the French Institute.