Opened in 2011 to promote social and cultural life in French, the Carrefour francophone is keeping things very much alive. You can feel and hear this excitement and energy through its colourful glass doors. It’s a place where students greet each other warmly, where lively music lifts your spirits and carries you away. You see this even more during events, which on average attract over 50 students each.
“When I go back to the Carrefour, I feel at home. Really, I go in, I put down my stuff, I say hello to everyone. I can settle in, speak to people, study. It’s just as if I were at home.” — Yoan Manzo, second year, bachelor’s in business technology management.
“The Carrefour does me good. The free breakfast drew me in. That day, I found out what the Carrefour was and since then, I’ve gone to study, to visit with my friends. We chat. Each time I go, I meet people to add to my network. I learn a lot about on-campus resources from these meetings.” — Marie Nicole-Noelie Ekram, third year, honours bachelor’s in criminology.
“Food is culture! It brings communities together. I like eating with people. The Carrefour arranges catering from Plantain Paradise, a restaurant that makes African recipes. Prices are affordable. It’s a chance to eat food from home, and that feels good.” — Océane Kouamé, first year, bachelor’s in biomedical science.
Programming at the Carrefour is organized by the Campus Life team and also includes events organized and hosted by student associations. Discussions on timely topics and food tastings are among the most popular events.
Students speaking about the Carrefour agree that it allows them to integrate, make new acquaintances and learn about other francophone countries. It’s a very inclusive space that brings people together from all over the world. Some people learn more about their countries of origin, from patois to food, through the friends they make at the Carrefour.
What’s one recent discovery that everyone liked? Thieb, a Senegalese dish highlighted at a free food giveaway: seasoned rice served with vegetables and fish or meat.
Drop by the Carrefour francophone for the pleasure of making connections and staying up to date on upcoming activities. Go in person and see the schedule! Make yourself at home!
March 20 is International Francophonie Day! You can always celebrate by watching the uoTalent finals live at the UCU (at least three of the 12 finalists are competing for a $500 prize for best francophone performance, sponsored by the Carrefour francophone). Or, if video games are more your thing, drop by the Tinkering Lab at the Learning Crossroads (CRX 220) from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. to try a French video game (also available next Tuesday and Thursday as part of Mois de la Francophonie activities).
There will also be a Bingo night on March 21 at the Carrefour francophone, the Poutine Festival and more Mois de la Francophonie events!
