FAIS : Francophone Association of Ibis Students

countries that comprise it while interacting with great people, enjoying the taste of international gastronomy in addition to experiencing cultural events, and taking part in a number of fun activities.

*** What’s the purpose of FAIS? The purpose of FAIS as a UM Organization is to bring together students and communities of different backgrounds, united by a single interest in the multiple aspects of the international francophone culture. FAIS aims to provide our members with an introduction forum to contemporary francophone culture through regular gatherings focus not only on academic discussions but also awareness of historical and current affairs, to further deepen a general knowledge of the francophone culture. In addition to our main academic and cultural approach, FAIS plans to provide all members with opportunities to experience cultural affairs first-hand, through social entertaining activities such as the French Opera and theater plays; inviting francophone guest speakers to share their unique experience in multiple academic fields in order to help members of FAIS to integrate into the French-speaking community. All this is a part of a bigger plan for the future of each member beyond life on campus and the club. The experience gained from FAIS membership will broaden the possibilities of community and corporate networking; thus enhancing the chances for success on a social and professional level, ultimately portraying as well as maintaining the already respectable CANE image.

*** What’s unique about FAIS? The exclusivity of FAIS is the main characteristic of our club… while there are many ‘cultural groups’ on UM campus which represent multiple philosophies from around the world through their valuable consortiums, there are none for students with interest in the ‘Francophone Culture’. FAIS will have a wide range of participation, both from Francophone members and experienced French students… to new learners and French enthusiasts which makes us unique. The strong demand from numerous ‘CANES’ to have a collective place for assembly proves the necessity for a club of this nature. FAIS strives to provide an equal opportunity for all members to interact and engage in mutual interest activities, such as ‘roundtables’ (including the conversational tables supported by the UM Language Department and assisted by FAIS), movies, lunch, dinners, BBQ’s, museum and artistic outings, as well as actively representing our ‘CANE Spirit’ while participating in the annual ‘French Festival’ celebrated here in South Florida just to mention a few activities to be arranged. No other organization on campus allows for students to not only actively but enthusiastically work toward fluency in the French Language while conjointly being part of a family-like gathering. No other organization in UM provides the same opportunities for students who would like to take and master this subject beyond of the classroom. Native francophone, advance, intermediate and beginner level students will get the same chance to engage and achieve a higher level of proficiency, as well as to be part of a mutual interest community inclined toward cultural self-achievement and academic appreciation of the cultural richness and linguistic francophone traditions. It will be a friendly environment to bring together students with a similar passion for French and all that the language and international francophone culture have to offer.