On the afternoon of October 25, 2024, the inaugural session of the “Cultural Friday” lecture series took place in Classroom 2 of Huixing Building. The theme,The Art of Champagne: History, Heritage, and French Craftsmanship, offered auniquecultural experience for SAFTI students and French culture enthusiasts alike.

To mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of China-France diplomatic ties, SAFTI has launched the “Cultural Friday” lecture series, a platform designed to fosterinternationalcultural exchanges. The series aims topromote the communication and integration between the two culturesthrough in-depthexploration into French culture. The first session was presented by Olga Ivanova Ruffo, Associate Professor at SAFTI, who led students on a fascinatingculturaljourney through the world of champagne, blending her academic expertise with an engaging and humorous delivery.

The lecture began with a historical exploration ofchampagneto take the audience back in time to revisit the world of champagne, tracing its origins from the early brewing techniques to its current global prominence.Every detail Olga shared reflectsthe French commitment to quality and tradition. To enhance the experience, she showcased a variety of champagne labels and brewing tools, offering students a tangible connection to the deep cultural heritage behind the drink. The lively atmosphere of the lecture kept students fully engagedin the world of champagne.During the Q&A, students actively participated, asking insightful questions and exchanging ideas with Olga, who responded with thoughtful and patient answers.

The session concluded with enthusiastic applause, marking the successful launch of the “Cultural Friday” series. The lecture not only highlighted the unique charm of French culture but also ignited a greater interest in Sino-French cultural exchanges among the students.

Looking ahead, SAFTI will continue to uphold an open and inclusivecommitmentfor communication and mutual understanding by organizing regular “Cultural Friday” lectures. These events willofferevery student passionate about cultural exchangean opportunity togain valuable insights. We look forward to seeing more cultural interactions and integration, and to jointly promoting the exchange and development of Chinese and French cultures.