Get to know Arnaud Dufournel, who joined the Department of French, Hispanic and Italian Studies (FHIS) in January 2024 as the Community Engagement Coordinator.
“My role is to promote the French language and the French community on campus. I look forward to finding fun and affordable cultural activities so students can enjoy theatre, movies, and even opera!”
What is your role as Community Engagement Coordinator?
As a Coordinator, I prepare and participate in various events organized and supported by the Centre de la Francophonie (CDLF). I also serve as a link between our numerous partners in the community and UBC and its students. We try to provide as many opportunities as possible for participating in French-speaking activities. Broadly speaking, my role is to promote the French language and the French community on campus. I look forward to finding fun and affordable cultural activities so students can enjoy theatre, movies, and even opera!
What motivated you to take on this role?
It was an amazing opportunity for me to finally have a place where I can talk about French culture, and people are forced to listen! Jokes aside, my partner is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at FHIS, so I had the chance for the past year and a half to meet and befriend many people from the department. In the past, I always worked in private companies; it’s nice to be part of a working environment full of great people who want to help students as much as possible.
What is your educational background?
I have a Master’s degree in Geography and another in Civil Engineering, specializing in transportation. It’s an interesting part of our society, with rapid and constant evolutions and transformations. I appreciate the technological aspect of it, and I would like our transportation system to move from carbon to more active mobility, strong public transportation, and hopefully, a fully autonomous shared electric system with equity at its core.
What is your personal connection to Francophone language and culture?
Well, I was literally born into it! But if I had to pinpoint what gave me the connection, I think it would be learning more about French artisan and terroir. As I got older, I gained more and more admiration for craftsmanship and the many different cultures you can experience in the world.
What are some fun facts about yourself?
I’m the kind of person who will often jump between hyper-focused interests. But if I had to describe a baseline, I’m not outdoorsy, I love nerdy things, and most of all, I love a good story and world-building.
PS: Everyone should experience Disco Elysium.
Any other comments?
The best baguettes and croissants in Vancouver so far are at Small Victory Bakery (388 West 6th Avenue).
