French Visitors Strengthen International Ties at the University Centre of the Westfjords
The University Centre of the Westfjords recently welcomed more French-speaking guests. In addition to David Didier and his colleagues and students from the Université du Québec à Rimouski, three teachers from Lycée de la mer Paul Bousquet—the “Comprehensive School of the Sea”—in Sète, near Montpellier on France’s Mediterranean coast, also paid a visit. These visits highlight just how far-reaching the University Centre’s network of partnerships and collaborations has become.
The group from Lycée de la mer came to Iceland to visit both Menntaskólinn á Ísafirði (the Ísafjörður Upper Secondary School) and the University Centre of the Westfjords. Their connection with Ísafjörður was established through the University Centre’s European cooperation network on aquaculture. The visiting team included Deputy Director Sophie Poch, biology teacher Sylvie Mimosa, and Olivier Rocher, representing the school’s international department.
France has a particularly interesting vocational education system, where specialized secondary schools and preparatory university programs often intertwine. At Lycée de la mer, students can pursue vocationally oriented study tracks such as a three-year specialized baccalaureate in subjects like fisheries, marine electrical engineering, yacht operations, and aquaculture. The school also offers two-year BTSM/BTSA programs—post-secondary degrees—focused on aquaculture and on fisheries and marine environmental management.
A large part of the aquaculture curriculum consists of hands-on internships, and the visitors expressed that their students could gain valuable experience through placements with companies in the Westfjords.
During the visit, Olivier Rocher gave us the honour of hosting UW’s weekly lunch lecture (Vísindaport) last Friday, where he introduced Lycée de la mer and spoke about the school’s participation in European initiatives that promote international education and training.
Olivier has taught English for 24 years—first at an agricultural college, and since September 2024 at the fisheries school in Sète. He also oversees the school’s international relations. Olivier holds a master’s degree in English from the University of Toulouse, where he also studied Italian. Beyond education, he has been an active contributor to the Eurovision Song Contest since 2014, working as a journalist and translator. The audience at the lunch lecture showed great interest in the activities of Lycée de la mer, engaging Olivier and his colleagues in lively discussion.
Overall, the visit was a great success. The group strengthened their connection with the University Centre, built new ties with the Ísafjörður Upper Secondary School and its emerging marine studies program, and secured internship placements in Ísafjörður for two of their students. They also visited local aquaculture companies and facilities—and were delighted to see seals and porpoises playing in the nearby waters.
Through recent visits like this, the Westfjords continue to serve as a bridge—not only connecting countries, but also linking continents, as French and Canadian guests come together in Ísafjörður.