International Exchanges

Goal 3 - To integrate Louisiana into the international organizations comprising the Francophone community.

International Relations

Louisiana's foreign partners (the governments of France, the French Community of Belgium, and the Canadian provinces of Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island) have contributed enormously to CODOFIL's efforts to defend Louisiana's unique linguistic heritage. Over the years, they have sent us teachers, educational experts, provided funding for many important projects, as well as hundreds of scholarships for study abroad. CODOFIL likes to think that they return the favor. CODOFIL represents Louisiana at the signing of accords with the foreign governments: these accords dictate the nature of the relationship between Louisiana and the foreign governments. Through CODOFIL, Louisiana participates in such international organizations as l'Agence de coopération culturelle et technique (ACCT), Assemblée des Parlementaires francophones (APF), Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), TV5, l'Association Production Harmonisée. Recently, Louisiana has participated in the Sommet de la Francophonie as an observer. More importantly perhaps, foreign visitors to Louisiana are often more aware of CODOFIL than even Louisiana residents! This means that CODOFIL not only represents Louisiana at important international events but also has at times served as travel agent, translator, and tour guide to international visitors to our state.