Seocho-gu Recruiting University Students for French Paris Cultural Training Until the 22nd

6 Participants in '2025 Paris 15-gu Study'
On-site Exploration in Paris from February 10 to 16 Next Year

Seocho-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jeon Seong-su) is recruiting participants for the ‘2025 Paris 15th Arrondissement Study’ program, which offers an opportunity for cultural exchange by visiting its sister city, Paris 15th Arrondissement, France. The application period is from the 16th to the 22nd of this month.

2025 Paris 15-gu Study Poster. Provided by Seocho-gu.

The Paris 15th Arrondissement Study began in 2016 following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Seocho-gu and Paris 15th Arrondissement. It is an international exchange program that provides university students from both cities with opportunities to experience each other’s cultures and grow as global leaders.

Based on the principle of reciprocity, university students were dispatched five times: from Paris 15th Arrondissement to Seocho-gu in 2019, 2022, and 2024, and from Seocho-gu to Paris 15th Arrondissement in 2020 and 2023. A total of 28 students have participated, acting as private diplomats promoting their respective cultures.

Six university students selected for this year’s Paris 15th Arrondissement Study will explore administrative, historical, and cultural sites in Paris for seven days from February 10 to 16 next year. They will visit public institutions such as the Paris 15th Arrondissement Town Hall to learn about French political administration and share youth policies and exchange directions between the two cities. Additionally, participants will meet Parisian university students to exchange cultures and experiences, fostering communication and enhancing their global competencies.

All journeys will be documented and shared through vlogs and shorts videos filmed by the students themselves. Furthermore, the participants will join as ‘8th Seocho Youth Network Activity Committee Members in 2025’ and propose youth policies based on their experiences from the program.

The recruitment target for the 2025 Paris 15th Arrondissement Study includes university students registered as residents of Seocho-gu or attending universities located in Seocho-gu. Applicants must submit their application documents via email to the person in charge by the 22nd of this month. All expenses will be fully covered by Paris 15th Arrondissement.

Meanwhile, since signing the friendship agreement with Paris 15th Arrondissement in 2016, the district has continued various public diplomacy policies. These include the creation of the Paris 15th Arrondissement Park in Seorae Village in 2016, a friendship commemorative tree planting in the park in 2019, support with video calls and antibacterial film stickers related to COVID-19 in 2020, and participation in Paris 15th Arrondissement’s representative festival, ‘Korean Expo.’ This year, the cooperation between the two cities has been further strengthened, including an invitation to the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, building a strong and lasting friendship.

Mayor Jeon Seong-su said, “Through the 2025 Paris 15th Arrondissement Study program, I hope young people will promote Seocho and Korean culture as private diplomats of Seocho, experience various fields, and develop their capabilities as global leaders.”