LLU students' interest in and awareness of France: analysis of research findings | LLU studentu interese un informētība par Franciju: pētījuma rezultātu analīze

Interaction across cultures helps co-create a new European community and maintain social harmony in it. Owing to the fact that Latvia is a member state of the EU, it is of great significance for us to integrate in the common “European Village.” Awareness and understanding of our neighbouring countries as well as the superpowers of the EU, such as France, Germany and Great Britain, can contribute to the process of faster integration. Therefore, the aim of this research study was to clarify the LLU students` interest in the diverse fields of France, to assess the availability of information provided to them through different channels, as well as the quality of the available information, which could broaden students` horizons and foster their understanding of the French culture. In the empirical study 191 respondents from seven faculties of the LLU were involved. The main findings testified to the following: The majority of the respondents took a very high interest in France; their main interest focused on French architecture, fashion, cinematography, music, culinary and education. The differences in the opinions of the respondents were faculty related. The interest of the majority of the respondents’ was predominantly focused on broadening their horizons, however, in the case of the Civil Engineering Faculty, to the future Professional career of the students. A considerable percentage of the respondents were not satisfied with the limited availability of useful information on France. The main conclusions of the study suggested that the contribution of the academic staff should be enhanced, and more native speakers should also be involved in the academic and social activities at the university to enhance the awareness of France and its culture. It was recommended to examine and recognize the close relationship between cultural awareness, intercultural sensitivity and intercultural effectiveness so that a better understanding of intercultural communication between Latvian and French young people can be achieved.