A look back at the Inalco students' back-to-school party organized by the Inalco Foundation

9 October 2025

  • Conferences

  • History

  • Foundation

On October 2, the Inalco Foundation was delighted to welcome students and partners to its traditional back-to-school event, a time for sharing and discovery. The event was marked by a lecture by Professor Emmanuel Lozerand, who offered an original insight into the history and spirit of Langues O'.
Le professeur Emmanuel Lozerand présente les portraits d'anciens étudiants des Langues O'.
Le professeur Emmanuel Lozerand présente les portraits d'anciens étudiants des Langues O'. © Fondation Inalco‎

A conference to revisit the history of Langues O'

Memorialist of Langues O', Professor Emmanuel Lozerand presented his lecture entitled "Faire les Langues O' - Petite histoire des étudiants de l'Inalco". Through a lively and well-documented narrative, he traced the evolution of the establishment from its creation in 1795 to the present day.
The professor evoked the sometimes precarious beginnings of the institution, then made up of just a few students, and the often reductive perceptions of its usefulness at the time. He then highlighted the major transformations that have marked its development, notably the growth in enrolment in the 1960s and the challenges it has engendered.
His talk emphasized just how much Inalco, now based on rue des Grands Moulins, remains a place of openness and transmission that is unique in the world, true to its mission: to bring to life the languages and civilizations of the world.

Partners committed to the Foundation

The evening also highlighted three major partners:

  • The Association des anciens élèves et amis des Langues orientales (AAEALO), which fosters links between students and alumni through meetings, trips and mentoring programs.
  • The Société des Amis du Musée Guimet (SAMG), a long-standing partner of the Musée national des arts asiatiques - Guimet, which has been working since 1923 to promote Oriental cultures and offers a dedicated program for young members.
  • The student association Promethei, which promotes Inalco's international outlook through conferences, training courses and workshops designed to develop students' diplomatic skills.
Valérie Delage, secrétaire générale adjointe de l'Association des Anciens Élèves et Amis des Langues Orientales (AAÉALO) Matteo Vassout, chargé des Jeunes amis du musée Guimet Vanessa Billerey, présidente de l'association Promethei
Valérie Delage, secrétaire générale adjointe de l'Association des Anciens Élèves et Amis des Langues Orientales (AAÉALO) © Fondation Inalco / Matteo Vassout, chargé des Jeunes amis du musée Guimet © Fondation Inalco / Vanessa Billerey, présidente de l'association Promethei © Fondation Inalco‎

A moment of exchange and conviviality

The evening concluded with a cocktail reception, offering a privileged time for exchanges between students, teachers, Foundation members and partners. This convivial moment strengthened ties within the Inalco community and opened this new academic year under the best auspices.