November 20, 2017 
October 16 was a rewarding day for all involved in the brilliant program that is the Volontariat International en Entreprise.
Otherwise known as the VIE, this program is open to young French people seeking a high-quality professional mission abroad. This time, the program offered the participants the opportunity to gain experience throughout South Africa.
Through this French International Postgraduate Internship Program, students between the age of 18 and 28 developed their practical knowledge and businesses ideas through the intercultural exchange.
Moreover, the program also outlined the mutually beneficial relationship that exists between South Africa and France. From trade and investment to scientific cooperation and training, the VIE is dedicated to aiding mutually beneficial collaborations.
Every two years, the organisers hold V.I.E Grand Prix, which is a fantastic competition which assesses and awards the program’s most outstanding candidates. This program is jointly organised by Business France (French Trade Commission), as well as the “CCEF” (the Conseillers du Commerce Extérieur de la France). That’s where we come in.
The Polyglot Group’s CEO, Corinne Bot has been a board member of the CCEF since 2001, and therefore Polyglot Group has always made a point to sponsor the VIE Grand Prix. Since the very first Australian VIE Grand Prix in 2011, Corinne Bot has played a key role in facilitating each competition, and this year was no exception. As a sponsor, we held the hour of awarding the winners at the VIE Ceremony.
Taking place at the French Residence in Pretoria, the awards evening was organised by the French External Trade Advisors, the French Regional Economic Department, Business France, Club V.I.E. South Africa, the French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FSACCI) and the Embassy of France in South Africa.
Each candidate had been selected for their outstanding presentation, their ability and willingness to flourish in a new company and culture, their achievement of personal objectives, and their proactive management skills.
The winners in each category were as follows:
– The Grand Prix: Philippine Wallart of Faurecia
– Integration and training award: Alexis Rigaud of Pernod Ricard
– Innovation award: Antoine Petit of Faurecia
– Entrepreneurship award: Julien Allard of imed
– Bilateral cooperation award: Paul Raso of the Regional Economic Department of the Embassy of France in South Africa
As supporters of budding business leaders and true believers in the value of intercultural exchange, The Polyglot Group looks forward to continuing its support of the VIE in the future.
We would like to sincerely congratulate all of the participants in this year’s Grand Prix, and we wish all candidates the best of luck in their future endeavours!
