The International Office (IO) of Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) successfully hosted their monthly Geography Series (Geoseries) on Monday, 30 March 2025. Held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Ballroom Science Building, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (MIPA), the event serves as a strategic platform for international students to introduce their home countries to the campus community. This edition featured Florian Landais, a French student currently interned at the Department of International Relations, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), who will be part of the UNHAS community until the end of the semester.
The event commenced with a warm welcome from the Secretary of IO, Muhammad Ridwan. In his opening remarks, Mr. Ridwan encouraged the diverse group of participants to engage deeply with the speaker to elicit unique insights into French culture and society. He also took the opportunity to remind students to stay connected with the IO, highlighting the various international exposure activities and programs the office provides to enhance the students’ global perspectives.
During the main presentation, Florian—affectionately known as Flo—began by playing the French national anthem, setting a patriotic and immersive tone. He guided the audience through an expansive look at France, covering its geographical landscape, rich history, everyday life, and its world-renowned fashion industry. His presentation also touched on French wildlife and other significant cultural pillars, providing a comprehensive view of his homeland beyond the usual tourist tropes.
The session concluded with high levels of student engagement and a festive atmosphere. Under the guidance of the moderator, Zulfiqi Saputra, Florian challenged the audience with a series of questions, rewarding those who answered correctly with special merchandise from the IO. The event, which was also attended by key IO figures such as Dra. Harniaty, Saaduddin, Ph.D., and Haeruddin, Ph.D., ended with a ceremonial token presentation to the speaker and a group photo session to commemorate the successful cultural exchange.