Global
Deputy Consul of U.S. in Marseille Visits France Programs
Posted: June 16, 2025The Learning Abroad Center's programs in Montpellier, France, enjoyed a visit from Lee Wilbur, deputy consul of the United States in Marseille.
The role of a consul or deputy-consul is to offer assistance and protection to U.S. citizens abroad, promote U.S. business and trade, and represent the U.S. during official celebrations and commemoration of historical events.
Wilbur began with a health and safety lecture, followed by a presentation on his career path and reasons to consider employment with the State Department. The visit concluded with a question-and-answer session and a dessert reception. All students on the Language & Culture in Southern France and Sports & Culture in France programs attended the visit.
The France program students were interested in language learning, since Wilbur speaks at least seven languages and is learning Persian for his next post. The group also had a long discussion about the challenges of representing a variety of U.S. political policies when the administration can change radically every four years.
According to Margherita Orlando, internship and administrative coordinator in Montpellier, "The students were engaged, inspired by Wilbur's career path, and left with a sense of connection and possibility."
