EFEO stands for École française d'Extrême-Orient, which translates to the French School of the Far East in English. It is a renowned institution dedicated to research and knowledge dissemination in the field of Asian studies. Founded in 1900, EFEO has a long history of contributing to the understanding and exploration of Asian cultures, languages, art, and archaeology.
The primary mission of EFEO is to foster interdisciplinary research in Asia, with a particular emphasis on Southeast Asia, East Asia, and South Asia. The institution is committed to conducting in-depth studies and analysis of historical, social, linguistic, and cultural aspects of the region. EFEO actively promotes collaborations with universities, museums, research centers, and scholars worldwide to facilitate the exchange of expertise and resources in Asian studies.
EFEO also plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Asia's cultural heritage. Through its extensive network of field centers in countries such as Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, EFEO conducts archaeological surveys, conservation projects, and documentation efforts to safeguard and revive endangered historical sites, monuments, manuscripts, and artifacts.
Furthermore, EFEO publishes a wide range of scholarly works, including research papers, monographs, and journals, to disseminate its findings and knowledge to the academic community and the general public. The institution also organizes international conferences, seminars, and workshops to facilitate academic discourse and foster worldwide collaboration in Asian studies.
Overall, EFEO serves as an invaluable institution that promotes scholarly engagement, research, conservation, and dissemination of knowledge related to Asian cultures, languages, art, and archaeology.
