What were your initial impressions of French study and have they changed as you have continued with your studies?

I came to AU with high school AP French under my academic ‘belt’ so I thought I knew what studying French at American would entail. However, I was quite wrong. While I thought the courses would be a continuation of grammar, conjugation, and reading, I was pleasantly surprised to find that each French course I took at AU afforded me opportunities learn about interesting, pressing topics within the Francophone world. As I progressed through the program, I was given more opportunities to delve into my academic interests – to the point I was able to defend my undergraduate thesis (in French!) in front of a panel of French faculty.

Has your study of French enabled you to apply for any scholarships or merit awards?

While I did not apply for scholarships or merits awards at AU, I was able to participate in the French Language Immersion Study Abroad with MICEFA; something I would not have been able to join if I did not have the foundational French abilities, I learned during my first two years at AU. Moreover, knowing a second language has assisted me in obtaining each of the jobs I’ve had since graduating in 2016.  

Are there any other ways that you have been able to apply your French skills outside of the classroom while studying at AU?

Most certainly! I apply the French skills I acquired at AU in many areas outside of the classroom. First, during my study abroad with AU, I lived with a host-family where we only spoke French. Second, I used my French skills during my Global Development & Education graduate program, as knowing French allows me to interpret government policies from French-speaking countries. Finally, knowing French allows me to better appreciate the plethora of Francophone culture like films, books, and music (I recommend Dalida, Angèle, and Mylène Farmer).

Do you plan to continue to develop and apply your French skills following the completion of your undergraduate studies at AU? If so, in what ways might you use French in the future?

As a graduate, I can confidently say that I continue to develop and apply my French skills since receiving my Bachelors in 2016. During my tenure as an international education practitioner, I used my French almost daily. I plan to use my French in my future work in the global development arena.

Are there any other things about your study of French that you would like to add?

Studying French was one of the best decisions I made during my time at AU. The French department constantly encourages you to expand your language ability in whichever form you are interested in. Instead of focusing solely on conjugation and repetition, you are provided the tools to deeply dissect, critique, and appreciate the French language as well as the many countries, peoples, organizations within the greater Francophone world. Je vous conseille de profiter bien de ces offerts!

What were your initial impressions of French studies, and have they changed as you have continued with your studies?

Transferring from a public high school to a private University was a daunting experience. In particular, language classes intimidated me because I was unsure of where I fit. However, every professor I had in the French program at American University has offered their time, resources, and support to meet where I am – this incited my ability to turn intimidation into excitement and challenges into growth.

Has your study of French enabled you to apply for any scholarships or merit awards?

I applied for the Gilman Scholarship to study abroad offered by the U.S. Department of State. I was selected for the scholarship but ultimately was not able to accept it due to COVID-19. Generally speaking, the study of French has opened up a number of doors that otherwise would be closed if I had not studied the French language.

Are there any other ways that you have been able to apply your French skills outside of the classroom while studying at AU?

I have attended several events at the French Embassy allowing me to transfer my knowledge from inside the classroom to real-world scenarios. In addition, my study abroad experience gave me practical usage of these skills.

Do you plan to continue to develop and apply your French skills following the completion of your undergraduate studies at AU? If so, in what ways might you use French in the future?

Yes, absolutely. French is a language that I have invested a lot of time into and grown to love. As someone who is attending the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., pursuing a Master of Arts in Security Studies, equipping myself with a second language is undoubtedly advantageous to my career aspirations.

Are there any other things about your study of French that you would like to add?

The support of the French program has immeasurably shaped my character and understanding of culture. They work collaboratively to ensure that they meet students where they are at while challenging them to evolve in their cultural and practical comptencies. The dedication and willingness to support students are what distinguishes the French program from other language departments. They cultivate a learning environment amoung peers that allow for intentional growth within the language. It is this dedication that has catalyzed my love for cultural studies.