French program
Undergrad major Undergrad minor Teaching/CertificationLearn a language of diplomacy
Although many think of France as the primary place where French is spoken, it is just one of many spots throughout the world from West Africa to Canada. Learning French strengthens your skills for positions in business, healthcare, humanitarian work and more.
In addition to learning literature and cultural studies, UWL’s French program also prepares students for a variety of professional contexts. Courses are offered in French for professional communication and French for science and technology.
Career opportunities with a French degree
French is a language of diplomacy and leads to many opportunities in humanitarian or aid work with non-profit organizations. Several French majors have gone on to work for the Peace Corps.
Others pair French with another major area of study whether business, public health, anthropology or others.
UWL students can also consider applying to a program to teach English in France after graduation. The program, Teaching Assistant Program In France (TAPIF), offers paid positions for teaching English in secondary schools.
Why study French?
Studying any language helps students hone important skills that employers are seeking such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, leadership and intercultural competency.
French is the fifth most spoken language globally and the third most spoken language in the U.S. French is also one of the six official languages of the United Nations, making it important for global relations.
What distinguishes UWL's French program?
French courses will open student’s eyes to other parts of the world they may not otherwise learn about, including North and West Africa, and prepare them to be empathetic and culturally competent.
Students complete an individual research project for their senior capstone. Projects invite students to bridge their academic interests. Some past projects include an analysis of a literary translation, an economic perspective on nuclear energy in France, and a cross-cultural comparison of binge drinking in the U.S. and France.
UWL has direct exchange programs in France (in Caen and Lorraine) through which students pay the same tuition. Program options include studying for a semester or the summer. Students may also choose to spend a semester in Senegal.
A semester-long program in Senegal, West Africa, allows students to complete coursework and conduct an internship in an area of their interest.
Students receive individual attention through advising and in classes with an average class size of 12-15 students.
Because French is a small program, those involved become part of a community. Students get to know their cohort and professors, interacting with one another in and out of the classroom.
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