Program Overview

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French & Francophone Studies

The French & Francophone Studies program at Pacific Lutheran University offers students the opportunity to explore the cultures, stories, and global conversations in the French-speaking world. This undergraduate major and minor program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the French language and its applications in various fields.

About the Program

French is the fifth most-spoken language in the world, with over 230 million people speaking it every day in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, North America, and Asia. The program aims to immerse students in real French, using music, movies, books, and art to connect with the world. Students will explore the cultures, stories, and global conversations in the French-speaking world, and work creatively with classmates to build language skills and cultural insight.

Skills and Outcomes

The program enables students to gain the following skills:

• Proficiency in French, which can open doors around the world
• Communication skills, including expressing ideas clearly, adapting messages, and collaborating effectively
• Cross-cultural competence, which helps students become more open, inclusive, and effective leaders
• Empathy, which deepens understanding of how language shapes power

Career Options

Graduates of the program pursue careers in various fields, including:

• K-12 education
• International non-profit organizations
• Public policy think tanks
• Hospitality
• Ministry
• Business
• Law
• Medicine
• Environmental conservation

Study Abroad

PLU students regularly study away and earn credit toward their degree through the university's featured program in Aix-en-Provence, France. Many students also participate in the Teaching Assistantship Program in France (TAPIF) following graduation, teaching English to French students of all ages.

Alumni Outcomes

Graduates from the last five years have gone on to work in various roles, including:

• Upper Division French Teacher, The Evergreen School
• Accounting & Administrative Specialist, Willis Allen Real Estate
• Research Intern, Caspian Policy Center
• Environmental Health Specialist, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
• Senior Software Engineer, Morningstar
• Crew Member, Washington Conservation Corps

Some graduates have also pursued further education, including:

• Master of Arts in International Relations, Johns Hopkins University
• Master of Arts in Euroculture, Jagiellonion University (Krakow, Poland)
• Law School, Seattle University
• Master of Business Administration, University of San Diego
• Master of Arts in Education, Pacific Lutheran University

Related Programs

The French & Francophone Studies program is related to other programs at PLU, including:

• Anthropology
• Art & Design
• Global Studies
• Hispanic & Latino Studies
• History
• Music
• Peace Corps Prep
• Religion
• Sociology

Testimonials

Students and faculty have praised the program for its innovative approach and dedicated instructors. As one student noted, "Through the French & Francophone Studies program at PLU, I learned to put my love of the French language into practice by engaging in dialogue with peers and exploring French history, literature, and media." A faculty member added, "As a small program, we are constantly innovating to meet our students' evolving needs, interests, and aspirations. Since we get to teach our majors and minors over multiple semesters, we see them progress from articulating basic phrases to expressing their ideas and personalities in French. Witnessing this progress is deeply gratifyingas is building relationships that often last beyond graduation."