The RC French program plays an active role in sending its students into the world by encouraging them to become global citizens through study or internships abroad. Each fall semester, the French Program invites The Center for Global and Intercultural Study (CGIS) to give a presentation on UM Study abroad programs. The French program also makes it a point to publicize all announcements published by CGIS or any internship opportunities. A discussion of the advantages of studying abroad is part of the Intensive French II curriculum and studying abroad is also a frequent topic of discussion during co-curricular activities. Students interested in such opportunities are put in contact with returnees.

A high percentage of RC students elect to study abroad during their Junior year for one semester or one academic year. Summer programs are also popular. Some students do internships. Most students participate in a program offered by the University of Michigan, but selecting a program from a different institution is also an option. RC students who are planning on studying or interning abroad are eligible for financial aid from RC specific funds. 

CGIS offers many opportunities for students of French in France, Senegal, Switzerland, Morocco and Québec for stays of various lengths. Each fall semester, the French Program invites CGIS to give a presentation of UM Study abroad programs.

For more information on internships opportunities, visit Global Michigan.

The objective of this service-learning course is to offer RC advanced students of French an opportunity to engage in experiential learning related to community service work. It provides RC French students with unique service learning opportunities by connecting them with partnered community organizations outside of the University setting which deal with French-speaking immigrant communities. Currently, students volunteer at Freedom House Detroit, an organization which offers shelter and legal help to victims of persecution seeking asylum in the USA, many of who come from French-speaking West Africa.  The academic component of the course focuses on acquiring knowledge of Francophone West African countries by becoming familiar with their historical, social and cultural contexts, as well as with post-colonial issues. In addition, the asylum process is discussed. Students are given the opportunity to collaborate with Freedom House Detroit’s legal department by doing supervised translation work and they are in charge of organizing a fundraising event benefiting Freedom House Detroit.