Opportunities beyond the classroom
Options en dehors de la salle de classe
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RC Students in Grenoble, France (UM summer Study Abroad Program)
Beyond the Language Requirement
Many RC students pursue their interest in their language by electing French and Francophone Studies as a major or minor. In this case, a majority of them participate in a study abroad program. Some returnees contribute to the French Program by participating in the Directed Peer Tutorship Program (RCCORE 308). Some students are interested in the Service-Learning course (RCCORE 309) which offers the opportunity to volunteer in the community. Others participate in the UM Translate-a-Thon organized by the Language Resource Center.
Upon graduation, some students decide to teach English in France for a year through the French Teaching Assistant Program or to volunteer with the Peace Corps.
UM Summer Study Abroad Program in Sénégal
CGIS Presentation : UM Study Abroad Program
Study or Intern abroad
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. CGIS also offers internship abroad opportunities.
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 abroad opportunities, you can also visit Global Michigan.
Directed Peer Tutorship Program (RCCORE 308)
Directed Peer Tutorship is an experiential course for students with advanced competence in the language. With faculty supervision, advanced students tutor peers in speaking skills. Regular meetings with faculty are scheduled during the term to discuss discipline-specific pedagogical questions, and student progress and evaluation.
French Service-Learning (RCORE 309.011)
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.
Freedom House Detroit Website
RC French students participating in FreedomTalks to learn about Freedom House Detroit and the challenges which asylum seekers face upon their arrivals in the US.
Translate-a-Thon
RC French students participate on a voluntary basis in the annual Translate-a-Thon organized by the UM Language Resource Center. Participants translate documents for non-profit organizations.
Fall 2023 Translate-a-Thon in East Quad
Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) and Fulbright Program
Some concentrators who want to spend time in France after graduation apply for the French Teaching Assistantship Program (TAPIF). This yearlong program, which consists of assisting an English teacher in a French school, is sponsored by the French Ministry of Education. Some students opt for the same opportunity through the Fulbright Program.
Peace Corps at the University of Michigan
Other students may look for opportunities to intern in a French speaking country; some enroll in the Peace Corps, a program for which the mastery of French is an asset.
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