Interested in a study abroad experience as a part of your studies at Southern? This is one of the best ways to build your cultural and linguistic competencies.

There are many opportunities, including our own 5-week program in Paris led by Southern faculty Please see the Southern in Paris page for more information.

Would you rather study abroad for a semester, or even a year? Connect with our Office of International Education for more information on how to make this a reality!

There are two dedicated scholarships for students pursuing a BA or a BS in French, with additional scholarship possibilities for all students in World Languages. 

Douglas I. & Mary L. Relyea Endowed Scholarship

Marguerite Fortier Smirnoff Memorial Scholarship Fund

Our chapter, Omicron Psi, was installed on our campus in 2014. Membership in the organization grants members the possibility of applying towards scholarships for summer study abroad opportunities in Quebec and France.

Hannah Krutz (BS in French, Class of 2025) was awarded the The Mary E. Gutermuth Award to study at the Université de Québec à Chicoutimi during July 2024! Félicitations, Hannah!

For more information on Pi Delta Phi, click here.

The BA in French is designed for students interested in developing linguistic fluency and high levels of cultural proficiency in French, while also refining their skills in critical and analytical thinking. Throughout the program, our students engage with French and Francophone cultures through the study of film, literature, art, popular culture, history, and geography. Our program prepares students to explore and investigate not only the French and Francophone world, but also to examine critically global issues like language, community, immigration, gender, sexuality, and social justice. Students selecting to complete a BA in French have many personal and professional opportunities available to them, including careers in business and finance, fashion, graduate study, public relations, engineering and science, tourism and entertainment, medicine and health professions, and government and non-government organizations, among others.

The BS in French is designed for students interested in developing linguistic fluency and high levels of cultural proficiency in French who want to become teachers of the language at the high school level. All French classes develop students' ability to speak, read, write, and comprehend French, while increasing their understanding of French film, literature, history, geography, and culture. Concurrently, students will fulfill the courses associated with earning certification through the College of Education, and will do one semester of student teaching.

The minor in French complements students' academic pursuits by offering a focused exploration of the French language and Francophone cultures. This minor provides students with the opportunity to enhance their linguistic skills while deepening their understanding of the diverse cultural landscapes of French-speaking regions. Through a curriculum that encompasses literature, film, history, and more, students gain insight into the complexities of French and Francophone societies, fostering critical thinking and intercultural competency. By selecting the minor in French, students not only broaden their personal horizons but also enhance their professional prospects across a wide range of fields, including but not limited to business, arts and humanities, social sciences, healthcare, and international relations.