French Program Alumni - Languages, Literatures and International Studies

2022 - 2023

In the US, it is uncommon to learn a second language, with French even less common. Therefore, French major has been valuable to me on the job market. After graduating from NMU in December 2023, Ford Motor Company offered me a job, and I gladly accepted. I work in administration and I liaison with Ford partners from French-speaking Quebéc. 

Employers were very interested in skills such as excellent communication, understanding diversity, ease of gaging different perspectives, and experience in navigating in an environment with varying opinions. Employers know that in addition to the valuable commodity of speaking French, those skills are learned uniquely in a second language classroom. In addition, studying French at NMU has allowed for new friendships, career advancement, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.

French has been my passion from a very young age. After spending most of my childhood pining over the dream of living abroad and taking any opportunity I could to speak and study French, I finally made the decision to live in France. While attending Grand Rapids Community College, I spent one month studying abroad in France, following which, I was accepted as an au pair, giving me another 8 months living in France. Studying in France, while working for a French family, taught me cultural empathy, and that many opportunities in this world suddenly open up when we venture outside of our comfort zone. I transferred to NMU in August 2022, and completed my French major in December 2023. I enjoy working for Ford at this time, but I plan to return to France to further broaden my horizons. I am applying to an internship, through the French embassy, for the Teacher Assistant Program in France. I will let you know how it goes!! 

2014 - 2018

Studying French at NMU has benefited my career as an attorney. My French skills have allowed me to quickly understand legal documents because I can easily translate legal terminology, much of which is derived from French, and arises often in case law. I work at a small private practice law firm in Bozeman.

Having a background in French was definitely of value to me, also in everyday life and in traveling. Having confidence with French was one of the reasons I traveled. French classes opened my eyes to what there is to experience and made travelling seem possible/feasible. While at NMU, in March 2017, I drove from Marquette to Montreal, making a stop in Ottawa along the way. I stayed in hostels, toured both cities, and attended an NHL game in Ottawa. In May 2018, I visited Brussels, Ghent, and Bruges, Belgium, as well as Paris, France. I was able to easily navigate cities, find points of interest, dining, using websites in French, and otherwise exploring.

Additionally, it's always fun to impress friends by translating French words that arise occasionally, such as "arete" in the context of rock climbing. I’m not an avid climber, but an arête is where two planes of rock come together. The term came up in Livingston, MT, north of Yellowstone, when I was climbing outdoors with a few friends.
 

2012 - 2017

Although I eventually triple majored in International Studies, French, and Economics at NMU, my interest in and dedication to studying French language and francophone culture ended up permeating all three majors. For my International Economics class, I studied the effects of globalization on baby names in France for my end of year project. In my Economics of Regulation and Anti-trust class I wrote a paper comparing the types of foods that are subsidized in the U.S. versus France because of the political mechanisms in each country. 

While doing a semester study abroad at La Sorbonne in Paris from 2015 to 2016, I felt my relationship with France was only just beginning. After returning, Dr. Kupper informed me of the Teaching Assistants Program in France (TAPIF) and encouraged me to apply. At the time, I was more interested in the opportunity to live and work in France, and less interested in teaching. I was accepted to TAPIF for the 2017-2018 school year. Since I didn’t have a pedagogical background, I drew significant inspiration from Dr. Kupper’s classes. As a quiet student, some of the assignments and projects she utilizes in her curriculum were outside of my comfort zone, but after moving to France I found myself immensely grateful for La Table Française and recording ourselves speaking. I renewed my TAPIF contract for a second year, and then went on to teach in Hungary and Poland, and live in Germany on and off for a few years. I still think about Dr. Kupper’s lessons 6 years after graduation, and how appreciative I am for the many opportunities NMU afforded me, such as bringing in guest speaker Joan Kimball-Morgan who demonstrated through her life story that my dream of one day living in France wasn’t absurd and it was entirely possible if I work toward that specific goal.

I struggle to think of an experience in my life in the past 10 years where my French studies haven’t played a role in some capacity. Knowing French has helped me in countless ways, and it has certainly opened the world to me beyond just francophone countries. Just one of the many benefits is how learning French has tuned my ears and eyes differently so that when I’m in countries where I don’t speak the language, I can pick up on words that sound or look familiar to draw educated hypotheses of what is happening. For example, sugar is “le sucre” in French, “der zucker” in German, “cukier” in Polish, “cukr” in Czech, “cukor” in Hungarian, and (after I learned the Cyrillic alphabet on a train journey in Russia) “цукор” in Ukrainian. Suddenly grocery shopping around the world, and other normally routine tasks, become much less daunting. While I was living in Poland, this new skill helped me when my Ukrainian neighbor invited me for coffee because I don’t speak Ukrainian and only a little Polish, but I could piece together what she was saying when she was asking me how I wanted my coffee. For our deeper conversations, we had to pull out a translator. 

Even in places where one would least expect it, it seems there’s always a way to connect back to French. I taught business English for students at HSBC Service Delivery in Kraków, Poland. Most of my students work with colleagues or clients in France. They expressed how they sometimes struggled when communicating with their French counterparts because of cultural differences and communication styles. Even though both countries are considered to have a direct communication style, Polish people can come off as rude or disinterested while the French can seem invasive. A Polish person isn’t going to ask how you are, but a French person is going to be shocked when the response to that question from a Polish person goes into a story about the troubles they’re having that day. During their English lessons, I was able to draw on my knowledge of French language and culture to incorporate mini-lessons and help bridge some of these gaps they were experiencing with their French counterparts. When I was teaching conditionals, we talked about superstitions in Poland, France, the U.K., and the U.S. Also, much like La Table Française, I would frequently set aside 30 minutes during our 90-minute lessons to ask them open ended questions around a central theme. Since there are so many holidays from November through February, many of our discussions were based around those holidays. Although I quickly became the student during those discussions because of how eager my students were to share, I was able to talk about the similarities and differences we have from what I’ve experienced in the U.S. and France and what they shared about Poland. One example is Epiphany. I had never heard of this holiday in the U.S. In France, this day is seemingly celebrated throughout the entire month of January with the tradition of sharing “galette des rois” and crowning the finder of “la fêve” in the cake as the king of the day. In Poland, Epiphany is often celebrated with a parade, carols, and bringing items such as gold, amber, incense, or chalk to be blessed. Chalk is now the most common, with the consecrated chalk being used to write “C+M+B [Current Year]” or “K+M+B [Current Year]” on their door to signify that their house has been blessed.

In June 2023, I am returning to France as a student as well as a teacher. Ever since my study abroad experience, my goal has been to work in International Higher Education. I am interested in working in a role such as Student Services Coordinator or Program Manager at an organization like ISA Paris, CIEE, or at a university. Now with some international work experience on my CV, I intend to complete a Master’s in International Relations in France, where I plan to remain indefinitely. 

2015 - 2018

At NMU, my interests were in Earth Science and Soccer, where I was a member of the Women’s Varsity Soccer team. Beginning in 2015, I decided to pursue French out of interest in the culture and the thrill of learning to communicate in a new way. I would have never imagined that I would have the opportunity to put my French skills to the test. Currently, I am a master’s student at Michigan State University in the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences. At MSU, I study periglacial landforms; those related to areas close to glaciers that are subject to seasonal freezing and thawing. My graduate studies have taken me to areas where I used French regularly: Geneva, Switzerland, and Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France for the 5th European Conference on Permafrost in the summer of 2018.

At NMU, studying under Dr. Kupper required that I step outside of my comfort zone in science and immerse myself in the language and the history of francophone countries around the world. I made friends in my French classes that would come to be important study buddies as we “grew up” through the advancing courses. Experiences such as conducting French Camp at Sandy Knoll Elementary school are proudly cited on my academic CV now on into graduate school. 

At this time, I plan to finish my master’s degree in 2020 and then possibly pursue a Ph.D. in a geography-related field. I am incredibly grateful for my time studying French at NMU because it expanded my worldview and gave me access to opportunities and friends that I would not have had otherwise. But even more importantly, I see now that my French background is instrumental in my professional future. My advice for any undergraduate students thinking about pursuing a degree in French; no matter what your career aspirations are, a foreign language is never a bad tool to have in your back pocket. You never know when you may need it!

2013 - 2016

My studies in the French Program at NMU have helped me on the job market, and are instrumental in my continued studies at my home in Finland, and in my future career plans.  My strong language skills as well as cultural awareness, integral to every French classroom at NMU, were definitely an asset when I applied and was offered a position as a Delivery Manager for an IT consultant broker at my home in Finland. The company is Swedish-based with a large network of suppliers through Europe. I use French when contacting our French-speaking suppliers. Moreover, familiarity with French culture has helped me to understand and to communicate better with the French. For example, I know to expect no response after a national holiday, when it is common for the French to faire le pont.

I am also continuing my studies at the University of Helsinki, where I am working toward a Master’s degree in Global Politics and Communication, which includes taking French classes. I plan to study or work abroad at some point in my studies, preferably in a French-speaking country.  After graduation from University of Helsinki, I plan to work for an international NGO, such as the UN. My long-term plan includes applying to the training program for Finnish diplomats. It is a competitive program, in which language skills play a big role. However, I am confident that the French language and culture skills I gained in the French Program at NMU will help me succeed.

2010 - 2014

I currently play professional hockey in Lillehammer, Norway, a former Olympic city.  Many World Cup, World Championship, and winter sports events are still held here, with visitors from all over the world.  Because of my study with Dr. Kupper in the French Program at NMU, I don’t shy away from saying hi and starting conversation when I meet people speaking French, such as for example, professional athletes like skiers from France and snowboarders from Quebec.  I also find myself using French more with family and friends when I return home.  

I am taking lessons in Norwegian; and I think being fluent in French will help me learn.  Although Norwegian is different from French and English, it’s neat to see some correlations between the three languages.

I grew up in the bilingual town Notre Dame de Lourdes in Manitoba, Canada.  It is common in my town that with older residents the conversation would be mainly in French, and to walk into stores and to be greeted in French.  The younger generation use a mixture of French and English, switching back and forth.  In the schools in my town, half the classes are in French and half in English.  Therefore, it wasn’t often that I wrote or read French.  Although I spoke French from childhood, the French Program at NMU developed my reading and writing French, and provided me with a strong confidence for speaking the language with those I meet, family, and friends.

2009 - 2012

I cannot express how valuable having a background in French was to my work. French is used in many international organizations and is taught all over the world. I served in the Peace Corps Senegal, September 2012 to November 2014 as an Agroforestry volunteer in rural Senegal, West Africa. My work included the extension of improved Agroforestry technologies to rural Senegalese farming communities, leading trainings in tree nursery establishment, out-plantings, and assisting in fruit tree feasibility studies and fruit tree propagation techniques. My outreach consisted of local populations, collaborations with other Peace Corps volunteers, and international non-governmental organizations. The relationships I cultivated in Senegal were augmented by my base knowledge of the French language. From buying vegetables in the local market to working with international non-governmental organizations; the foundation that French provided allowed for a more fulfilling and productive experience.

In fall of 2016 I will begin a M.S. program in Environmental Science and Policy at Johns Hopkins University. Equipped with my education in French, I hope to incorporate a different perspective into my graduate degree and help bridge the gap between the scientific and international communities. Though the environmental problems that plague Senegal are unique to that region, desertification and the ramifications that accompany it are a global concern. Having an understanding of the French language, both from my time in the French Program at NMU and in the Peace Corps, will enable and encourage international collaboration to working towards a solution both in the United States and abroad.

2006 - 2010

In business, it’s all about relationship building, and speaking with partners in their native language creates a stronger business relationship. It shows you have taken the time to learn their language and they greatly appreciate it, allowing you to connect on a higher level.

I pursued a degree in French coupled with an International studies minor at NMU, and the benefits have been amazing in both my professional and personal achievements.  In my current job, where I have been the past five years, I advanced into the role of Global Event Manager and Corporate Governance Secretary for an international executive search network of 40 offices worldwide where my language skills have proven to be a necessity. I have used my French throughout the past 5 years in my role including for translation of website content as well as with partner level colleagues at our global meetings that I have planned and attended in over 10 countries.

During my studies at NMU, I only knew that I was passionate about learning the French language and culture, hoping someday to have a career utilizing the language skills and cultural knowledge I was working so hard to obtain. As graduation neared, I knew that in order to have a serious career, I would need either an internship or opportunity with direct hands-on experience exposing myself to the French language. My advisor and French language professor, Dr. Nell Kupper had recommended that I apply for the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) and so I took her recommendation and would have to say it was one of the best decisions I could have made and extremely advantageous to my future career path.  I spent one of the most memorable years in Lyon, France, teaching middle school students English all while strengthening my French language skills, exploring many small towns, being a gourmand in the gastronomic capital and learning valuable life lessons. I was living out my dreams as the French language had always fascinated me and each and every day I was surrounded by it learning all of its nuances.

Upon completion of the TAPIF program, I returned to the US to start looking for an entry level job in midst of a hard hit economy and global recession. While I decided to not embark on the teaching path but rather get into business, I found during the interviewing process the TAPIF experience on my resume was a great conversation piece and showed employers not only did I have proficiency in French but also that I had work experience abroad, providing to be invaluable.  Thinking back to my time at NMU and my passion to French, little did I know it would present such great career opportunities and I’m certainly happy I chose that path which I’m enthusiastic will lead to many more great global opportunities.

2006 - 2010

I have been assigned to a Sub-Saharan Africa Peace Corps post because of my French education at NMU.  I am embarking on a journey to Madagascar in March 2013, where I will be serving for two years as a Rural Environmental Food Security Advisor with the Peace Corps. French is their second official language next to Malagasy. I have been told that English is not well known in this country so I am looking forward to learning the Malagasy language as well as drawing on my French language to communicate. I have always wanted to visit Africa and have been intrigued by its vastness. I am really excited to start this new French journey, even as French has already been useful to me in my travels.

Speaking French helped me gain respect from the people we met in the summer of 2012, only two years after graduating from NMU, when I traveled to Rwanda for two weeks, where I visited a friend serving with the Peace Corps. I was able to communicate in French with some people in the capital and on several bus rides, as French is one of their official languages, along with Kinyarwanda. It was a very new experience for me to be in a place where I could not communicate in the local language. I felt very helpless, and the country nationals there seemed a bit disappointed that I did not speak Kinyarwanda, as my friend did. It was a very comforting feeling to have French as a means to communicate at my disposal.

Before my travels, I was a French student convert after studying Spanish for three years in high school. After my first year at NMU, I decided to take Dr. Kupper’s Cultural and Artistic Heritage of Europe (FR 438) course, which had a foreign study component, where we traveled to The Netherlands, Belgium, and France. The very next semester I found myself in French 101, and then continued my studies of French while at NMU.  Reflecting back to my education at NMU, I always remember feeling nervous to speak French in class, but I did not feel nervous in Rwanda. When I made a mistake or my pronunciation wasn’t perfect, they just corrected me politely and it wasn’t a big deal. I really wish I would have studied abroad in France when I was at NMU. I think it would have made me a much more confident speaker. I am hoping that my upcoming French experience in the Peace Corps in Madagascar will bring me even more confidence.

Update: May 2013

I passed my language proficiency test yesterday!  My dialect has quite a bit of French in it, which makes me happy.  In one week I will become an official Peace Corps Volunteer as up until now I have been a trainee.  We have a big swearing-in ceremony at one of the U.S. Embassy estates, which will be really fun.

I am currently located in Morarono or Foulpointe, Madagascar, and my house is twelve kilometers bike ride from a really nice beach town, with a 3-star resort.  Recently, as part of our training, we took a technical farming trip to a farm that makes chalk as a supplementary income project.  It was quite beautiful.

2005 - 2009

I am very thankful to have a BA in French from NMU because it has been essential to my personal success and professional achievement. Advanced language proficiency is absolutely vital to my current line of work as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State.  I entered the Department of State in 2014 with advanced knowledge in French and Vietnamese, both skills I obtained at NMU through rigorous French literature courses and a year-long study abroad in francophone Hanoi, Vietnam funded by the NSEP Boren Scholarship program.  Studying French at NMU helped me obtain the cross-cultural communication skills and foreign regional knowledge that advanced my career and helped me land a position representing the United States government overseas. As a diplomat, I also served at U.S. missions in Sao Paulo, Brazil and Guadalajara, Mexico. My next diplomatic mission will take me to the U.S. Embassy in Libreville, Gabon—one of the many Francophone African countries, where French language skills are essential. (2019 Update)

I am so thankful I studied French at NMU because it has been essential to my personal success and professional achievement. For me, French opened the door to the vast and vibrant Francophone culture that can be found throughout the world. I will never forget the day freshman year when my professor showed us Indochine, a French film set in colonial Vietnam. I was absolutely captivated by the scenery of terraced rice fields and sampans paddling alongside limestone karsts. At that point, I was determined to go to Vietnam. With guidance from my French professor and the NMU study abroad office, I applied for the NSEP Boren scholarship in 2007 that fully funded my year-long study abroad in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. 

I sincerely believe that speaking French strengthened my application because it showed my aptitude to learn a foreign language, as well as familiarity with the region’s history.  I studied abroad in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia  2007-2008.  During my time in Hanoi, I was pleased to discover that French is still very much alive in Indochina. Though the French left Vietnam decades ago, their influence still remains heavily engrained in architecture, cuisine and art, and much of the older generation still speak French fluently. Today, I continue to use my French and Vietnamese on a routine basis as an employee for the U.S. Defense Department. I can speak from experience that language skills are a key consideration for employers and a critical asset for professional development. French led me to Southeast Asia, but you never know where it might take you... Bonne chance et bon voyage! 

2019 Update:

I am very thankful to have a BA in French from NMU because it has been essential to my personal success and professional achievement.  Advanced language proficiency is absolutely vital to my current line of work as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State.  I entered the Department of State in 2014 with advanced knowledge in French and Vietnamese, both skills I obtained at NMU through rigorous French literature courses and a year-long study abroad in francophone Hanoi, Vietnam funded by the NSEP Boren Scholarship program.  Studying French at NMU helped me obtain the cross-cultural communication skills and foreign regional knowledge that advanced my career and helped me land a position representing the United States government overseas. As a diplomat, I also served at U.S. missions in Sao Paulo, Brazil and Guadalajara, Mexico. My next diplomatic mission will take me to the U.S. Embassy in Libreville, Gabon—one of the many Francophone African countries, where French language skills are essential.

2005 - 2009

Learning French has benefitted me in my career plans as an attorney, making me more marketable in my field. After graduating from NMU, I went to law school in Indianapolis, IN, and passed the bar exam this past fall. I am now a licensed attorney in the state of Illinois. Employers consistently ask if I speak another language when I apply for or interview for a position. When I can say “yes, I am proficient in French,” I get an edge on individuals who cannot function as the firm’s translator, when the need arises to converse or translate with a French-speaking client or witness. French has also allowed me to make new friends, further enjoy my hobbies, and travel with ease. French has led me to further explore my love for cooking, with fantastic recipes from the French culture, which I would never have ventured to try to eat, let alone cook, prior to immersing myself in French culture. I would encourage anyone interested in expanding their horizons to take up French, and participate in a study abroad in France through one of the NMU programs.

During my study abroad in Annecy, France, through the Institut Français des Alpes (IFALPES), I made friendships that I maintain to this day. Had it not been for all of us desiring to learn French, not only could I have trouble communicating with these friends, who do not speak English as their primary language, but I would never have met them in the first place. Had I let a language barrier and the Atlantic Ocean prevent me from my desire to visit the French Alps, I might have missed out on some of my favorite memories. Learning French also has aided me when I traveled back to France, as well as when I took a vacation to Montreal. During both trips, I often met individuals who only spoke French, and being able to ask and answer any question, without flipping through a translation dictionary, made those experiences that much more enjoyable.

2004 - 2009

French has been entirely fundamental in my career plans.  For the language skills themselves, which have proven to be absolutely necessary, but even more importantly because my experience through the French Program at NMU gave me the opportunity to discover my true passion.  I am currently a Ph.D. candidate (ABD) in Art History at the University of Texas – Austin.  In this particular area, French has been a key element in my graduate work, allowing me to read my sources, such as texts and other printed media in various archives.  In my field, and in many other disciplines, knowledge of two languages beyond English – is required at the Ph.D. level.  Many of my colleagues spend extra years in graduate school just to complete language requirements.  However, having taken French, among other languages, while at NMU, I was able to get through my graduate coursework in the minimum amount of time. 

I spent the academic year 2006-07 in Orléans, France, as part of the paid Teacher Assistantship program in France, about which I learned through the French Program at NMU.  As a Teacher Assistant, I taught English at a French lycée (high school).  I was responsible for teaching a few classes every week.  The rest of my work was devoted to independent study courses, which I coordinated with my supervising professor, Dr. Nell Kupper.  Actually living in the country, receiving a stipend, and being rather more on my own than in a study abroad program was perhaps the most formative, and enjoyable experience of my life.  I also developed friendships with people from France, England, and Germany, with whom I traveled quite a bit.  We went to Paris often, and even made an excursion to Nice for one week.  And it was while in France that I discovered my passion for Art History.  I will never forget being in the Musée du Louvre with my friends while living in France, and playing the tour guide to our little group.  As I spoke to them in front of the Mona Lisa, and several other visitors turned to pay attention to what I was saying, I knew that that was what I wanted to do with my life; study art and teach about its history.  I can say without a doubt that the French Program at NMU provided one of the main foundations from which I have been able to achieve all that I have so far.

2004 - 2008

We live in a global world, and it is unfortunate that people tend to forget that. No matter how far you stick your head in the sand, in our society, in the business world, and in general, we are constantly dealing with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.  In my work as Major Gifts Officer for United Way, I need to understand what people value and care about.  One's own culture is one's unique identity. Understanding the culture of the people you encounter helps you adapt and better relate to them. Understanding their background helps remove stereotypes and helps you
think differently about why they act and do things differently from you.

When I started French in high school is when I first began to understand the significance of cultural differences.  NMU course FR 438 Cultural and Artistic Heritage of Europe, taught in Holland, Belgium and France, further exposed me to the cultures of different countries before we even took off for trip to Europe.  Classroom presentations, literature, and discussion in the campus portion of the course, began to open my short sighted mind. Everyone was not the same and did not have similar values. This learning experience has been instrumental for my work.  

The large city where I now work is a melting pot. I interact with people from all over the world in different places, not only in business, but at restaurants, grocery stores, places of worship, and so many more. My experience in the French classroom encouraged me to continue to engage and learn more about other cultures. In my current role, I deal with people at different corporations, and engage with them about the impact they want to make on the community.  Recently, I had the opportunity to visit with business associate who was originally from Belgium. Because of FR 438 course, I understood the political, social, and linguistic divide between the Walloons and the Flemish.  Knowing the culture and their background created an environment of understanding and made the visit with the partner so much better.  I could competently meet with someone from Europe and find a common ground and discussion.

FR438 was a particularly important course to me and appreciated all that I gained from it.

2003 - 2008

Learning French has been critical in my life as a journalist. Working in a small-town newspaper, I can read the online editions of French papers, exposing me to a whole new angle of the news. I knew I had to study abroad to prepare me for the rest of life, which sounds kind of corny, but it is true that I gained a great level of confidence by living in France. Knowing I can survive in France gives me the confidence to be able to travel, should that ever become part of my career, and I hope it does. Even options like the Peace Corps are much more attractive having already broken out of the United States. 

My first experience traveling outside the United States was with FR 438 Cultural and Artistic Heritage of Europe, a summer course in the French Program at NMU, which consisted of two weeks on-campus lectures and then two weeks of travel to Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris, bien sûr. This class made the biggest impact on my life, I think, because it introduced me to the city of Paris. 

I began taking French in eighth grade, mostly because that was the only language available at that grade level. Later I realized that I was much more interested in French history than Spanish or Latin American history, so that kind of cemented my decision to keep on with the French in high school. That and the small problem of not being able to roll an “R” to save my life. Later I took an extra year of college for nine months of study abroad with the Council on International Educational Exchange in Rennes, France from September 2007 to June 2008.

Being from Marquette, my experience with big cities was limited at best, but the short introduction to Paris that I had during that FR 438 course was enough not only to teach me how to ride le Métro or to orient myself in the city that surrounds Notre Dame, but also to have the confidence to know that I could get where I wanted given a map and enough time, that being in a strange place didn’t necessarily mean I had to panic.

So at the end of my journalism and history classes (my majors), I decided to add a French major and another year to my college career and go abroad again. I knew France was where I wanted to go, and although I loved Paris, that the largest city in the country might not be the best place to learn the language. 

I decided to travel with a program for American students because I knew my French wasn’t yet good enough to survive direct enrollment in a French university without suffering a major breakdown. I picked CIEE because they provided on-site advisors and various activities and trips while in the host country, and although they were a bit more expensive than other programs, I feel like the cost was well worth it.

Rennes is in “la Bretagne,” a region in western France, near Normandy and kind of underneath England, which is how I usually describe it to people who have no idea what I’m talking about. Bretagne is a fairly unique region because up until fairly late (the early 1500s) it was its own country. So within the regular French culture, I also got to experience Breton life, with its history full of megaliths, dancing, dukes and the sea. Bretagne has the longest coastline of any French region and you can tell it, even when standing in the middle of Rennes, which is a 45-minute car ride from the nearest beach.

When you enroll in a CIEE program, you are set up with a host family within the country, and in my particular program, you take classes at a language center at the local university. My classes were designed for people who wanted to learn French as a second language, and although the Americans had the largest numbers as a group, they were joined by students from all over Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and Asia. My host family consisted of my host parents and their two daughters, ages 6 and 8 while I was living with them. They were the best part of my experience. No, sorry, they were THE BEST part of my experience. I was the seventh student they had hosted (but the first who stayed for a full academic year), but they still made sure to show me around their world. Sundays especially were our time to pile into the car with a couple baguettes sticking out of a backpack and wander through towns or hike along the ocean or through Brocéliande, the forest that gave birth to the King Arthur legend. And that’s not to say there weren’t some awkward moments or points where the girls made me hole up in my room in frustration. But they became like another branch of my American family and I miss them tremendously.

I think one important part of my attending NMU, in terms of study abroad, was that I had no trouble scheduling an entire academic year of study in France. Other Americans I met in France were trying to cram their entire experience in France into one semester, purely because their various schools wouldn’t let them take any more classes abroad. I am beyond thankful to NMU for not putting that sort of pressure on me. Truly you don’t start feeling remotely comfortable in a foreign country until at least the third month, which meant that most of the American students had to leave just when they were hitting their stride.

Everything they say about studying a language through study abroad is true: it is the most wonderful, frustrating, embarrassing, exhilarating, heart-wrenching, happiest experience, depending on the day. Do it, and do it for as long as you can. You will never regret it.

2003 - 2007

I double-majored in French and chemistry at NMU. From a practical perspective, the in-depth study of a foreign language honed my ability to critically analyze my statements for accuracy, clarity, and nuance, skills that are essential yet often overlooked in natural sciences. More broadly, my upper-level courses in French literature, film and culture, as well as a directed study of the social underpinnings of riots then occurring across France, forced me to reach beyond stereotypes (such as myths that the French are rude and hate Americans) and appreciate the complexity of foreign cultures, an immensely important ability in our ever-shrinking world. I believe my studies of French at NMU have greatly enriched my academic and personal pursuits, and will continue to do so.

My experience in a French-speaking area during or after my studies at NMU is limited to a 2004 course, FR 438 Cultural and Artistic Heritage of Europe with its trip to the Netherlands, Belgium and France. However, my wife, Lauren (who also participated in the FR438 course) and I hope to visit France (and possibly Belgium) again, perhaps after graduate school.

Alex went on to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he explains his “knowledge of French in particular enabled [him] to communicate and connect with francophone colleagues in [his] department until they became confident in their English skills”.

2003 - 2007

I count my decision to continue studying French in college as one of my most farsighted when I think of all the opportunities I would not have had without it.   One of these greatest opportunities was the time I spent studying abroad in Grenoble, France.  While my chosen field of study was able to place me in such an incredible area, my knowledge of the language also gave me the ability to communicate with my host family, classmates, professors, and the city inhabitants.  It also helped to get me out of some sticky situations.  It is an experience I can relive down the road in Francophone areas around the world.  

French has certainly expanded the range and power of my own language, which has boosted the confidence I’ve needed in key situations. Interviewers and management at my current career have asserted that my proficiency in French played a big factor in getting me noticed quickly.

I will always be grateful to the French program at NMU and Dr. Kupper in particular for challenging me to my greatest potential and showing support and confidence in me.

2001 - 2006

I would not change my French degree from NMU for anything. What we learned in the classroom pertaining to the French language and culture is not just limited to the country of France. I was able to use my French speaking skills and background in studying French during other NMU related trips including Costa Rica, Panama, and Italy. Studying French helped me understand other languages and customs. Since college I have also traveled throughout the Bahamas and Mexico, where again, the skills I had learned from my French classes at NMU largely added to my overall experience with interaction and comprehension of foreign countries. In my career I have used my French speaking skills to talk with coworkers and customers. 

While attending NMU and pursuing my French degree, I participated in FR 438, Cultural and Artistic Heritage of Europe, the study abroad course going to Amsterdam, Belgium, and France. During this trip I was able to actively expand and directly utilize my French-speaking skills and learn about different cultures. 

Being in Belgium and seeing how it all interacts was really neat. A fun, silly moment was going to the Belgium Comic Strip Museum in Brussels and really seeing how the comics we had come to enjoy way over in Marquette, Michigan were created, and the part they played in that entertainment industry. It was so amazing to see specific monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Sacre Couer, Monet’s garden, and so many other museums and buildings. 

One of the best moments was sitting along the Seine river at night, eating my crepe du sucre and watching Paris come to life. It was so surreal and just amazing to watch the painters and shopkeepers and Parisians living their everyday lives.

One of the most memorable moments of my travels was when a few of us were sitting on the worn stone steps of the town hall in the main square at night in Italy, and an Italian couple came up to us and asked directions to where the opera house was. Kind of without thinking I naturally responded (I had looked through a small guidebook on the airplane ride over) in passable Italian! Knowing the similarities of the Italian language to my French enabled me to hold a conversation with native Italians. My friends that I was sitting with just looked at me in amazement and were like “That was so cool!” It’s the little things like this that make me so thankful for my French background. I have met so many amazing people from these foreign trips offered through Northern that I still keep in touch with and have become so much closer to the friends that I traveled with. 

I am currently teaching the French language to my two nieces and it’s so amazing to hear them say certain words in French. I have plans to take some friends and family members to French speaking countries and I cannot wait to show them what I have seen and learned from my travels with Northern Michigan University and gain new experiences and memories. When I tell people that I am fluent in French they always say that they wish they could speak a second language and I am so thankful that the French Program at Northern was able to provide me with such profound learning and fantastic experiences.

2001 - 2006

Foremost, knowing French helped me get into graduate school at Northern Illinois University as I already have completed one of the requirements for my degree, and it reflected well that I am traveled, and that I have the skills necessary to learn a language.

French has helped me in my career as I am gaining my master's degree in global history, with the aim of studying gender history in Islamic North Africa.

Knowing French is vital to completing the research I will need to do in my field, since I will not necessarily be able to rely on translated evidence. I plan on focusing on Moroccan history in particular, and as a former French colony, many of the historical documents I will be looking at will be in French.  As a historian, it's very important to look at primary sources, and proficiency in French is a tool that allows that.   Also, knowing another language lends more legitimacy to the study of history, as it demonstrates someone who is well informed.

Before being accepted to graduate school, I studied at NMU with a dual degree in French and Political Science.  While at NMU I did a study abroad program in Montpellier at a language institute named I.L.A. from September-December 2005.  The institute employed native French professors, but the students were all international students, lending an atmosphere of diversity and mutual learning.  The curriculum was especially interesting because of the small classes (10 people or less).  We also had a chance to analyze current events from the French perspective.  While there, I lived with a family, including three other international students.  Because my courses were language intensive, and only in the mornings, I was able to experience quite a lot of the culture in southern France, including travel through the Languedoc-Rousillion region.

2000 - 2005

I found that my marketability in international business has been directly affected by my ability to communicate in French, which played a large role in my being hired into the internal audit department at TRW Automotive, an international company. If I did not speak French I would not have this job.  This company simply does not hire people who speak only one language.

I work for TRW Automotive in the internal audit department since June 2008, and we travel to all the plants throughout the world.  I actually do a lot of travel for my job.  We are gone up to 75% of the time, so life gets pretty busy.  I of course get to go to most of our French audits, which is great.  I have been sent to France to conduct internal audits of different plants in France, each time for a three-week period.  In addition to performing audits, my role in France is also to facilitate communication between my team members and the local staff at our French plants.  The last time I was in France I was amazed at how well I was conducting business in French (even though most people at the plants speak English).  I'm sure I will catch up to that again soon by the time I leave here.  I actually feel very much at home in Europe; it is almost addictive to visit.  I will probably spend two more months this summer in Europe (one in Germany and one in France or Italy).   

It is a shame more Americans do not pick up languages in college.  My colleagues from our Italian offices all know at least 3 languages.  It's amazing.  

2000 - 2005

I studied French for four years at NMU. The French language has indirectly been in my life since I turned two through the study of ballet. This was the reason I chose to study French over Spanish or German when it came time to pick a language in high school. My grasp of the French language and culture also helped me during my study abroad in Italy. Knowing French made picking up the Italian language much easier!  This was extremely helpful since many of the students and professors only spoke Italian.  There were also French students mixed in with the American and Italian students. I was one of few who could communicate with them in French whenever there was a language barrier. 

At NMU, as a student who could not take an entire semester for a study abroad, I traveled with Dr. Kupper on the FR 438 summer course entitled Cultural and Artistic Heritage of Europe.  I could not have asked for a better experience! 

In the summer course I developed a deep appreciation for the artists of France, specifically Degas, Rodin, and Toulouse-Lautrec (being a dancer, this connection is quite obvious).  I was given the opportunity to complete an independent study on the works of these artists, focusing on how their lives in France, particularly Paris, influenced their art.  I still have drawings, paintings, and photos in my apartment and dance studio by these artists that are a reminder of my travels through their inspirational landscapes.

While traveling through France, Belgium, and the Netherlands with Dr. Kupper and our small group of students I learned more than just the French language.  I learned about the day to day culture, arts and artists, and architecture of France.  I also learned how to navigate in a foreign country (which proved helpful when I moved New York City after graduating from NMU- very similar to a foreign country).  I felt comfortable enough with mass transit and the language to venture out on my own in Paris and attend a performance of the Paris Opera Ballet at the Opera Bastille. I was even able to maneuver Printemps (a department store in Paris) well enough to purchase a pair of beautiful Parisian ballet flats (which I still wear and love to this day)! We were fortunate enough to have a great group of travelers and the size of the group (about 15 students) was ideal!  It allowed us to bond with each other and Dr. Kupper to really enjoy the experience.  

Since graduating with my French degree from NMU, I have continued my study of ballet at New York University where I completed my Master’s Degree in Dance Education.  Currently, I am in the process of becoming certified to teach the American Ballet Theatre’s National Training Curriculum, which is based in French ballet terminology.  While at the certification workshop this past summer in New York, I met two representatives from Paris Opera Ballet and was able to communicate with them in their native language, as well as connect with them, as I had been fortunate enough to see their company perform while I was in Paris with Dr. Kupper.

I have now visited France 3 times!  I have traveled to Paris, through Eastern and Southern France on a river cruise, and around the Mediterranean with stops in Cannes, Nice, and the principality of Monaco.  Traveling through Europe and being immersed in the French language and culture while in the NMU French Program gave me the confidence to continue my travels abroad with friends and family, as well as on my own.  Somehow, I even mustered up the courage to fly to Italy on my own for a study abroad with New York University in Genoa.  

2000 - 2004

French was a key to pursuing my dreams and I know that I wouldn't be where I am today without it. With my dual degree in French and Marketing from NMU, I was accepted to ESMOD - Paris, into a fashion marketing /merchandising/ communicating program. If I hadn't pursued French at NMU, I never would have had the opportunity to study in Paris, one of the fashion capitals of the world. I feel very fortunate to be where I am - watching the new Spring 09 Anna Sui collection go down the runway at fashion week last week reminds me of how hard I worked and how my French studies landed me where I am today!

French has always held a special place in my heart having lived in Paris when I was very young. My mother is a language teacher so I feel that I have always been taught to value language and the opportunities that it can provide. I did a study abroad program between my sophomore and junior year at NMU - it was an intensive 3-month French program at IFALPES, located in Chambery. I stayed with a host family, which I would highly recommend - they spoke no English, so that was an added bonus for me since it definitely forced me to make the effort.  After graduating from NMU, I didn't know what I wanted to do, but knew that I was interested in fashion. It seemed out of my reach somehow - I guess because the fashion industry often comes across as a glamorous, out of reach industry.  

At ESMOD-Paris, all of my classes were in French, and although I felt confident in my speaking abilities, the first week of classes I just remember being physically exhausted from the sheer concentration of listening, taking notes, comprehending, etc.

I really enjoyed my coursework and the hands on approach - for example, merchandising class projects included doing analyses on different boutiques, such as Lanvin and Colette. While living in Paris, I did two internships - one was a short-term sales internship at the men's Yves Saint Laurent boutique, on rue Faubourg St. Honoré, the second was a 4-month internship at Richemont, a luxury fashion group, known primarily for their watch and jewelry brands, such as Cartier. 

I participated in editing studies on consumer behavior and the luxury market in China as well as one for India. These studies were in French, and included a lot of psychological and cultural interpretations of the sociologist who worked on the study. It was a rewarding challenge being able to translate what they meant from French into English. Probably the best compliment I received while living in Paris was that no one could guess that I was American when I was speaking French!

That experience afforded me very rich internship opportunities, and I actually met the VP of Sales of Anna Sui in Paris. I assisted her with her sales when she came to Paris for a few seasons, and she was the one that suggested I try New York after my studies wrapped in Paris. After working for a month and a half in the Anna Sui boutique in the Soho neighborhood in New York, there was an opportunity open at the corporate office, as Assistant to the President. Under his guidance and mentorship, I became exposed and understood the daily operations of the company, the ins and outs of the industry, working with international distributors, licensees, handling counterfeit cases - it brought me so much more than I expected! I have worked at Anna Sui for two and a half years now; my boss has just recently retired, but my position had morphed into much more while working for him. A year and a half ago I was promoted to Director of HR & Administration, as well as still acting as an assistant to the Executive Office.

I can't stress enough how important it is to take advantage of a study-abroad program or any intensive, total immersion program. Of course with anything, you get out what you put in. 

Update from Layla, March 7, 2009

Due to difficult economic times that also effected the fashion industry, Layla was laid off from her position at Anna Sui in the end of December of 2008, but because of her skills and experience in the international arena, she received the very prominent position, of which she speaks below within just two months. Layla told us:

For those of you who haven't heard, I got a new job! On March 16, I'll be starting at Scripps Networks, home of Food Network, HGTV, DIY, Fine Living Network, etc. I'll be an Executive Assistant to the President and Vice President of the International Division. I'm so excited as it sounds like a very dynamic and exciting opportunity with room for growth and great benefits to boot!