Why Study French at K?
At K, you do not just learn French; you immerse yourself in the culture through study aboard, departmental activities, and engaging courses.
Studying French at K is so much more than just learning the language. With the availability of e-translators, the goal of contemporary French learning has evolved beyond grammatical knowledge to encompass new skills on how to think, understand, and grow both professionally and within your own life.
K offers a French Major and French Minor.
The department empowers you to learn the language through culture; from the Antilles to Quebec, from Africa to the Indian Ocean, there is a breadth of global traditions and cultural productions to draw from. Through courses like French Pronunciation, Creative Writing in French, Professional French, Afro-Perspectives, and Advanced Literature and Cultural Studies, you will explore how Francophone studies intersect with other disciplines: political science, history, sociology, science, art, etc.
Outside of the classroom, you have opportunities to practice your French with our native-speaking teaching assistants who host language labs and fun activities, such as café talks, film nights, field trips, and swearing nights for uncensored learning. Kalamazoo College is also a top school for study abroad, with with students of French getting to immerse themselves in the language and culture with programs in Strasbourg and Clermont-Ferrand, France as well as Dakar, Sénégal..
The global awareness, language, and critical thinking skills developed in the French department set the foundation for you to have a successful career. Notably, our alumni work in international trade and organizations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization, high school and college instruction, publishing, science, international banking and other fields.
What can you do with a French and Francophone Studies degree?
Below are some of the careers, employers, and graduate schools of our French alumni.
Careers
- French/English Teacher
- Foreign Service Officer
- College Advisor
- Attorney
Employers
- Teaching Assistant Program in France
- Americorps
- ACLU of Illinois
- U.S. Department of State
Graduate Schools
- Oxford University
- Columbia University
- University of Strasbourg
- Wayne State University
Meet the Current Departmental Student Advisor
Estelle Metz
Majors: French and Business
Study Abroad: Strasbourg, France
Best Adjective to Describe You: Spunky
What drew you to the department?
The wonderful staff and faculty! Every French professor and TA is amazing, everyone is so supportive of one another. They create a comfortable environment to try your best and not feel embarrassed if you make a mistake.
What is the best thing about being a part of your department?
The department is close and tight knit and I’ve made many friends in it.
What has been your favorite class at K?
19th Century Philosophy with Chris Latiolais. This class has been profoundly life changing. Not only was the course material profound, but the small class size allowed for extremely engaging conversation and a true family that was created in those 10 weeks.
What is your favorite thing about K?
Small class sizes and professors that actually know you.
How have you taken advantage of the flexible curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
I have taken courses in classics, history, art, and more.
What is your Senior Integrated Project (SIP)?
Internship Reflection and Analysis at Morgan Stanley (Business SIP)
What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
After K I would like to work corporate, hopefully at a French/Francophone company in either wealth management or customer relations.