French Program

French Faculty

Dr. Leahy enjoys organizing many events and activities which enrich the classroom experience of her students, such as film festivals, French Tables, and performance opportunities. These offer the students additional exposure to French culture and language and create a sense of community for French students on campus.

French Program Advising

French classes at SUU, what they cover and how to place yourself in French at SUU.

If you feel you have had a rigorous high school program and are conversant in the tenses and moods mentioned above, or have spent a considerable amount of time living in a French speaking country, or with any other questions, please email leahy@suu.edu or perez@suu.edu for advising or with questions.

Why Study French

Besides enhancing future travel and enjoyment of the arts, there are many professional reasons to learn French while at the university.

According to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "Throughout the world today, there are a little over 180 million French speakers (whose native or second language is French) and 82.5 million people learn French as a foreign language in their national educational systems, and 650,000 of them, through networks of French cultural and educational overseas bodies."

An excerpt from the Website of the Modern Language Association:

Did you know that studying a second language can improve your skills and grades in math and English and can improve entrance exam scores — SATs, ACTs, GREs, MCATs, and LSATs? Research has shown that math and verbal SAT scores climb higher with each additional year of foreign language study, which means that the longer you study a foreign language, the stronger your skills become to succeed in school. Studying a foreign language can improve your analytic and interpretive capacities.

From the Website of the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages

Today as a classical singer of over 25 years, I can usefully sing in a number of foreign languages — Italian, French, German, Russian, Czech, even Ajerbaijani — but oh, to dream in another language! That would be the fullest measure of language mastery. Bravissimo, ACTFL! Here's my standing ovation for your dedication as "parents" of this big, beautiful, polylinguistic world in fostering not only the sounds of other languages but also the sense, the very soul of them, and all the cultural wonders they bestow upon us as human beings."

While many people maintain that English is the language of choice for conducting international business, it is nevertheless true that learning the language and culture of international business partners is seen as going the extra mile, as making an effort to meet people halfway, and often these little gestures help to strike a business deal or win out over others who haven't made that effort. Knowledge of French in fact prepares students to compete in the global economy and enhances career opportunities in many fields. Without being exhaustive, here are some examples of potential careers and future employers. Pairing a French major with a second major such as Art History, Political Science, English, History, Biology, Business, and Economics makes students more marketable.

French

• High School French teacher
• Translator/ Interpreter
• Linguist
• Military Translator/Interpreter
• College Professor
• Diplomat/ Attach/ Foreign Service Officer, Officer Intelligence Specialist
• Non Governmental Organization (abroad)
• Peace Corps

French/English

• English Instructor Abroad
• Editor/ Proofreader
• Book Publishing Professional
• Journalist: Official Foreign correspondent

French/Arts

• Opera singer
• Curator
• Film/ subtitles writer
• Organizations in the art & fashion worlds

French/Business

• Banking and Finance
• Public Relations
• Foreign Exchange Trader
• International Business in Sales & Marketing

French/Legal Studies

• Court translator/Interpreter
• International Law
• Court translator / interpreter

French/Travel & Hospitality

• Travel agent
• Hotel positions

French/ Sciences

• Nurses, Doctors working in emerging countries
• Parks & Recreation

French Program Alumni

"Why study French? The reason that I decided to study it is because I love people. I had already begun my studies in Spanish and I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of different views and lifestyles. French has shown me that. I am Jacob Thompson, a 21-year-old senior from Fillmore Utah, a country boy from Hickville. I first got a taste of French when my sister studied it in high school. We would fight over which was better Spanish or French. I decided then that I hated French culture, people, and even their food. Because I took a French class for fun, I realized that I could not give this up. I remember sitting in class the third day of school. "There is no way that I could live without French in my life." I thought to myself. That is why I made it my Major! Even though my future is uncertain, I plan to go live in France for a time. I might either teach French later on in life or I might decide to be a translator. I love speaking, reading, writing, and listening to others in French. It's the best feeling in the world. Nothing tops it! Nothing!"

- Jacob Thompson

"My name is Zack Olsen and I am from Kaysville, Utah. I am 23 years old and am married to Bailey Olsen. My interest in French is stemmed from my serving an LDS Mission to Montréal Québec. After coming home from my mission I had a great desire to continue my learning in French. I have absolutely loved acquiring a better understanding and knowledge of French. I will be receiving a minor in French and am majoring in Accounting, and I hope to be able to use my French in the business world. "

- Zack Olsen