Foreign Languages Alumni Profiles
What is it like to study French Language and Literature at Guilford?
Small classes with an emphasis on classroom discussion and analytical dissection of texts. The French department at Guilford gives an impressive amount of individual attention to students—taking advantage of the small classes and individual attention has many benefits. It isn’t the kind of program where you can slip through the cracks.
What do you enjoy most about working with the French faculty?
I’ll be honest, that the idea of spending eight semesters with the same professor was a bit daunting at first. In the end, I really appreciated the kind of relationships I was able to build because the program was so small. Maria always had her door open to students. She even had us over to her house for French dinners.
What special opportunities have you had while at Guilford i.e., studying abroad, research, other travel?
I studied abroad in Montpellier, France while at Guilford. It was a program through the University of Minnesota, but I received credit through Guilford. While Guilford’s study abroad programs are limited, they allow all sorts of credits to transfer from other schools and programs.
With the help of the French faculty members at Guilford, I was able to get a position teaching in France after graduating. The faculty wrote me letters of recommendation and gave me so much valuable advice about the job and living in Paris.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about studying French at Guilford
Really, I am just so grateful for the education I got at Guilford—and especially in the French department. The experience was a blessing.