French and Francophone studies

As an Earlham French and Francophone studies student, you will develop a critical understanding of cultural differences, analyze complex literary and visual texts, and make connections to French-speaking communities, particularly in France, the Caribbean and Africa.

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90%
of work seekers who majored in the humanities between 2018-2022 were employed, pursuing graduate school or volunteering within six months of graduation.
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Teaching
Our alumni have an excellent record of being accepted to teach English in France through TAPIF (Teaching Assistant Program in France) offered by the French Ministry of Education and the Cultural Services of the French Embassy.
Outcomes

Recent graduates are pursuing advanced degrees in library science at Simmons University and French at University of Victoria. Alumni have also pursued advanced degrees in a variety of fields, including teaching, international trade, law, linguistics and administration at universities such as the University of Arizona, Louisiana State University and Indiana University-Bloomington, to name a few.

Exploring diversity through language

The Department of French and Francophone Studies offers a wider variety of immersive experiences where French is a lingua franca. Our students, language assistants and professors enjoy practicing the language while they explore the culture.

Immersive living and learning

On-campus immersion and learning through interaction, cultural events and activities are led by our native French and Francophone studies language assistant and interaction with our French language-speaking national and international students.

Off-campus study

Our semester-long off-campus study program in France offers you the chance to fully immerse yourself in the French language and French and Francophone cultures.

More about off-campus programs

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Our faculty

Our faculty have strong personal connections to France, Senegal, Haiti, Martinique, Benin, The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire. They enhance your experience on study abroad trips and will help you find jobs or internships.

Frequently asked questions

The Department of French and Francophone Studies prepares you to speak, read, write and explore the literature and cultures of France and the Francophone world of Africa and the Caribbean.

Our graduates pursue advanced degrees in a variety of fields, including teaching, educational leadership, tourism, cultural heritage, filmmaking, artists, writers, Peace Corps, international relations and trade, law, linguistics, business and administration.

Career paths of alumni include law, teaching at all levels, editing books in translation and international relations. Pursuing advanced degrees in French language and French and Francophone studies.

Language majors have interned at museums, cultural centers, nonprofits and businesses all over the world.

Learn more about available programs via our Center for Global and Career Education.

Through our 3+1 Education Program, you can earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) and teaching license—all in just nine semesters.

You’ll leave Earlham with two degrees, licensed to teach grades 5-12 in Indiana. (And it’s easy to transfer your license to other states—many of our graduates do!)

Learn more about our 3+1 program.

Students who major in French and Francophone studies are interested in sharpening their communication skills and developing a global perspective.

If you are interested in working in a global setting, whether through international business, nonprofit work or as an educator, interpreter or translator, the French and Francophone studies program may be the right fit for you.

Next steps

EARLHAM ALERT:
We continue to monitor the effects of an industrial fire 1.1 miles from campus.
EARLHAM ALERT:
We continue to monitor the effects of an industrial fire 1.1 miles from campus.