French Studies at Furman

Seabrijn’s General Education Requirements:

Hey everyone! My name is Seabrijn and I am a rising junior and a French and English double major from Newnan, Georgia. As a Furman student, you must complete 19 General Education Requirements (GERs) before you graduate.. These GERs span from various fields of study, including Mind & Body, Human Behavior, Historical Analysis, etc.

 

Among these courses, my all time favorite has been the foreign language requirement. In high school, I loved taking French, as it allowed me to blend my passion for travel with my education. However, I was uncertain if I could continue studying French in college. This uncertainty was resolved in my freshman year when I was placed into the Intermediate French language course with Dr. Brown and Dr. Salmon. 

Declaring French as a Major:

The Intermediate French course offered much more than just language instruction, it provided a pathway to include my love for French and travel during my time at Furman. As a result, I decided to declare a French major alongside my English major. Since then, I have taken French Conversation, Composition, and Visions du Cosmos. These classes have significantly enhanced my global awareness, as well as my conversational and written proficiency in French. 

French Outside of the Classroom:

 

The impact of the French major at Furman extends beyond the classroom. The French department regularly hosts events to engage students in conversations and cultural activities. For instance, I have attended cheese tastings and crepe-making events, where I improved my French proficiency while getting the chance to sample French cuisine. I have also participated in off-campus events organized with the French-speaking community in Greenville, providing me the opportunity to use my French in real-life settings and network with professionals to learn how they utilize the language in their careers. 

Mentorship in the French Department:

One of the most impactful experiences within the department has been getting to know Clara Comet, the language house assistant who organizes weekly French activities. From French-speaking dinners in the dining hall to grammar lessons, Clara has been an excellent mentor. She has also has shared valuable tips and tricks about living in Rennes, France, where I am currently studying abroad with the French department. In Rennes, I will take three classes at the Université de Rennes and an architecture class with Dr. Brown, the Furman faculty member accompanying our trip. Additionally, I am living with a host family to immerse myself in the culture and language fully.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given through studying French at Furman, and I’m so excited to study in France for the entire Fall semester!