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Global Cultures & Languages

French

Why study French at UWL?

  • Join a unique program: Our new curriculum includes practical courses suited to complement all disciplines. While proposing interdisciplinary courses, we foster the ability to communicate in French and to relate to other cultures. 
  • Travel the world for the cost of in-state tuition: Use your financial aid to study abroad in a French-speaking country. You can also attend French universities through our direct-exchange programs or do an internship in Senegal! 
  • Stand out on the job market: Develop communication skills, teamwork, leadership, an orientation to detail, and empathy. These are amongst the soft skills employers are looking for. 
  • Get individual attention: With an average class size of 15, you are sure to improve your skills as you receive individual learning and one-on-one advising.  
  • Be part of a community: Join the Conversation Partner program, the French club, or the French Honor Society; interact with native speakers of French and get to know your professors. Join a dynamic cohort of students and create new friendships!  

New classes at UWL

  • Use your French to discover health, scientific innovation, the environment, and so much more in FRE 337 - French 3.0: Sciences & Technology!
  • Explore various types of marginality in the French-speaking world in English, and earn credit for both your French major/minor and Gen Ed Literature requirement in FRE 395.

French program resources

Study abroad programs

French Club information

News

An article in the UWL Campus Connection highlights how professional skills and experiences are built into the classrooms of our French program. Read more about how our courses prepare students for careers here.

Dr. Anna Keefe organized the French Film Festival, a rich cultural opportunity brought together UWL and the La Crosse community around French cinema, in February 2019. The GCL Department hosted a virtual film series in 2021, and in 2023, we hosted a new film series titled Women's Voices in French and Francophone Cinema. The French Film Festival will return in Spring 2025. Follow us on Instagram (@uwlgcl) for updates.

In Spring 2024, Dr. Dany Jacob facilitated an International Francophone Day Expo with exhibits of student works from past French courses in and around the Language Resource Center.

Fast facts:

  • French is the 5th most spoken global language in the world with more than 300 million speakers!
  • It is the only language spoken on ALL continents, aside from English.
  • It is the official language in 32 states and governments.
  • 59% of individuals who speak French daily live in Africa.
  • French is the second most taught foreign language after English.
  • It is the 3rd most used language in business, and 4th most used on the Internet.

Check out www.diplomatie.gouv.fr for information!

15,000 jobs have been created by French companies in WI and MN!

How can French apply to me and what I know?

Article "The Liberal Arts Majors That Pay The Most" from the Wall Street Journal (May 15th 2014)

How much English is borrowed/derived from French? (More than you would think!)

The French Language is growing in popularity

The percentage of global French speakers could from 3 percent to 8 percent by 2050.

The Department of French and Italian at the University of Wisconsin-Madison published an article explaining that "French is back on the rise." You can read it here.

French majors and minors graduating in May 2019. Félicitations!

French majors and minors graduating in May 2019. Félicitations!

 

Hannah Cowan, French with a Business Concentration major and International Studies minor, received a Student Excellence Award from the College of Liberal Studies. Bravo, Hannah!

Hannah Cowan

 

Senior Haley Maus, French/Econ double major, presenting her capstone at UWL Research & Creativity Symposium in April 2019.

Senior Haley Maus, French/Econ double major, presenting her capstone at UWL Research & Creativity Symposium in April 2019.

 

French majors and minors graduating in December 2018. Félicitations!

French majors and minors graduating in December 2018.

 

UWL students studying abroad in Caen in summer 2018.

UWL students studying abroad in Caen in summer 2018.

See what students have to say!

“What is the most enjoyable part of studying French at UWL?” 

“I really enjoy the atmosphere that comes with learning this language. The teachers are easy to communicate with if you don’t understand something and they are always willing to help with anything you need. I love going to class and actually want to be present and truly understand the material.”   

“The learning environment is very accepting of people, regardless of skill. The professors make the language and culture very fun to learn about.”   

“The interaction in the classroom. I like that when we come to class, it is all in French.”  

“Getting to know other students in the program. In language classes, you work your way through the language with the same people you got to know in beginning classes. To practice the language, you work in small groups and have conversations that make it easy to get to know others.”    

"What would you say to students who are considering studying French here?”  

“Do it! You will get to know your professors and fellow French classmates super well, and will get the individualized help and practice that you need. It’s a very relaxed yet effective environment.”   

“There are a lot of things in place to help support studying languages here at UWL. Conversation Partners is a great program that helps with speaking French and building confidence. There is also a really strong support system for students studying French and other languages. Many of my friends are studying a second language because it allows for so many more job opportunities so you will not be the only one pursuing a degree in a second language.”