French Minor

Traditional Undergraduate

Language study opens the way to understanding and communication with various peoples, cultures, civilizations and literature.

The French minor is perfect for those with a love for French language and culture. It is also helpful for those who are serious about business or world affairs. In today’s increasingly competitive market, international communication is a clear necessity. French is not only the second most widely learned foreign language after English, it is also the sixth most widely spoken language in the world, spoken by more than 300 million people in over 650 countries

Guidance and opportunity

Hiram College believes that immersion is an important part of learning the language. The College invites international students from French-and Spanish-speaking universities to serve as on campus teaching assistants, providing students with opportunities to practice speaking their language of study in real-life, informal situations.

Hiram faculty lead trips to France regularly, which provide students with opportunities to fully immerse themselves in the language and culture, while living with host families. Students can also take shorter study-abroad trips to France and other locations during the 3-week term. One trip examines “The Ethics of Food” in France. Students visit Paris, Provence and Brittany to explore olive groves, vineyards, traditional markets and more.

Students can also join the student-run French Club which organizes French-related activities such as “Pause-Café,” where students, faculty and staff gather to practice their French conversation skills; field trips to the ballet, Cirque du Soleil, French operas, local exhibits and more; social events such as crepe parties; and outreach to local high school French classes.

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Ella W. Kirk, Ph.D.

Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
Professor of French

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