The Department of French Studies is encouraging students not only to learn French, but to live it as well.
The French dormitory is a section of Highland Hall where interested students can improve their language skills and coexist with others that share their passion for French culture, said Nicole Boudreau, the French dorm coordinator.
Boudreau described the residents as “Francophiles,” or people that admire France or anything that is French.
“Residents of the dorm get together to play games, do homework, watch films, listen to guest speakers and get to know each other en français,” said Boudreau.
The program is not new.
Eight students lived in the French section of Highland Hall this year, Boudreau said. Registration for next year currently is underway.
Students enrolled in French courses were enthusiastic about the opportunity to live in the French dorm. Many expressed interest in participating in the program next semester.
“When I am in class everyday practicing the language, learning French seems very natural to me,” said Elizabeth Raymond, a communication disorders freshman and student in French 1001.
“But, if I am not practicing my French, I get rusty,” Raymond said. “It was hard to even come back after Spring Break when I only spoke English for a week. If I lived in a place where I could constantly be surrounded by French, my grasp of the language would be so much better.”
Baker Wardlaw, a French sophomore, sees benefits beyond language mastery in the program.
“There are so many aspects about French culture that are fascinating, but due to limited classroom time, cannot be taught,” Wardlaw said. “I am really interested in the opportunity to see French films especially. Living in the French dorm is probably the next best thing to actually going to the country.”
Boudreau agreed that immersion in the language was beneficial.
“It is very advantageous for those who are interested and willing to practice their French [to have] roommates that generally share their interest,” Boudreau said. “It’s a great way to practice French and have fun.”
Students who want pricing and registration information about the French dorm can contact Jill Walter, Residential Life assistant manager, at [email protected].