French

Welcome to the French program at Transylvania University, where passion for language meets curiosity and intellectual adventure. Here, we develop proficiency in the French language and dive into the rich tapestry of French and Francophone literature, culture, history and thought. Transylvania offers many opportunities for students including generous research funding and scholarships, immersive May term travel courses and unique summer internships in Normandy, France. Join us to unlock the full potential of your French studies and embark on a transformative journey that extends far beyond the classroom.

Now is the perfect time to study French — a language that opens doors worldwide and offers a distinct edge in today’s global job market. More importantly, French pairs seamlessly with a wide range of majors and minors, making it an ideal choice for students seeking to broaden both their intellectual horizons and professional prospects. 

Many students choose to double major or minor in French alongside fields like business, political science, psychology, economics, biology, art history, exercise science and more, leveraging their language skills to stand out in competitive job markets and graduate programs. 

Whether you’re aiming to work abroad, engage in international business or simply want to deepen your understanding of the world, combining French with another discipline offers flexibility, versatility and a proven advantage in today’s interconnected world.

Douglas and Marilyn Cardwell French Scholarship Fund

The Cardwell Study Abroad Scholarship at Transylvania is an endowed scholarship available for Transy students to study at a university anywhere in the French-speaking world. This generous scholarship provides up to $16,000 per student to study up to one year abroad. This scholarship is in addition to other Transylvania awards, financial aid and loans. For more information, contact the French program or director of global and intercultural engagement.

The Cardwell French Language Scholarship at Transylvania awards up to $1,500 per year to outstanding incoming and current students. Award recipients take at least one French class per year (French level 3 or above) and meet with the director of global and intercultural engagement once per semester. A major or minor in French is not required. Prospective student applications are due Jan. 15.

Summer Internships in France

For the past 30 years, at least one of our French majors or minors has received a summer internship in Normandy, France, through the Lexington Sister Cities Commission. There are a wide variety of internships to choose from including the newly created Franciscaines Cultural Center in Deauville along with the Bayeux Tapestry Museum, Paleospace Museum, Castle of William the Conqueror, Youth Childhood Services and more. You will perfect your French in stimulating cultural settings while also expanding your professional skills. 

Student Research Grants

Our French program is committed to supporting faculty-guided student research in French-speaking countries and regions. Working closely with faculty mentors, you will have the opportunity to design and pursue original research projects abroad, while becoming immersed in Francophone cultures. To make these experiences accessible, Transylvania offers generous funding — up to $4,000 — to help cover travel, lodging and other essential expenses. This support has empowered Transy students to conduct meaningful research on site in France, West Africa, Quebec, Martinique and other parts of the French-speaking world. 

May Term Travel Opportunities for Students of French

Imagine exploring the vibrant streets and museums of Paris, cycling the backroads of beautiful Provence, or visiting the breathtaking castles of the French Loire Valley — all alongside expert faculty who bring French language and culture to life. Our faculty-led travel courses offer immersive, hands-on learning in French-speaking regions around the world, combining classroom study with unforgettable real-world experiences. Our recent May term courses include Renaissance! The Rebirth of Humanist Thought — with stops in Florence, Paris and six-days of cycling through the Loire Valley — and Transy’s Tour de France, where students learn the history and culture of Provence while cycling through fields of lavender and Roman ruins, culminating in the famous ride up Mount Ventoux. Another course is Paris at the Crossroads of the Ancient and the Modern — combined with art history, it offers a unique and unforgettable immersive experience in the City of Light.

Contacts

Brian Arganbright,
Professor of French

859-233-8782

Transylvania University
300 North Broadway
Lexington, KY 40508-1797

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