French

Explore the French culture through literature and media while developing skills in oral communication, grammar, and composition.

French at STU 

French courses at STU are designed for Anglophone, Francophone, and bilingual students of various levels of proficiency. In our small classes, you will get to know your peers and professors as you perfect your reading, speaking, and writing skills.  

 

A Stream in Romance Languages 
French is one stream offered in our Romance Languages program. Students in Romance Languages can complete a minor, major, double major, or honours in French or Spanish and Latin American Studies. Opportunities to complete the Certificate in French Language Proficiency and the DELE in Spanish are also offered. 

Portrait of Dr. Christian Mbarga, standing in front of a bookshelf

 

“As a language and literature professor, one of my goals is to help my students realize the importance of French in a modern world that is increasingly interconnected.”

 

– Dr. Christian Mbarga, French Professor at STU 

What sets STU’s French Program Apart? 

  • Small, engaging classes that emphasize personal interaction, discussion, and debate.  
  • Students have the opportunity to complement their studies with a semester or year-long international exchange in France. St. Thomas partners with universities in Angers and Vendée, France, to give students the opportunity to continue their studies while fully immersing themselves in French culture. 
     
  • Lectures and seminars are always taught by professors—not teaching assistants—which means students learn from experts in the field.  
     
  • Extracurricular groups L’association française de St. Thomas and Le Franco-ciné de St. Thomas host French language and culture meetings and attend presentations given by high profile French writers. 

Where the Study of French can Take You 

Our strong focus on the acquisition of advanced levels of second-language literacy skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—results in an increased awareness of the crucial role communication skills play in developing and expressing complex ideas, forming meaningful connections with others, and working as part of a team. Students in French benefit from a rigorous program in oral communication, grammar, composition, translation, literature, and cultural studies. 

 

This prepares graduates for meaningful careers in fields like: 
 

  • Education — in Canada and abroad 
  • Civil Service 
  • Translation 
  • International Business 
  • Diplomacy 
  • Tourism 
  • Journalism 
  • Communications 
  • Hospitality 

“My experience at STU has taken my French to a whole other level. Our class sizes and enriching learning environment allows for meaningful connections to happen, and in tandem, enables students to grow far beyond our expectations.” 

 

Pablo Serra Costa, current STUdent  
winner of the Prix du Consulat général de France à Moncton et Halifax, 2022

 

Gain Experience and Build Your Resume 

Connect the study of French with professional experience through the STU Internship Program in positions with: 

 

  • Beaverbrook Art Gallery 
  • Kings Landing 
  • Multicultural Association of Fredericton 
  • CJPN Radio 90.5 FM 
  • Charlotte Street Art Centre 

 

You might be interested in studying French if… 

  • You want to improve your level of proficiency or become bilingual 
  • You want to learn about a different culture 
  • You’re interested in international development 
  • You want to become a global citizen 

Featured Courses 

Conversational French 
Découverte de la Prose et du Cinema 
De l'oral à l'écrit 
Littérature Acadienne 

Fields that Enhance Your Learning in French 

French students are often also interested in understanding cultures and societies unlike their own. Their degree is often complemented by studies in Anthropology, History, English, Philosophy, Communications, Journalism, Political Science, and Sociology.