French Homepage
French Happenings
Wondering Where to Start your Language Journey?
Start with the Language Placement Evaluation
Did you take French in High School or have previous experience with the language? Learn more about our Language Placement Evaluation by clicking the image to the left! All students who have previously studied a modern or classical language are strongly encouraged to take the evaluation conducted by our Language Resource Center (LRC). The more you know, the more time and money you could save!
Apply for Scholarships Exclusive to French Majors and Minors!
ALLIANCE FRANCAISE OF GR: Since 2003, it has awarded more than $25,000 to deserving students attending Grand Rapids area colleges and universities! The scholarship is awarded each year in April to a declared French Major OR Minor. Students must be at least a sophomore at the time of application, and they typically apply the funds to an upcoming study abroad opportunity or their tuition payments.
BENHAMOU FRENCH STUDIES PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE ENDOWMENT: To provide dedicated support and financial assistance to French majors and minors attending national and regional conferences. Look for it on GVSU's MyScholarships webpage!
Why Learn French in 2026?
12 Reasons You Should Start Your Francophonie Journey Today
Listing 12 reasons why you should start learning French today, Preply, an online tutoring website, dives into career opportunities, language fundamentals, and expanding horizons in an effort to demonstrate the French language's quick rise to popularity and how it can benefit you in your future endeavors - be they personal or professional. Click the image to the right to read the full article now!
U.S. Embassy & Consulates in France
Business
Are you interested in a career in international business, Foreign Agricultural Service, or Foreign Commercial Services? Visit the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in France website right now to learn more about how the United States and France facilitate $1 billion in daily commercial transactions across a growing list of industries!
How Does Learning French Help my Career in the United States?
Developed by the Press and Communication Office of the Embassy of France in the United States, the below reports detail the economic relationships of individual states in the Great Lakes region. From exports to job growth, these reports make it easy to understand why learning French is more than learning another language; it's the key to opening the door to an ever growing list of international opportunities housed right in our backyard!
Interested in learning more? Check out the full economic report to view other states and details on how the French/United States economic ties continue to grow and support future careers!
Did You Know? French is the official language of 28 countries spread over 5 continents!
ABOUT US
Les Francophiles, the French club of the Modern Languages and Literatures department, is a student- and faculty-run organization dedicated to the promotion of the French language and Francophone culture in West Michigan. Student and Faculty from Grand Valley, as well as members of the community at large, are invited to attend meetings for French conversation practice, games, food, and fun, all while cultivating their knowledge of French language and culture. Interested? Génial!
CONTACT
Advisor: Katie VanOort [email protected]
Co-Presidents: Benjamin Brinks [email protected], Anna Kooima [email protected]
MEETINGS
Every other Thursday at 7:30pm in the LRC.
Follow the Instagram page for the most up-to-date information!
David Eick
Professor
Email: [email protected]
Office Address: B-2-255 MAK
Office Phone: (616) 331-3497
Janel Pettes Guikema
Section Coordinator | Professor
Email: [email protected]
Office Address: B-2-253 MAK
Office Phone: (616) 331-8904
Carol Wilson-Tiesma
Senior Affiliate Professor
Email: [email protected]
Office Address: B-2-238 MAK
Office Phone: (616) 331-8503
Katie VanOort
Visiting Professor
Email: [email protected]
Office Address: B-2-263 MAK
Office Phone: (616) 331-3459