French Homepage
French Happenings
Students in Action
September 18th, 2025
Chalk Artist Emily Miller, '14 and '20, and French & Statistics major Aner Schuyler participate in the Chalk Art Symposium at he Mary Idema Pew Library plaza.
Students translated research from traditional posters and oral talks onto the sidewalk. Schuyler's project interpreted Voltaire's "Candide" through mental health and trauma theory to encourage emotional healing and resilience.
Image Credit: Cory Morse
Apply for Scholarships Exclusive to French Majors and Minors!
Since 2003, the Alliance Française of GR 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.
Find Where to Begin Your French Language Journey by Taking our Language Placement Exam!
Did you take French in High School or have previous experience with the language? Learn more about our Language Placement Evaluation, as all students who have previously studied a modern or classical language are strongly encouraged to take the evaluation to find where to begin their language study!
Did You Know? French is the official language of 28 countries spread over 5 continents!
- Gustave Nadaud
The image shown is of a streetscape and villas in Bordeaux, France, a faculty-led study abroad program.
ABOUT US
Les Francophiles, the French Club of Modern Languages and Literatures, is a student and faculty run organization dedicated to the promotion of the French language and Francophone culture in West Michigan. Students and Faculty from Grand Valley, as well as members of the community at large, are invited to participate in lectures, conversation hours, movie showings and other activities sponsored by the club. Occasionally, we plan trips to French-speaking areas (such as Montreal). Interested? Genial!
CONTACT
Advisor: Katie VanOort [email protected]
Club Email: [email protected]
President: Benjamin Brinks [email protected]
MEETINGS
Every other Thursday at 6:00 AM in the LRC starting September 11th (unless stated otherwise in groupme or through email).
Contact the club email for more information or check them out on Suitable.
Anne Caillaud
Professor
Email: [email protected]
Office Address: B-2-259 MAK
Office Phone: (616) 331-3670
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