French

A major in French means a competitive edge in international careers, study-away opportunities and learning about everything from French fairy tales to films.

• Since French is the official language of more than 32 countries and has more than 400 million speakers, students have boundless opportunities to use their language skills in professional, service and nonprofit areas.
• This beautiful, analytical language develops critical thinking skills that are essential for effective communication and negotiation in the workplace.
• French shares more than 6,000 vocabulary words with English, making French an easy foreign language for Americans to choose.

Established in 1906, Pi Delta Phi recognizes student achievement in the study of the French language, and of the literatures and cultures of the French-speaking world. Pi Delta Phi is certified by the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS). Five Augustana students were inducted into Pi Delta Phi, the collegiate National French Honor Society, during the 2024 spring and fall semesters: Pierce Cunningham, Aida Hoffelt, Riley Houseman, Molly Lienemann and Annaliese Wagers. The faculty advisor is Dr. Scott Fish.

Jeni Fjelstad '22, who majored in French and journalism, is an English language teaching assistant in Béziers, France. As a teaching assistant, she teaches historical, cultural and discussion-based lessons in middle and high schools, instructs more detailed lessons for European sections, leads conversations in English, serves as a resource in conversation groups and provides small group tutorials.