Program: Dual Degree Program (BA/MA) in French, Department of World Languages & Cultures
Research/Professional Interest: I want to work with non-profit organizations as an interpreter and translator helping incoming immigrants and refugees who do not speak English. Also, I am interested in developing strategies to improve language teaching. Some of my research interests are second/third language acquisition and cultural studies.
What inspired you to attend Georgia State?
What inspired me to attend Georgia State is the cultural diversity. I can meet people from different parts of the world, make new friendships, and learn from other cultures—something that I truly enjoy.
How did you get involved in the dual degree program?
I got involved in the program after talking with my French professor and hearing about the benefits of the program. She told me about a student who previously enrolled in the program and now is a Master’s student. I contacted the director of the program, applied, and started taking courses in the summer.
What are some of the benefits of the dual degree program?
Some of the benefits are that we can take 12 credits of graduate course work during our junior/senior year, and the course work counts towards both degrees. This allow us to finish our master’s degree in one year, save money, and be able to use scholarships to pay for tuition.
What is your experience taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student?
I truly enjoy taking graduate courses. Before being enrolled in the program, I was taking French courses as an undergrad with graduate students, so I was used to the amount of work and the pace of the classes. I enjoyed spending time with graduate students, learning from their experiences, and helping each other whenever we can. I believe that’s the best part: we all help each other.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I mainly want to work as a French teacher at a high school or university, but I would also like to work as an interpreter. I began studying languages because I believed it was a way to help people who are still learning English and who are new to the country. Learning a language goes beyond learning the structure of it; we also must learn the culture and history behind it to be able to truly understand and help others.
What do you enjoy most about your field of study?
I enjoy that I am learning so many different things. Yes, we learn about the structure of the language, but we also get to learn about culture, history, film, performance and many other topics such gender studies and theater.
What is your advice for students considering the dual degree program?
My advice is to take this great opportunity to work on both degrees! Do not be afraid of taking graduate courses or to ask for information about it. You will not regret it.