French in Higher Education

Languages are more important than ever to understand diverse communities, excel in business or tackle global challenges (ACTFL’s work is proof): it is the critical mission of language departments in colleges and universities to prepare this next generation of citizens.

Innovative French & Francophone Studies 

The French Embassy in the United States and Albertine Foundation have joined forces to support innovation in French and Francophone Studies as part of the initiative French in Higher Education. We are working closely with experts in the field as well as partner associations such as the American Association of Teachers of French to highlight best practices, share useful materials on internships, and develop training opportunities for department and program leaders (stay tuned!).  

Call for Proposals: 

French Departments and programs in US colleges and universities that aim to increase enrollment in French are invited to respond to our call for proposals that will open in the summer of 2023. Selected projects will receive a grant ranging from $2,000 to $20,000. 

Selected projects will exemplify how dynamic, resilient, and useful learning French is today. The funding shall be used to initiate mid-to-long-term changes through innovation. Impact needs mainly to happen at the department or program level, via the implementation of what can be considered best practices in the field. In the context of a diversifying US society, the development of equity, inclusion, and social justice in French and Francophone Studies is particularly important. We will report on the success of the projects and implement systems for continued engagement with the relevant communities even after the project’s conclusion.

In 2022, 14 universities received a grant for innovative projects ranging from cyber-related French classes to the development of DEI-infused French curriculum, through the design of OER in French, or the integration of social justice practices in Francophone studies. If you want to learn more about the very diverse projects that were selected, check out the summary of all projects.

Application 

Next Application Deadline: To Be Announced

Contact   

Elisa Alvarez, Higher Education Program Officer
elisa.alvarez@frenchculture.org