Luisa Bertolini is a fourth year majoring in Linguistics and Cognitive Science and minoring in French. She spent ten years of her life in Senegal and Cote d'Ivoire, where she learned French. Luisa is currently the vice president of the French and Francophone Club at UVA, which organizes events centered around the cultures of different francophone countries. She hopes to get her masters in Linguistics after graduation and is interested in neurolinguistic research. Outside of class, Luisa loves to cook with her roommates, read historical fiction, and hopes to run a half marathon in the spring.

"Speaking French has given me a gateway into cultural understanding and participation in traditions that I value greatly"

Gabrielle Dangay (Class 2023) I majored in Biostatistics and French. Gabby grew up in a French-American household and began learning French at the age of 5, so she has a long-standing appreciation for the language. She had hoped to study abroad after transferring to UVA last year, but was not able to do so this year due to the pandemic. Outside of school, Gabby enjoys baking and hiking with friends. 

“Visiting family in France and having spoken the language from such a young age has really given me an appreciation for the people and the culture, and it has truly broadened my global perspective.”

Sofia Dimick(Class of 2017) double majored in French and Global Development Studies. She participated in the Morocco summer program with Professor Bargach in the summer of 2016.

"I’ve been interested in the French language and French and Francophone culture since a very young age. Becoming a French major has only helped my interest to keep growing as I’ve had the chance to study abroad and really develop a skill in the language!"

I'm Sophie Disney! I'm currently a 3rd year majoring in Global Development Studies with a minor in Foreign Affairs. I have been speaking French since 7th grade, and I received the opportunity to manage the social media accounts of the French department in my 2nd year at UVA! 

Sara Garcia (Class 2020) majored in French and Sociology. She studied abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France during the fall semester of 2018. She also spent a month living and studying in Toulouse, France during the summer of 2018. Outside of school, Sara spends her time coordinating and volunteering for programs that teach English and provide support to the Hispanic community of Charlottesville. 

“Studying the French language has opened up so many opportunities for me. I feel very fortunate to be able to study something that is so meaningful to me, and I hope to encourage others to do the same!

Devan Keesling majored in religious studies and foreign affairs with a minor in French. She studied abroad in Morocco in the summer of 2017, and studied in Paris for the following fall semester; she's studied the French language for 10 years, and has been a Francophile since childhood.

Claire Koeppen (Class 2021) majored in French and English. She studied abroad in Lyon, France for two semesters during the 2019-2020 school year. Following her graduation, taught English in France for several years before beginning graduate studies at Harvard. In her free time, Claire enjoys reading in both English and French and running. She is an active member of UVa’s Bhakti Yoga Club and International Buddy Program. 

“Spending an entire school year studying in Lyon really allowed me to immerse myself in the French language and culture, and I came back so much more mature and confident in my French abilities. I cannot recommend studying abroad highly enough!”

Natalie Lohr (Class of 2017) majored in French and Government with a minor in Russian Language. She participated in the Lyon Summer Program in the Summer 2015.

"Foreign languages have always been fascinating to me and are extremely important to my academic life-- I now have nearly 9 years of French and 6 years of Russian under my belt.  My study and engagement with the French language has enriched me so much, from my politics and history courses here at UVA to being able to communicate with different people all over--and I certainly hope that in the following years it is as big a part in my life as it is now!"

Katie Poore (Class of 2019) majored in French and English.  She has been studying French since her freshman year of high school and hopes to put it into practice after graduation by teaching English abroad. Katie is also a musician and plays violin in Radio Music Society and loves teaching English as a Second Language with a volunteer program at U.Va. In her free time, Katie loves hiking, backpacking, playing music, trying to learn banjo, and creative writing!

Garrett Reich (Class 2022) majored economics and French while minoring in computer science. Garrett participated in a French exchange program in high school, and he instantly fell in love with the French language and culture. He was hoping to study abroad this year at UVA, but COVID-19 has made that impossible. In his free time, Garrett enjoys getting outside and playing soccer or tennis.

“Being able to speak French is something I will cherish my entire life. Not only is speaking another language an invaluable skill, but it also allows you to understand and be a part of a completely different culture, which I have found to be an incredible learning experience”

Sarah Rupert (class of 2018) majored in International Relations and French, and lived in the Maison Française.

"I lived in Côte d'Ivoire when I was little, and I hope to work in a francophone country after I graduate

Grant Tabler (class of 2020) majored in Sociology and Government with a minor in French. He began studying French at the age of 5 and has been in love with the language ever since.

“Speaking French has opened up a whole new world of cultural understanding for me! It allows me to communicate with groups of people from all around the world and create memorable cultural exchanges.