Find Your Place in the World

Study language. Discover culture. Build a global future.

College is more than choosing a major; it's discovering who you are and where you want to go. In French, Francophone and Italian Studies, you'll build language skills while exploring the cultures, histories and ideas that shape our world. You'll study with passionate faculty, connect with students who share your curiosity and learn through experiences that go far beyond the classroom.

Imagine studying abroad in France or Italy, conducting undergraduate research, participating in cultural events, working with community partners and gaining the confidence to communicate across languages and cultures. Along the way, you'll develop the creativity, adaptability, problem-solving and communication skills that employers value.

Whether you dream of an international career, want to teach the next generation, plan to pair a language with another major or simply want an education that prepares you to thrive in an interconnected world, there's a program designed for you.

College of Charleston alumna, Eliza Morrison, and her family in front of Mont Saint-Michel, a commune in France Accent Image

Alum Insight: Eliza Morrison '12

Take full advantage of study abroad, internships, and any opportunity to immerse yourself in the language outside the classroom. Those experiences stay with you. The writing, analytical thinking, communication skills, and cultural awareness you develop continue to matter in meaningful ways.

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Explore Our Programs

Turn your passion for language into global opportunities when you pursue a major or minor in one of our programs.
  • French and Francophone Studies

    French is more than a language; it's your gateway to a world of opportunity. Spoken by more than 320 million people across five continents, French and the Francophone world connect you to diverse cultures, global careers and life-changing experiences. You'll study one of the world's most influential languages while exploring the vibrant histories, traditions and perspectives of French-speaking communities across Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, North America and beyond.

    Here, you'll do more than learn vocabulary and grammar. Through literature, film, music, history and contemporary culture, you'll discover how language shapes identity, society, and the world around us. Along the way, you'll build the communication, intercultural, and critical thinking skills that employers value.

    Whether you aspire to study abroad, teach, pursue law or medicine, launch an international career or simply gain a competitive edge in any profession, French and Francophone Studies prepares you to thrive in an interconnected world. Our graduates leave with more than language proficiency. They graduate ready to think globally, communicate confidently, and make an impact wherever their future takes them.

    Discover what makes French and Francophone Studies a unique major or minor: 

  • French and Francophone Studies - Teacher Education Program (PK-12), B.A.

    Turn your interest in French into a career that inspires the next generation. The French and Francophone Studies Teacher Education Program combines advanced language and cultural studies with hands-on classroom experience, preparing you to become a certified PK–12 French teacher. You'll develop strong communication and leadership skills while learning how to create engaging learning environments that help students discover new languages and cultures.

    As demand for world language teachers continues to grow, graduates are well prepared to make a meaningful impact in schools while opening doors to rewarding careers in education. Along the way, you'll gain the confidence, real-world teaching experience, and global perspective to help shape future generations of learners.

    Catalog and Course Information

    French and Francophone Studies majors complete a language proficiency assessment during their senior year. This assessment measures your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills and demonstrates the level of proficiency you've achieved before graduation.

  • Italian Studies

    Italian is more than the language of art, architecture and unforgettable travel experiences. It is the language of a country known worldwide for innovation in fashion, design, engineering, cuisine, business and cultural heritage. 

    An Italian Studies minor helps you build practical language skills while exploring the history, literature, cinema and traditions that have shaped Italy's influence around the world. Through small, interactive classes and personalized mentorship from faculty, you'll gain the confidence to communicate across cultures, think critically, and see the world from new perspectives. Whether you're passionate about travel, international business, hospitality, art, music or history, Italian Studies will enrich your education and help prepare you for success.

    Italian Studies pairs naturally with majors across the College, including Business, Hospitality and Tourism Management, International Studies, Art History, Studio Art, Music, Political Science, Historic Preservation and Marketing. Employers value graduates who can communicate effectively with diverse audiences, adapt to different cultural environments and bring a global perspective to the workplace. 

    Beyond the classroom, you'll deepen your learning through cultural events, film screenings, guest speakers and opportunities to practice conversational Italian. You can also study abroad in Italy, where you'll immerse yourself in the language, experience daily life and discover the country's history, art and culture firsthand. These experiences strengthen your résumé while creating memories and connections that last a lifetime.

    Choosing Italian Studies means joining a welcoming community of students and faculty who share a passion for language, culture, and global engagement.

    Learn more about what makes Italian Studies a minor that complements any major:

    • Explore our study abroad opportunities
    • Meet our students to learn more about your future experiences
    • Read about leadership and career paths