Real Students. Real Stories. Real Possibilities.

See how French, Francophone, and Italian Studies's students and graduates are using language, cultural understanding, and global experiences to study abroad, build meaningful careers, and make an impact far beyond the classroom.

Davis Gray, Class of 2027

Professional photo of French and Francophone major Davis Gray.After studying French in high school, Davis Gray arrived at the College of Charleston planning to minor in French. Everything changed after spending a semester studying abroad in Pau, France. Inspired by the experience, he decided to major in French and Francophone Studies.

"I’m so glad I ended up there," Gray says of Pau. He credits the city's welcoming atmosphere, the strength of the program, and the opportunity to fully immerse himself in French language and culture for making the semester unforgettable. Living abroad also broadened his global perspective and strengthened his confidence in navigating intercultural situations and communicating across cultures.

While in France, Gray traveled throughout Europe, but one destination stood out. His favorite city is Toulouse, known as La Ville Rose ("The Pink City"), where he found the same vibrant local culture and countless opportunities to improve his French through everyday conversations and cultural immersion.

Gray credits Margaret Keneman, Ph.D, and Brooke Tybush, Ph.D., with helping shape his academic journey. He especially enjoyed taking French 201 and French 313 with Keneman. As for his favorite French words? They're gingembre ("ginger") and la cave ("wine cellar" or "cellar"), proving that learning a language often comes with a few memorable (and practical) vocabulary favorites.

Spring 2026 FFIS Interns

Professional photo of French minor Kate Rhodes.
Professional photo of French minor Sophia Mucci.
Professional photo of French and International Business student Abby Naide.
 
 

During the Spring 2026 semester, three talented student interns helped shape the future of the Department of French, Francophone, and Italian Studies by leading projects in marketing, communications, and alumni engagement. Their creativity, initiative, and passion will leave a lasting impact on the department. Kate Rhodes '28, a sophomore majoring in Marketing with double minors in French and Arts Management, led many of the department's marketing initiatives. From managing the FFIS Instagram account to designing promotional materials and event graphics, she helped share the department's story with current and prospective students. Sophia Mucci '26, a senior majoring in Environmental Geosciences with a minor in French, focused on alumni engagement. She highlighted the accomplishments of FFIS graduates and helped strengthen connections among the department's growing network of French and Italian alumni. Abby Naide '27, a senior double majoring in French and International Business with a minor in Finance, coordinated interviews, gathered alumni and student stories, and organized the content that brought this newsletter to life. These internships gave students the opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world projects while helping strengthen and promote the French, Francophone, and Italian Studies community.

Martha McNeil, Class of 2027

Professional photo of French and Francophone studies major Martha McNeil.After a 40-year career, Martha McNeil wasn't ready to stop learning. Looking for a new challenge and a way to connect with others, she enrolled at the College of Charleston. What began as a personal goal soon grew into a passion for languages, history, and culture.

Today, McNeil is nearing graduation with a degree in French and Francophone Studies, along with studies in History and African Studies. Her academic path evolved naturally as her interests expanded. She credits Lauren Ravalico, Ph.D., with encouraging her curiosity and inspiring her to add an African Studies minor.

McNeil has found meaningful ways to connect her interests across disciplines. In French 102 with Robert Sapp, Ph.D., she completed a project on Algeria, blending her love of the French language with history and culture. For her capstone project, she is researching American tourism in Paris during the interwar period between World War I and World War II.

When she's not in class, McNeil enjoys discovering local cafés and bakeries. She recommends La Pâtisserie at Hotel Bennett and is excited to visit Paris Baguette in Mount Pleasant.

This fall, she will return to the South of France to continue studying French while traveling, a fitting next chapter in a journey that proves it's never too late to discover new passions, embrace new cultures, and keep learning.