French & Francophone Studies

Today, French is spoken on every continent on earth—and locally, right here in Bloomington-Normal. Designated a critical language by the Department of Defense, French also functions as a working language of many major international organizations such as the United Nations, the Red Cross, the European Court of Justice, and the International Olympic Committee. 

Support our students’ pursuit of careers in education, journalism, business, translation, law, and more! We have an active French Honor Society and Francophone Club and our students study abroad in our longstanding programs in Angers and Grenoble, France or in Quebec.

Thank you for participating in Birds Give Back and helping us reach our goals in supporting our students.

Thank you for giving!

“I had the honor of receiving a LAN Scholarship last semester, for which I am deeply grateful. This generous support enabled me to study abroad during the summer semester in Grenoble, France. My time in France was not only an unforgettable experience but also a transformative one. It provided me with the invaluable opportunity to immerse myself in the cultures I have been studying since 2017, while enhancing my fluency in the French language—something I am truly passionate about. This experience significantly boosted both my language proficiency and my confidence, strengthening my commitment to becoming the best French educator I can be. Thank you so much for all your support." - Adyson Bradley

Consider a gift to one of the featured areas below.