The Department of World Languages (WLE) at USF offers a diverse array of courses designed to explore human languages and cultures. Among these opportunities is the study abroad program in Nice, France, where undergraduate student Lauryn Tanner is immersing herself in the French language and culture.
Students from the USF in Nice program during an excursion tour of Villefranche-sur-Mer with a local guide. (Photo courtesy of Lauryn Tanner)
USF education abroad, are faculty-led programs structured to enhance USF degree programs by offering experiential learning worldwide. Through WLE, Tanner enrolled in the USF Nice - French Language and Culture program for the 2024 summer semester.
Tanner, a biomedical sciences major on the pre-dental track with a minor in French, is currently the secretary for the USF Kosove Society and a member of both the Pre-Dental Society and the French Club. She decided to pursue a study abroad program to fulfill her coursework and enhance her language skills. Although learning French wasn’t her initial choice, an unexpected opportunity led her to discover a passion for the language.
“Back in middle school, I transferred to a new school and was enrolled in French class because there were no seats left in Spanish. It was there that a very special teacher inspired me. Madame Terri Fox fostered a love for the French culture and language. She took me under her wing and worked with me before school to help me catch up since I had not taken 6th grade French like the other students in the class. I went from being behind the other students to receiving the highest French award in the school at the end of my 8th grade year. Fox now works at USF, and we’ve seen each other on campus a few times!” Tanner explained. “My wonderful experience with Fox led me to continue my study of French at Hillsborough Community College and now at USF. I would also like to highlight another great professor, Mademoiselle Marie-Michelle Lalande, whose French II class filled me with the same excitement and enthusiasm as Fox’s.”
The USF Nice study abroad program provides students with the chance to learn and practice French, appreciate French culture, and explore nearby cities and historical sites. During the one-month program, students fully immerse themselves in the French lifestyle by living with host families while managing their coursework.
“On a typical day in the program, I wake up around 7 a.m. and have breakfast with my host family. I have class from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with a break and lunch in between. After class, I usually hang out with the other people in my program and explore the city before heading back to my homestay. Every night I eat dinner with my host family at 8 p.m. and after, we play cards and practice my French listening and speaking skills,” Tanner said. “I’m currently taking two courses, one in the morning and one in the afternoon with two different professors. The morning class is mostly grammar and reading, and the afternoon class is mostly speaking and working on expanding my vocabulary. My favorite aspect of the classes so far is being able to speak with the teachers as well as other students. It’s a very collaborative environment, if you don’t know how to say something someone else will chime in to help, and vice versa.”
In addition to their coursework, students have the opportunity to participate in local excursions to explore the culture and sites of Nice.
“The cultural excursions I’ve most been looking forward to is going to the hillside town of Eze and getting a tour of the perfumery. So far, my favorite excursion I’ve been to is Villefranche-sur-mer. Our tour guide was born and raised there, and we even passed by his house as he gave us a tour of the city and taught us the history,” Tanner said.
Reflecting on her experience, Tanner has observed that the study abroad program has significantly enhanced her French language skills by providing real-world practice beyond the classroom. This immersive experience is not only improving her language proficiency but also contributing to her degree progress.
“This program is contributing to my degree in French by helping me understand what spoken French sounds like on a daily basis and what words or slang French people do or do not use. I think the ability to order food, ask for directions, and understand passersby’s conversations in French are all very valuable skills I will continue to use as I pursue a minor in French. This program is helping me immerse myself in the French Language and culture and helps me find gaps in my understanding. Instead of studying French for just a few hours a day in the classroom, I’m studying 24/7: from reading signs, navigating public transport, listening to passersby, ordering lunch, etc.,” Tanner explained.
Biomedical sciences student Lauryn Tanner in Nice, France. (Photo courtesy of Lauryn Tanner)
Student Lauryn Tanner outside the French language school, Les ateliers FL Nice. (Photo courtesy of Lauryn Tanner)
With plans to pursue dentistry, Tanner aims to use her enhanced communication and listening skills to better interact with future patients. She also notes that engaging with people from diverse countries, including Brazil, Belarus, Mexico, and the Czech Republic during this program, has provided her with a broader perspective on connecting with individuals from various backgrounds and building their trust.
Projected to graduate in the Spring of 2027, Tanner imparts her advice to other USF students who are considering study abroad programs, drawing from her own experience with the USF Nice program.
“I would say absolutely do it if you are able to. This program is very unique in that it’s four weeks, as most other programs are only two or three weeks. My French has improved so much in just a few weeks, and I know will continue to improve every day I am here,” Tanner said.
To learn more about language and culture study abroad experiences, please visit the website for the Department of World Languages.