Founded in 2021 by Bruno Perreau, Cynthia Reed Professor of French Studies, the French+ Initiative at MIT gathers scholars working across the humanities and social sciences, whose research and teaching center on the French and francophone cultures and societies.
It aims to support research excellence and to foster dialogue between faculty, instructors, and students of all levels.
The French+ Initiative hosts the MIT Global France Seminar and various cultural events. Its many connections, including teaching exchanges, an Arts Sponsorship, a Visiting Professorship, a Book Prize, and a cultural immersion trip for MIT students in France and in Belgium, promote local and international collaborations.
French+ works in conjunction with the French language and culture program within Global Languages, which offers classes to about 300 students every year, including majors, minors and concentrators.
In 2022, the French embassy named French+ a “Center of Excellence in French Studies.” This label rewards the best French departments in the country.
Sonja Lindberg
Computer Science and Engineering & French
French has allowed me to combine my hard, technical skills with what are sometimes the even more important soft skills and understanding of the world.
Sherry Zhou
Biology and Chemistry & French
The highlight of my French studies was my first trip to France as a January Scholar in France during IAP 2019. I truly felt immersed in Parisian culture.
Liam Daniel Fenlon
Business Analytics & French
Now I hope to contribute to electrification efforts, particularly in Africa, and am sure I'll be using my French given the size of the Francophonie!