Modern Languages

Department Spotlight

Whitworth Alumna to Undertake Year-Long Study in Paris

Kelly Roberts, a 2003 Whitworth alumna who double-majored in French and English, will immerse herself in French language and culture during a year of study in Paris. Roberts, a resident of Redmond, Wash., is participating in a study-abroad master's-degree program offered through Middlebury College, in Vermont. Roberts will arrive in Paris in August and will return to Middlebury College in June 2004 to present her thesis, which may focus on France's role in aiding and assisting African and francophone countries, Roberts says.

Roberts is the recipient of the Whitworth Modern Language Department's 2003 French Award, an annual honor bestowed upon a French major who demonstrates a passion for learning and a commitment to mastering the French language.

While in Paris Roberts will study French language, civilization and literature, and will conduct an internship in the fields of politics and international aid. She says her year-long experience in France will help prepare her for a teaching career.

"I would like to teach French, so this experience will certainly solidify my knowledge of the language and culture," Roberts says. "I also hope to explore what job opportunities are available in the fields of mission work and politics in francophone countries, particularly those in Africa."

Roberts says her education at Whitworth opened her mind and prepared her for international study.

"Whitworth's mission of combining service and learning has stretched my thinking and taught me to go outside of my comfort level," Roberts says. "Whitworth opened the door to exploring what service is about and I saw that my service-learning experiences at Whitworth were just the beginning of the impact I could have on the world."

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private, liberal arts college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The college enrolls 2,200 students in more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs.