By Fatima Magana '22

ALLIANCE - Dr. Jennifer Hall, chair of the Department of World Languages and Cultures and director of the Center for Global Education, discusses her experience learning and indulging everything the French culture offers.

Hall in front of 'Cafe Les Deux Moulins' in Paris, France

“My first trip to France was [the summer] after [graduating] high school, [when] I took part in an exchange program in Auxerre,” said Hall. “I lived with a French family, which meant I experienced full immersion in the culture and the French way of life, but I also traveled to Paris, St Tropez, and the Alps.”

Hall, who has become fully immersed in French culture, explains that she loves helping and encouraging students to develop an interest in another culture and travel. Doing so allows students to build a worldview centered on global communication and international business skills.

“I tell students that it’s common to be afraid to step out of their comfort zone,” said Hall.

Throughout her career at Mount Union, Hall has been able to travel to Pau, France, and teach abroad. During her stay, she toured the city with students, built relationships, and helped them become immersed in the culture.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France

“I encourage students to embrace the challenge of studying abroad by sharing stories of students who also traveled fearing being alone but returned home with an increased confidence and independence,” explained Hall.

This semester, Hall traveled to Lyon, France, to check in with the program directors who help the University coordinate the study abroad program for Mount Union students.

“Studying abroad is such an important educational experience as it expands students’ horizons and enriches their understanding of themselves and the world around them,” said Hall.

As we celebrate International Education Week, we also celebrate faculty and staff like Hall, who embrace the beauty of traveling and immersion into different cultures.