- THINKING OF LIVING IN THE FRENCH HOUSE?
- Thinking of applying to live in the French House? Here are the answers to all your questions.
Who can live in the French House?
Any upper-class VU student (Sophomore, Junior or Senior) who has taken (or is taking) French 204 or the equivalent can apply to live in the French House.
How long can I live in the French House?
Students wishing to live in the French House multiple years simply reapply each academic year.
I'll be abroad for part of the year. Can I apply for just one semester?
Yes. Students who are studying abroad are especially encouraged to apply to live in the French House-either in preparation for their time abroad or as a way of easing back into American campus life after being abroad. On the application, there is space for you to indicate your intent to apply for the fall or the spring semester only.
What happens if I apply to live in the French House but am not selected?
Space in the French House is limited; this means that not every applicant can always be accommodated. Applications are reviewed by a committee of faculty and staff. Decisions are made based on language ability and willingness to participate in communal life. Seniority and gender balance may also be considered. Applicants are informed whether or not they have been selected well in advance of the campus-wide room selection process so that students who are not selected to live in the French House have time to find a roommate and join the regular room selection process at no disadvantage.
Who is the Program Assistant?
Normally, there is a new program assistant each year. The PA, selected by French program faculty members, is normally a native speaker of French and an exchange student who takes regular VU courses alongside duties in the French House.
What are the rooms like?
The rooms in the French House are standard residence hall rooms in Wehrenberg Hall. Room assignments are based on total number of selected applicants and space allocation decisions by the Office of Residential Life.
What makes the French House different from the other residence halls?
French House residents pledge to speak only French in the public areas of the house (kitchens and lounges. Residents also share meal planning and preparation on weekday evenings, Sunday through Thursday. You also will live in close proximity to other international students and the VU Spanish House.
If you have more questions or would like an application for the French House (normally due in January for the following academic year), please contact Prof. Tomasik or speak with your French professor.
