Anthropology senior Stephen White spent the summer working with a ministry in Paris, but he had one main dilemma: He didn't speak French very well.
Now, he wants to help other students learn the language.
CRU, originally called the Campus Crusade for Christ, recently created a French club aimed at helping students learn French culture and language, with an emphasis on a partnership with Agape House World-Wide Ministries in Paris.
"I noticed how some of those with me were struggling with grasping the language and some cultural norms," White said. "I just felt that I would be able to take my experiences there and help those who want to go to France for the purpose of missions or even vacation."
The club was originally created for CRU members who had spent the summer in Paris with White but also aims to help students who plan to visit France in the future, especially as part of the exchange trip with Agape.
"Our main focus is to prepare students to encounter, experience and express the love of Christ here and in Paris," White said. "That's what CRU is about, that's what our partnership is about, and that's what the French club is about."
Leading the meetings are students who spent last year in Paris and are "near fluent in French," White said, as well as those who spent last summer in Paris with CRU.
"The club can help me relate to the people, not just by language but by culture and being able to view and experience things from their perspective," said Christian Collins, a math senior who plans to study in Paris next summer.
CRU's partnership with the ministry in Paris also plays a central role in the French club, White said.
"It serves to inspire those who want to go and helps those who have gone to continue learning French," he said.
Collins said he encourages students to attend the meetings, even if they don't plan to participate in the exchange program.
French club meetings take place Wednesdays at 5 p.m. in Matherly Room 251 and are open to the public.
