Senior Andrew Augustyniak started studying French when he was in middle school.
“From the first week of French, I fell in love with it,” Augustyniak said. “I continued my studies through high school and decided my senior year that I would declare it as my major when I got to Appalachian. I haven’t looked back yet!”
Augustyniak is double majoring in Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (BA) - French and Francophone Studies (link to degree page) and Global Studies (BA) with a concentration in Middle Eastern Studies.
“They are different but quite related in practical purpose,” Augustyniak said of his majors. “For instance, in my career, I will be able to focus on Northern Africa where the French and Arabic worlds interact.”
After graduation, Augustyniak said he wants to work with the U.S. Government in international intelligence, focusing on the French and Middle Eastern worlds. He also plans to teach someday, possibly as a government language instructor.
To prepare for teaching, Augustyniak is part of Appalachian’s Accelerated Admission: Baccalaureate to Master’s program. Starting in summer 2015 he began taking classes, while still completing his undergraduate requirements, toward a Master of Arts in Romance Languages with a concentration in French College Teaching.
“I can honestly say that the faculty in my department really know me for who I am and what I’m pursuing at our university,” Augustyniak said. “They support me in my goals and I am confident in saying they do everything they can to help me achieve those goals.”
In summer 2015, Augustyniak spent time in Paris on a faculty-led trip with French professors Darci Gardner and Jean-Francois Fournier. The class explored French literature and translation by visiting French cultural sites.
He said the experience was life changing. He plans to write a short story to share his experience abroad with fellow students. The story will be published on the department website.
Augustyniak plans to spend his fall 2016 semester studying in France as he finishes his undergraduate education but will return to Appalachian to complete his graduate education.
Andrew Augustyniak plans to use his double major to work with the U.S. Government in international intelligence, focusing on the French and Middle Eastern worlds.