In summer 2019 , the French department embarked on a trip to Geneva, Switzerland, which focused on immersing the students and faculty in the French language and culture. Through a program called French Advanced Conversational and Cultural Experience (FACE), students signeda contract agreeing to speak at least eight hours of French per day. Students accomplished thi b taking classes, meeting with people local to the area, and participating in various excursions like speaking with the head interpreter of the United Nationasnd visiting numerous world health organization headquartered there. Activities ranged from playing laser tag and attending a music festival to visiting Mont Blanc. "We only take eight to 10 students, so it can be more like a big family, and we can really try and help each student," Dr. Robert McCready, professor of foreign languages and international studies, said. McCready started FACE in 2012 and said attendees' language skillsbenefited immensely, and they increased their oral proficiency interview levels. On the 2019 trip, Ken Graves, director of Global Outreach and Mission Experiences, attended; however, instead of attending as a faculty member, he attended as a student. "God just put it on my heart to learn French," Graves said. "It was good for me; I liked it. It was challenging, and it definitely helped my French." Because the trip was multifaceted, it reached the interests of many different people. Graves said he enjoyed the mission-oriented aspects of the trip, meeting people of the local church and transcending the language barrier. However, amid all of these different interests, the part that stood out for many was the familial environment the trip produced. "We really do become like one big family," McCreadysaid. Senior NathanEvans, who attended FACE in 2018, said they formed deep and impactful relationships through small moments like bus rides and nights at the apartment. "The connections I made with the people on the trip were by far the best part of it," Evans said. McCready said he wanted to create a way for his students to learn the language and culture in a fun, well-rounded way. "I want to give other young people a chance to see that people in another country, they're like u when you get down to it in a day," Mccready said. Evans said because of the trip, he gained confidence in his Frenchspeaking abilities and witnessed people from the other side of the world worship the same God be did. "Wemight be thousands of miles apart, but we're still all children of God," Evans said. FACE helped students and faculty become more confident in their language-speaking abilities and grow in their relationships and understanding of the world. story by Madison Scott academics 91
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