Karyn Junkel

Class: 2016

Graduated with a French major in 2016

Karyn says, "After my very first French class, I fell in love with the language and it has changed my life in so many beautiful ways. Soon after, I switched majors and found a warm and welcoming spot in the French program at SSU. With my French studies, I realized studying abroad was now a possibility and after visiting the Center for International Education at SSU, I found a program that suited my needs. After spending the most incredible 4 months in Southern France, I knew I’d found my niche. In hopes of returning to France as soon as possible, I applied to the TAPIF program my last semester at SSU and, after months of waiting, was finally accepted! I am now currently living in Perpignan and enjoying my time teaching English to enthusiastic, and sometimes very rowdy, French kids. I am also working on gaining my TEFL certification and I look forward to see what adventure the future has in store for me after my time here. I honestly can’t imagine what I would have done or where I would be without the French Department at SSU. I received a great deal of encouragement and support from the French department and I learned extensively about not only the French language, but also the different cultures behind the words. I would not be where I am without them and I would not have grown so much as a person were it not for their guidance. Thank you so much, Suzanne, Olivier, and Christine!"