Matt majored in French and Linguistics at Georgetown University, and studied abroad at the Université de Strasbourg in France.
He plans to teach French and English as a Second Language.
Some Fun Facts About Matt
- Theme Song: HEATED (Beyoncé)
- Happy Place: Strasbourg, France
- Favorite Word in Another Language: du coup (French): a filler word that means "so" or "like"
What's next following graduation?
Working for Georgetown University's Office of Global Services.
What are you most excited about when you think of your future classroom?
I'm most excited about sharing my love for language with my future students and getting them enthusiastic about learning. I also look forward to the moments with students when they make some realization or feel some sort of accomplishment in their work.
What activities or experiences would you say have most prepared you to enter the classroom or profession?
I believe that my semester abroad in Strasbourg, France allowed me to feel the most prepared to teach French.
Before living in France, I felt at a plateau with my language ability. After my time studying in Strasbourg, I felt that I could truly hold my own in French and felt more confident to teach French in my future.
What has most surprised you (thus far) about language teaching?
There are tons of different ways to teach and learn a language, and I believe that no one way is objectively better than another. Some teachers prioritize speaking exercises and oral proficiency evaluations, while others place an emphasis on proper grammar and writing.
Through my experience learning French, as well as my studies in Linguistics, I was pleasantly surprised to see how many different methods are able to work effectively.
You’re invited!
- Explore the Teacher Scholarship Program and refer aspiring teachers in your network.
- Hear reflections from Matt and fellow graduates in a short video!
- Share your #LanguageDream on social media @LangConnectsFdn.