French and Italian

Francophone House

Founded in 1927, the French house in Oberlin is one of the oldest language-based program houses in the United States.

a single story residence hall with sign in front.
Bailey House on Oberlin’s north campus.
Photo credit: Tanya Rosen-Jones ’97

La Maison Francophone, also referred to as Bailey House, is a coed residence for about 30 students. The house also accommodates staff that includes a French-speaking faculty member and two graduate assistants from France.

La Maison Francophone provides an environment that encourages students to learn and experience the language and Francophone culture. The house is open to students of various language levels who are committed to express themselves exclusively French. Students must apply through the Offfice of Residential Education in order to live here.

Students may participate in and help organize such programs as a film series, concerts and various fêtes, study breaks, lectures, French breakfasts, and other activities that provide an informal cultural component to the French curriculum. Students also come together to speak French during meals at Chez Nous, the French dining room in Stevenson Hall.

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