Miranna Smith '01

Salut!
My name is Miranna Smith and I graduated from Gettysburg in 2001 with a
double major in French and Political Science.  After graduation I went to
Paris, France and worked in a restaurant for about six months after
traveling throughout Europe.  It was a great opportunity for me to interact
with with the French on a daily basis and improve my language skills.  I
currently live in D.C. and work at NAFSA: Association of International
Educators, a professional association promoting international education.  I
am also working towards an MA at American University in International
Communication, in which I have focused much of my research on the
integration and cultural identity of the North African population in France.

While I do not use French on a daily basis, it has been helpful from time to
time in my job- especially when we were planning a conference in Montreal,
Canada last year.  After my semester abroad in Avignon and my work
experience in Paris (as well as my international service learning
experiences through the Center for Public Service), I realize and appreciate
the value that an international education experience brings to one's college
career.  After I finish my MA, I hope to be able to put my French skills to
use in the international education field by helping other students have
international experiences, thereby gaining the cross cultural skills and
competencies needed to compete in today's globalized world.