Oklahoma Students and Teachers
Embark on A Two-Week Study Abroad Experience in France
2026 Eleanor Kirkpatrick Franco–American Fellows and Faculty
A small group of high school students and teachers from the Oklahoma City metro area will soon be heading to France as part of the 2026 Eleanor Kirkpatrick Franco–American Fellows and Faculty program. This unique program fosters global awareness and understanding of international language and culture through student exchange and academic study.
This immersive experience combines cultural exchange with an academic research project designed to deepen students’ and teachers’ understanding of French language, history, culture, and daily life. This prestigious program was started in 2009 and is managed and supported by the Alliance Francaise of Oklahoma City in conjunction with the State Department of Education.
The students will be based in Beauvais, in the Hauts de France region north of Paris, where they will attend classes at the Lycee Jeanne Hachette alongside local peers and stay with host families. This trip allows students to live French culture and language as they navigate school and local markets, conduct interviews, and present research findings - all in French.
The students have all chosen different topics which reflect their personal interests and ambitions. Throughout their stay, students will gather data, interview residents, and document their observations. The project will culminate in a multimedia presentation to be shared with the community upon their return.
The students were selected from a pool of highly qualified applicants across the metro area. They are as follows:
· Jack Bair (Harding Charter Prep HS, Nima Keivni, French Teacher) - Pharmacy in France vs. the US
· Abigail Boyd (Edmond North HS, Caroline Shepard, French Teacher) - Comparison of the importance of political issues to teens in France vs the US
· Elizabeth James (Casady School, Blake Pardue, French Teacher) - Understanding the French Strike Culture
· Kilie Moore (Norman HS, Alina Bagajewicz, French Teacher) - The Art, Chemistry and Emotion of Scent in French Culture
· Hudson Samples (Classen School of Advanced Studies, Brandon Harney, French Teacher) - Historical Influences on Architecture: France and the US
· Ava Wade (Norman HS, Alina Bagajewicz, French Teacher) - Climate Conscious Practices
In addition to students, two French teachers were chosen to conduct research topics to be shared with their colleagues and students in Oklahoma upon their return. Caroline Shepard of Edmond North High School (using authentic resources to enhance learning in all levels of French) and Whitney Stafford-Najibi of Westmoore High School (locating and honoring American dead from the World Wars in various cemeteries) are the teachers who will be heading to France along with the students. Peggy Whittington of Edmond Memorial High School is the chaperone for the Student Fellows and the Director of the Fellows program, along with Ms. Shepard.
Beyond academics, organizers emphasize the personal growth that comes from international travel. Students will adapt to new schedules, cuisines, and customs - experiences that foster independence and global awareness. The group departs on March 14, ready to embrace the challenges and rewards of learning far beyond the classroom walls.