France is known as the nation of romance, but Saloni Shama uses the language to unwind and make new friends.

“It’s a nice way to relax and hang out [with] other students after a busy week of classes,” she said. “I have made many friends here that I wouldn’t have met otherwise.”

The French club is an organization that aims to share the French language and culture with the community at Oakland University. Shama, the president of the club, sat down with The Oakland Post to talk about what the club entails, upcoming events and the most exciting part about being a part of the organization.

“It provides a casual and enjoyable environment for students to meet similar individuals interested in learning about French culture,” she said. “Students get a chance to learn more about what French and Francophone culture entails besides baguettes and the Eiffel Tower.”

The organization, which consists of 119 members, holds weekly meetings where they discuss topics such as French food, music and art. Sharma said the most exciting part of being a part of the organization is meeting students from all levels interested in learning French.

“Every other week we have Table Françoise, the French conversation group, inside Au Bon Pain for students who would like to practice speaking and listening to French with other students,” Sharma said.

As for upcoming events, Sharma said the club will be having a Detroit Institute of Arts trip on Nov. 17 to check out the Claude Monet exhibition at the museum. Monet is known for his landscape paintings that give the audience a slice of France.

The group will also be holding a study day before final exams begin for any students that may have questions or would like to study for French class exams.

“Anyone is welcome to join, whether they have taken a French course before or if they are interested in learning about French culture or merely enjoy eating French food,” Sharma said. “There is no requirement to know any French to attend our meetings or events.”

Sharma said the most exciting part of being a part of the organization is meeting students from all levels interested in learning French.

For more information, visit the French Club’s Grizz Orgs page.