Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Meet the instructors!

Meet Team St. Brieuc!

Ryan Hendrickson

My name is Ryan Hendrickson and I will be teaching the linguistics course this summer. I will also serve as the student coordinator, which means I will generally be the first point of contact if anything arises concerning the students, either abroad or at home.

I am currently working on my PhD in French Linguistics at Indiana University, where I have been studying for 4 years. I finished my B.A. in French at the University of Kentucky in 2008. Some of my interests include the dialects of different French-speaking regions, French culture - specifically that of the region of Brittany, cuisine, and films. I look forward to exploring all of these interests with your students over the summer!


Larry Komrower

Salut, tout le monde !

My name is Larry Komrower and I've just finished my first year in the MA French linguistics program at Indiana University. After receiving my BA in French with a minor in theatre from Ithaca College in 2009, I worked for two academic years as an English language assistant first in Annecy, France and then in Almansa, Spain. I've also spent the last four summers working for the Middlebury-Monterey Language Academy on the residential staff and as a French teacher.

I love to travel, to explore new places and cultures, and to speak different languages. When I'm not studying (as if that ever happens!), you will probably find me singing or baking (or some combination of the two). Some other things I enjoy are grammar, Modern Family, going to the gym, and making lists.


Amber Panwitz

Bonjour tout le monde !

My name is Amber Panwitz and I’ll be the culture instructor for this summer’s program. I am originally from a farm in Nebraska, and I attended the University of Wyoming for my B.A. in French. I have a second Bachelor’s degree from the Université de Rouen in Normandy where I studied linguistic sciences and French language instruction, and finally I have just earned my M.A. from Indiana University in French linguistics.

I am currently a PhD student in French Linguistics and in my years studying French, I have been able to live, work, and study in France for over three years. I love being able to teach and share all of the things I’ve learned about the culture that are strangely different or surprisingly similar. As you can see from my picture, I am in the process of taking a bite (of some very stinky cheese). Eating and trying new foods is one of my favorite pastimes, so I might be the one encouraging your students to eat snails. I’m very excited to get to know all of you, and to start our adventure this summer!

Jamie Root

Bonjour à tous! My name is Jamie Root and I am currently an MA student in the French Linguistics program at Indiana University. Although I live in Indiana now, I am originally from Buffalo, New York and earned my BA at the University at Buffalo with a double major in French and Linguistics and a minor in Theatre. Outside of the academic scene, I really enjoy spending time with friends, playing euchre, reading, watching various television series, going to the cinema, going to the theatre, and traveling.

While in St. Brieuc, I will be teaching the communications course. I will also be taking on the role of Public Relations Coordinator, which means that I will be the one keeping up with this very blog, contacting local media, and planning the farewell show, among other tasks.

I'm really excited to be working with our amazing team of instructors and eagerly await the opportunity to help instill an appreciation of the French language and culture in each of the students!


-Team St. Brieuc