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While French culture and language have always been of interest to Dr. Patrick Kiley, it wasn’t always clear to him just how big a role they would come to play in his life. 

In his undergraduate years, Kiley studied biology and chemistry with a minor in French, though he quickly noticed that he tended to gravitate more toward his French courses. 

“I felt like I had a French book in my hand more than I had a chemistry or biology book,” he said. 

After receiving his degree, Kiley found himself working in a research lab, though he eventually realized that his passion lay elsewhere. 

Following that realization, he listened to his heart and applied for a summer program in Paris through New York University, an experience that further solidified that he had made the right decision. 

“From the beginning, my love was always for foreign languages,” he said. “In the end, I’m happy I pursued it, because that’s where my passion is.” 

Finding inspiration

Kiley’s eyes were opened to the world of teaching through his experiences with his own undergraduate professors. 

“I had such good professors at the liberal arts college I went to, and I was sort of inspired,” he said. “One of my French professors loved her job so much that I thought, ‘You know, I could see myself doing this.’”

After completing his master’s in French literature, Kiley spent three years working as an English professor at a university in France before coming back to the States to finish up his PhD in comparative literature. 

“At that point, I realized that I really did love teaching,” he said. 

A career highlight

Kiley joined С����Ƶ’s modern foreign language department in 2008, and the following year, started the Lyon summer program, one of PC’s most popular study abroad programs. 

One of Kiley’s favorite aspects of leading the trip is that it’s open to all students, so he gets to work with a variety of students with different majors, class years, and backgrounds. 

Above all, what gives him the most joy is watching students put the pieces together when they study abroad. 

“When they’re abroad, it’s not just textbook French anymore; it’s application of their skills,” he said. “I think the students really blossom there.”

In addition to leading the yearly Lyon summer program, Kiley also serves as the director of International Studies for the college. 

The future of the program

In the coming years, Kiley hopes to see the continued growth and expansion of international programs at PC, especially focusing on encouraging students to make studying abroad part of their college experience. 

In addition, Kiley hopes to see the growth of the French program.

“I hope we can continue to grow a bit more, especially all of the smaller disciplines like the humanities,” he said.