History Comes Alive: King's French Students Visit Auschwitz Exhibit

How do you bring history to life? For students in King's French program, learning extends beyond textbooks and classroom discussions. Seventeen students, from first year to fourth year, along with three professors, recently traveled to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto to experience the powerful Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. exhibition, an immersive journey into one of history's most significant events.

The trip, made possible through generous funding from the Department of English, French, and Writing, gave students a unique opportunity to connect their French studies with a real-world experience that was both academic and deeply personal.

One of the most striking aspects of the exhibition was its bilingual presentation, which resonated deeply with students. "I loved how the information in the exhibition on Auschwitz was written in both English and French. Reading in French helped me apply the concepts we've learned in class to real-life scenarios. This experience taught me the importance of every concept we've studied and how they connect to specific moments in history," said Abby Kutney, second-year student.

Beyond its academic significance, the trip also fostered a sense of connection and shared experience among the students. "It's one thing to learn about Auschwitz through books, but to see remnants and artifacts with your own eyes, to watch personal testimonies--it made a huge difference in my understanding. This trip also allowed me to build friendships with classmates who share the same passion for learning French," reflected fourth-year student Catherine Allison.

The impact of the trip extended beyond the museum walls. The journey itself became a space for forming new connections and stepping outside of everyday routines. "I hadn't met some of the students before, but on the bus ride there, I got to know one of my peers and made a new friend. It was nice to meet people outside of schoolwork and the stress of the school week. It was definitely worth it, and I would gladly go again," shared first-year student Abdallah Fahmawi.

At King's, we're big on creating opportunities that make learning personal, meaningful, and unforgettable. Whether through travel, immersive exhibits, or hands-on engagement with language and culture, King's students gain more than knowledge; they gain perspective, friendships, and transformative experiences that shape who they become.

Interested in a program that goes beyond the classroom? Explore French Studies at King's and see where it can take you.