Prof. Franca Kelly Shares Love of Languages

Professor Franca Kelly, adjunct faculty in the World Languages Department, believes the best way to learn and become proficient in a language is by immersing oneself in that culture and language. Born in Italy, she speaks Italian, French, English and Spanish. Prof. Kelly joined The University of Scranton in 2019 and currently teaches Italian 101.

Her love for languages began when she traveled to England and worked in London. Interactions with people from various places sparked her interest and she soon began to study French and English at the University of Verona in Italy. Prof. Kelly spent a year studying at the Sorbonne University in Paris as an exchange student. She learned Spanish while attending the University of Texas at El Paso.

From a young age, Prof. Kelly had aspired to become a teacher. She graduated high school with a diploma in elementary school teaching. As an undergrad, she worked as a tutor for high school students and as a Girl Scout Leader for teenagers in Italy. As a graduate student, she began teaching Italian at West Virginia University.

Among Prof. Kelly's favorite aspects of teaching at Scranton have been the small class size and students who are very studious and engaged. As a member of the World Languages Department, she has most enjoyed meeting the Fulbright students from different countries. 

Language is about communication, so talking to native people of that language is one of the best ways to improve speaking and comprehension skills. Prof. Kelly also strongly suggests finding opportunities for listening, speaking, watching movies and shows on TV, and reading in that language.