Brown in Paris alum continues academic exploration through French literature

By News & Stories From OGE

While abroad, Tantillo has served as a tutor and mentor, supporting undergraduates participating in the Brown in Paris program. In addition to helping students with their writing and presentations, he provided guided tours around Paris and took students on a three-day trip to central France during orientation.

As an undergraduate student concentrating in classics, Davis Tantillo thought French was something he would study “on the side.” But this year, as Brown in Paris celebrates its 30th year as a program, Tantillo marks more than four years of study and teaching in the country.

“I started in French 100 as a freshman and just really liked the French department at Brown. I always felt very supported,” said Tantillo, who earned a bachelor’s from Brown in 2019. “I kept taking French language classes, and then I ended up wanting to go abroad to France. It wasn't really my plan, but it just fell into place.”

After graduation, Tantillo moved to Paris and started teaching English in suburban elementary schools through the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF). In his second year of teaching, he realized there was more he wanted to explore in his own education.

“I was reading books in French and having conversations with my friends and colleagues at work that were bringing up more questions than answers. Studying French and comparative literature was a good way to fulfill multiple desires, which were to stay in France and also to nurture this growing academic interest,” he said.

One of the best parts of working with Brown students is the conversations. It can be anything from very theoretical, academic conversations to conversations about social justice or pop culture. Brown students can weave so many different threads together...

Davis Tantillo Class of 2019

Tantillo went on to complete a master’s in comparative literature at University of Paris. Next, he is headed to Stanford University to begin a doctoral program in French literature.

While abroad, Tantillo served as a tutor and mentor, supporting undergraduates participating in the Brown in Paris program. In addition to helping students with their writing and presentations, he provided guided tours around Paris and took students on a three-day trip to central France during orientation.

“One of the best parts of working with Brown students is the conversations. It can be anything from very theoretical, academic conversations to conversations about social justice or pop culture. Brown students can weave so many different threads together,” Tantillo said. “They are really passionate about listening to each other and encouraging each other. They're ready to bring what they know, but they're also ready to learn from this new environment.”

Now in its 30th year, the Brown in Paris program provides an opportunity for undergraduate students at Brown University to enroll directly at the University of Paris in a wide range of disciplines. The program includes on-site orientation, various cultural activities and excursions and a credit-bearing seminar course focused on French language, culture and society.

To hear more reflections from Brown in Paris alumni, visit the OGE Instagram page for a 30 for 30 video series featuring interviews with 30 student alumni as Brown in Paris celebrates three decades of cultural immersion, academic growth, and unforgettable moments.