ronronpatachon

Unless you are independently wealthy, do not do that. You will absolutely be a second-class citizen in the department, and you will never be a professor's first choice to help with their research. In offering you admission to the MA program rather than the PhD, faculty members in the department have clearly stated that already. It would actually make more sense to go to UW Madison, gain some teaching experience, and master out after two years while applying for other PhD programs during year 2.

Hi ! Finally something I can answer, I think. To be honest, as a French person, when I have been called "tu" by a Professor, I generally only adress them as "vous" anyway (because they are your superior they can call you "tu", but because you are a humble student it is preferable to use "vous"). In my opinion, I would only use "vous", even when being adressed "tu". It avoids sounding too familiar. 

Disclaimer: My background is in Italian, not French. I don't know a ton about UNC but I did apply there. I went to UIUC as an undergrad and studied Italian in the FRIT dept. I don't know the French profs, but I know Rushing who is Ital/CL prof who does some work on French. He is amazing, btw.
Anyway, info that could be useful for you:
Funding can be hit or miss. They really don't have money. I applied to a PhD in Italian this year at UIUC and one of my profs emailed me right away to say "Apply to FLAS... there is too much uncertainty with COVID." It's a little late to apply to FLAS for next year, but that might be a source of funding for you in the future. Also, if you're coming in with a MA and starting the PhD, not starting with the master's you should be able to have more funding. It's those master's years that are the least secure. Also, be prepared to teach/TA French language classes. TAing is how you'll be funded. I've heard talk of the language profs wanting to get students in the habit of applying to fellowships externally, but it hasn't been done often historically. That might change.
Also, it seems summers are not funded and there aren't tons of opportunities. You might make a little money for teaching in the 3 week FLIP program. I know many of the Italian native of the program just go back to Italy for the summer. 
The FRIT department is fairly close in terms of grad students - lots of beautiful friendships and support. They certainly have a lot of fun. ?
Outside of the program, UC is a wonderful place. Very cute, extremely diverse for a rural location, and "micro-urban." Cost of living is DIRT cheap. It really is an affordable place to live. There are trains and busses to Chicago so it's easy to get there without a car. Getting around the UC area is easy by bus, walking, or biking. Everything is very close.

Hi ! I have also received a similar email by the same University. I too was a bit confused by the "recommended for admission" (what is that supposed to mean?). I politely turned down their offer because I was made an offer by UVA, hopefully that might help if you're interested in the program ? 
To be honest, I applied there without knowing to much about the French Department... I have read online that their French Program is pretty good, but yes, I have also been told here that the funding is meh. 
Sorry for not being more helpful... 

Hi guys !
I have received last Saturday an email from UVA's DGS informing me that they had accepted my application. I am very excited. I do not know whether they are going to accept other PhD students this academic year, but if they do please feel free to send me a private message, I'd love to know who else was accepted and with whom I will have the opportunity to study.
Best of luck to everyone

Hi guys !
I have received last Saturday an email from UVA's DGS informing me that they had accepted my application. I am very excited. I do not know whether they are going to accept other PhD students this academic year, but if they do please feel free to send me a private message, I'd love to know who else was accepted and with whom I will have the opportunity to study.
Best of luck to everyone