- A language spoken worldwide
More than 200 million people speak French in all 5 continents. The international organisation of “La Francophonie” includes 70 member States and Governments. French is the foreign language most widely learned after English and the fifth most spoken language in the world.
It is also the only language with English that one can learn in all countries around the world. France has the largest network of cultural establishments, where French is taught to more than 750.000 people.
- A language to facilitate employment
Speaking English and French is an asset to multiply your chances of finding work on the international job market. Knowledge of French opens doors to French companies in France and overseas in all French-speaking countries (Canada, Switzerland, Belgium and Africa). France, the fifth commercial power and third haven for foreign investments, is a leading economic partner.
- A language to facilitate employment
Speaking English and French is an asset to multiply your chances of finding work on the international job market. Knowledge of French opens doors to French companies in France and overseas in all French-speaking countries (Canada, Switzerland, Belgium and Africa). France, the fifth commercial power and third haven for foreign investments, is a leading economic partner.
- A language for travelling
France is the most visited country in the world with over 70 million visitors every year. With some French basics, it is so much more enjoyable to visit Paris and all the regions of France (from the mild weather of the French Riviera to the snow-capped Alps mountains, to the the unthamed coastline of Brittany) but also to understand the culture, mind-set and the art of French living. French also comes handy when traveling to Africa, Switzerland, Canada, Monaco, the Seychelles Islands… Additionally, many of the students in other European schools choose French as a second language instead of English! Thus French is a common language in Europe.
- A language for learning in French universities
Speaking French is especially useful to pursue higher education in France’s reputable universities or business and engineering schools, ranked among the top high level education institutions in Europe and worldwide. Students who speak fluent French can receive scholarships from the French Government to enroll in postgraduate studies in France, in all disciplines, and obtain an internationally recognized diploma.
- The other language of diplomacy and international relations
French is both a working language and an official language at the UN, the European Union, UNESCO, NATO, the International Olympic Committee, the International Red Cross … and other several international legal bodies. French is the language of the three headquarter cities of the European Institutions: Strasbourg, Brussels and Luxembourg.
European Parliament in Strasbourg
- A language for opening up to the world
Behind English and Chinese, French is the third language used on the Internet ahead of Spanish. Understanding French offers another view of the world while communicating with French-speaking people from all over the world and by learning through the major international media broadcasts in French (TV5, France 24, Radio France Internationale).
- A pleasant language to learn
French is easy to learn. There are many methods to learn French in a fun way, whether you’re a child or an adult. One can also very quickly attain a sufficient level for basic conversation in French.
- A language for learning other languages
Learning French facilitates learning other languages, especially the other “romance languages” (Spanish, Italian, Portuguese or Romanian) but also English. Indeed, English is a mix between German and French, many English words have in fact their roots in the French language. French therefore facilitates the learning of English and, by the same logic, it is easier for Anglophones to learn French.
- The language of love and of the mind
Learning French offers first the pleasure of learning a beautiful language, rich and melodious often called the language of love. French is also an analytical language that structures the mind and develops critical thinking which is very useful for debating or negotiating.
In short ?
French is an extremely rich language, in fact, over a period of 50 years, the number of words contained in the French Academy dictionary went from 40 000 to 60 000.
Learning French offers more than just ‘leisure’ benefits: as a student, trainee or if you are already fully employed, this will increase your career opportunities.
In fact, if you plan on finding work, studying further, as well as going into an internship, speaking French is mandatory. Tests will be given before your departure to evaluate your level of proficiancy, if it is not high enough, there is a strong possibility that you may not reach your goal.
In addition, as a foreign student who is studying in France, it is important to know that learning French is compulsory if the student wants to join an internship program.