ABOUT THE FRENCH LANGUAGE
French is the international language of dance, architecture, the visual arts, theatre, fashion and haute cuisine. It’s spoken by over 200 million people, making it the ninth most spoken language in the world. Right now, approximately 750,000 people are learning it.
French is a language of diplomacy and sophistication, and an official language of multiple institutions, from the United Nations to the European Union and the International Red Cross. Speaking French also opens up opportunities to study at renowned French universities and business schools, ranked among the top higher education institutions in Europe and the world.
Most Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Generally speaking, English grammar corresponds relatively closely to French grammar. Actually, French is the one language in which many of us can at least utter a few words. English is peppered with words of French origin — almost half of them can be traced back to French roots. This means that you actually already know a lot of French, even if you don’t think you do.
Many universities offer either bilingual programs or programs taught entirely in English, which is of particular appeal for those wanting to learn or improve their French while specializing in another academic discipline. However, if you decide to undertake a degree program taught in French, you will need to have at least an intermediate level of speaking/reading proficiency in French.
The ability to speak both French and English is an advantage for finding a job with the many multinational companies using French as their working language, in a wide range of sectors (retailing, automotive, luxury goods, aeronautics, etc.). France, as the world’s fifth biggest economy, attracts entrepreneurs, researchers and the cream of foreign students. So yes, learning French cab be very beneficial to you!
Speaking French opens up opportunities for higher education at some of France’s best-known universities (the Sorbonne, Pierre Marie Curie University, etc.) or elite grandes écoles (HEC, Polytechnique, ESSEC), often on very favourable financial terms. Students with a good level of French may be eligible to apply for a French government grant leading to an internationally recognised postgraduate degree.