Why Study French?

• French is one of the major global languages.
  French is spoken by over 200 million people on five continents in over forty countries. Speaking French will open up the world to you for education, career, and leisure opportunities.
  
  
• French is a primary language in diplomacy and international organizations.
  For example, French is an official language of the following:
  • The United Nations
  • UNESCO
  • NATO
  • Amnesty International
  • The European Union
  • The European Court of Justice
    
    
• French can greatly expand you job opportunities and salary potential because French is a key language in today’s global economy.
  France, the fourth largest economy in the world, is at the center of the European market. With 465 billion Euros invested abroad in 2000, France occupies third position behind the United States and Great Britain. France is the fifth largest exporter of goods (principally equipment) and the second largest of services and agrifood (notably cereals and processed foods). France remains the principal European agricultural exporter. Additionally, many American companies have a well established presence in France. 
  
  
• French can open doors to graduate school and research as well as the fields of medicine, the environment, engineering, science, and technology.
  The Chunnel between England and France, the TGV (high speed train), micro-chip telephone cards, and the isolation of the AIDS virus are but a few examples of French achievements.
  
  
• French can increase your appreciation of cultures all over the world.
  Speaking French will enable you to communicate with a variety of people all over the world and, consequently, to reach a greater understanding of world cultures.
  
  
• French will enhance your travel abroad.
  France is one of the most popular tourist destinations. By being able to speak French, you can also communicate with people in Europe, the Caribbean, and many African countries.
  
  
• French is the language of countless literary and philosophical thinkers throughout the ages.
  One of the most influential of the modern European world, French literature has been and continues to be rich and varied. The list of French literary and philosophical luminaries is too long to list!  In addition, there is currently much interest in discovering the depth of literature from Francophone countries.
  
  
• French is the language of culture, art, music, fashion, cuisine, and cinema.
  Artistic innovation, trend-setting fashion, cutting-edge cinema, and culinary prowess are long-standing hallmarks of French culture.  Understanding French will increase your appreciation of these aspects of culture, both past and present.
  
  
• French a sportive language.
  French is one of the primary languages of the International Olympic Committee. The Tour de France (cycling), the French Open (tennis), Le Mans (car racing), and the Paris-Dakar Rally (car and bicycle racing) are a few of the French sporting events that are followed all over the globe.
  
  
• Studying French will increase your English vocabulary.
  Many French words have become part of everyday English, and many English words grew out of French. 
  
  
• For more interesting details about France and the value of studying French, please visit the following two Web sites:
  • French, the Most Practical Language
  • On the Importance of Knowing French