Why Learn French

French is spoken by over 300 million people worldwide, a very large majority of whom are under 30 years old, and is the second language of millions more. In Europe, it is spoken in France, Belgium, Switzerland and Luxembourg. In the Americas, it is an official language of Canada and spoken in the Carribbean.

Being able to speak French is an asset for anyone interested in working in international organizations such as the Peace Corps.

French is spoken by over 300 million people worldwide, a very large majority of whom are under 30 years old, and is the second language of millions more. In Europe, it is spoken in France, Belgium, Switzerland and Luxembourg. In the Americas, it is an official language of Canada and spoken in the Carribbean.

of twenty five nations, the world's largest economic entity with a population of 350 million and a gross national product larger than the United States.

French is also an official working language in the United Nations, UNESCO, NATO, the International Red Cross and international courts. Proficiency in French is a prerequisite for anyone planning on a career in international organizations.

It is a very good base for learning Romance languages (Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Romanian) as well as English, since 50% of current English vocabulary is derived from French.

Today, American companies have over 2,000 subsidiaries in France, and French companies have over 600 subsidiaries in the United States. More than 800,000 jobs in the US require French. Major corporations with headquarters or subsidiaries in the United States and France include Du Pont, Hewlett-Packard, Xerox, Apple Computer, Michelin, Renault, Bic and many more.

have had a wide influence in the United States and the rest of the world. Learning French grants access to new horizons. One can delve into the worlds of fashion, art, cuisine and literature, just by saying 'Bonjour'. A French lesson is a journey into the world of fashion, gastronomy, the arts, literature and architecture.

have had an influence on world culture. Many recent American films like Three Men and a Baby or Point of No Return are remakes of French movies. Where would Julia Child be without French cuisine? Who hasn't heard of Christian Dior, Chanel, and Pierre Cardin?

Jean Calvin helped define Protestantism; Enlightment writers like Voltaire championed human rights; Simone de Beauvoir was a prominent feminist, and Michel Foucault was a founder of postmodernism.

France is the world's number-one tourist destination and attracts more than 70 million visitors a year. Quebec also offers a taste of Europe in North America. A little French makes it so much more enjoyable to visit Paris and all the regions of France. From the mild climes of the Côte d'Azur to the snow-capped peaks of the Alps.