THE WORLD SPEAKS FRENCH

ENHANCING STUDENT PERFORMANCE: Students who learn French perform better on standardized tests since more than 50% of modern-day English words trace their origins to French. This means that French has a relatively quick learning curve which boosts a student’s confidence. French also enhances a student’s critical thinking, creative thinking and problem solving skills, which helps them excel in other subjects, like English, math and science.

TRAVEL FAR AND WIDE: There are 55 countries spread across five continents where French is used regularly for business, government and daily life. Thirty-two of those countries recognize French as an official language, including Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, Monaco, and many African nations. As the second most frequently taught World language in the world, French is a passport to communicate globally.

BOUNDLESS CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: French opens the door to many domestic and international career opportunities. Sophisticated professions such as those of medicine, international distribution, the oil and gas industry, power generation, luxury goods, aviation and other transportation technologies encompass extensive French-speaking networks, Knowledge of the French language is also an asset in the fields of literature, the fine arts, gastronomy, cinema, law and business. Scores of major international businesses and organizations, as well as American companies, regularly recruit candidates who know French.

CONNECT: More than 200 million people speak French, offering countless opportunities to converse in the language, study in a Francophone country, become a pen pal or an exchange student. Knowledge of French also makes millions of webpages with limitless information accessible, since French is the third most common language on the Internet. The ability to communicate with people from different nations and backgrounds promotes international understanding.

CULTURE EXTRAORDINAIRE: Through French, students can experience firsthand the art, literature, music, fashion, food and architecture of French-speaking cultures. Studying great works of French literature, the music of Québec or African art offers insights into the unique nature of each culture. Approaching these disciplines through the French language permits a greater appreciation of cultural diversity.

RELEVANT, USEFUL AND SUSTAINABLE: French is an essential part of a well-rounded education for its undeniable academic benefits and the global opportunities it offers. As an official language of the United Nations, International Red Cross, UNESCO, NATO and many other international organizations, French offers students global career opportunities. Learning about French and French-speaking cultures will benefit students today, in their other studies, and constitutes an investment in their future success.

From: TheWorldSpeaksFrench.org