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Learn French

Learning French can give you opportunities to explore careers and interests worldwide. Read on to learn about different educational programs and career paths for French speakers.

Why learn French?

About 321 million people speak French worldwide. It's the official language of 32 different states and governments. Many important works of philosophy and literature were first written in French and then translated, making it a language with a rich history.

Learning other languages can help strengthen your résumé, especially now that more companies operate internationally.

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Find new interests and advance your career opportunities

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Use the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.

Learn at your own pace

On your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.

Earn a valuable credential

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Choosing the right French program for you

Depending on your goals for learning French, there are multiple pathways you could take. For hobbyists or those interested in travel, a course might be a great idea. However, if you're looking to make French an integral part of your career, a degree or executive education program might be a better fit.

Courses

Courses can introduce you to the language, build on existing language skills, or allow you to learn something specific about French. These programs typically last a few weeks and can be completed at your own pace.

Certifications

A French certification can validate your French skills for potential employers. These programs might be good for you if you want to work with a French company or serve French customers.

Executive education programs

Executive education programs are designed for senior leaders seeking to hone their skills. These programs can help you build the language skills necessary to advance your career or lead your company to new geographic locations within the French-speaking world.

Degrees

A bachelor's or master's degree in French can help you find work with French-speaking companies, non-profits, or even governmental agencies. A degree track provides training in French beyond the language itself and introduces you to other elements of the culture, like literature and history.

Jobs in French

With French language skills you may be able to work in many different types of industries that provide products or services to French-speaking clients. Let's explore some options.

Translator

Translators convert one language to another. These professionals might work in marketing to provide localization for campaigns or help translate novels for a wider audience. Careers are also available in medical settings or schools.

High school teacher

High school teachers can provide language courses for students at multiple levels. These professionals work in public or private schools.

  • Required education: Bachelor's degree and a state-issued license
  • BLS median annual salary (2023): $65,220
Journalist

Multilingual journalists have the opportunity to cover news in many different countries. Journalists work in television, print media, radio, or even as freelancers.

  • Required education: Bachelor's degree
  • BLS median annual salary (2023): $57,500

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    FAQs about French

    Why should I learn French?

    French is the fifth most spoken language in the world. It's the official language of more than 30 governments. Learning French gives you key skills that global businesses and organizations may be looking for.

    How long does it take to learn French?

    The amount of time it takes to learn French is different for everyone. If it's similar to a language you already know or you have a lot of experience learning languages, it may take less time. If you have a lot of time to practice your skills, this may also help shorten the time spent learning French.

    How hard is it to learn French?

    This depends on your goals for learning the language. If you'd like to learn a few key phrases to converse while you travel, that may be much easier than developing the expertise to translate for a government organization. Still, French is considered one of the easier languages to learn.