So you’re interested in pursuing a career in French. How exciting! You’ve come to the right place. Here we’ll discuss everything you need to know about French education and job opportunities. Let’s get started.
What Is French Education Like?
If you’ve ever taken French in high school or college, you may know that it’s a tricky language to learn. There are dozens of French words that have the same pronunciation but different meanings. For example, ‘garçon’ and ‘garçonne’ both mean ‘gentleman’, but the pronunciation is different. So is the case for hundreds of other words. It’s easy to see how this could cause problems when speaking with a French native. How frustrating!
Thankfully, that’s not the case for the most part. French schools generally expect students to succeed at a high level. That means they’ve got to put in the time to ensure that their students can speak, read, and write standard French. It’s a common practice for French schools to offer free French courses online in addition to in-person classes. Why? To make sure that everyone, especially those from non-French speaking countries, can succeed.
In some instances, there are differences in how much effort is expected from students in in-person classes as opposed to those taking a free online course. For example, in-person classes usually require a lot more work than an online equivalent. This is because in-person instructors can provide individualized help to struggling students. They can also check for understanding through testing and quizzing, and offer tips on how to improve one’s French language skills.
Where Can I Study French?
If you’re serious about studying French, the first thing you should consider is where you’ll do so. There are several options, all with their perks. First of all, you could study at a traditional French university. Some of the best-known French universities include:
- École Normale Supérieure (ENS) – The Sorbonne (The United Kingdom)
- Paris-Sorbonne
- University of Paris
- University of Lyon
- École Polytechnique
- Institut Polytechnique de Paris (IPFP)
- Institut Supérieur de Technologie (IST)
- Centre Universitaire de Brest
- École Nationale Supérieure de Bretagne (ENS Bretagne)
- Institut National des Sciences Appliqueés (INSA)
Regardless of which one you choose, make sure that you do your research before making any commitments. You can also get a taste of what it’s like to study at a French university by taking a look at a list of French exam papers. They’re a good place to start your research. You can also visit the websites of individual universities to get an idea of their teaching and learning styles.
How Is My English Ability Affecting My Study Habits?
Speaking of affecting your study habits, English is a required subject at all French universities. It isn’t a small point either. Every university expects students to take at least two foreign languages. These are usually either Italian or German. Luckily, English isn’t overly difficult to learn, especially for those from other languages speaking countries. Even so, it can still be frustrating to struggle through endless lists of French words solely in order to achieve a passing grade. This is why many schools offer free French courses online along with in-person classes. Students can take the course at their leisure, and be confident that they’re on the right track to achieving their goals. In some instances, this can even be a time-saving option for those looking to further their education. It pays to be prepared. Taking French courses online can also be an option for busy students. It’s an efficient use of time, and can be a great way to achieve excellence while still managing your school responsibilities.
Is There A Job Outlook For Those Who Study French?
Many universities in France offer a professional degree in French. There are also several prestigious private European universities that offer accredited courses in English. Whether you decide to study in France or abroad, you will have the opportunity to gain work experience while gaining your degree. It isn’t uncommon for universities and high schools to collaborate with businesses in order to ensure that graduates are well prepared for employment. This means that students are often encouraged to pursue a career in French, especially in Francophone countries. The demand for educated young people in French is high, and there are plenty of job opportunities available. If you’re looking for a new challenge, you could consider studying French.
If you decide to go down the academic route, make sure that you look into the various modes of study available. In most cases, you’ll have the choice between full-time or part-time study. In either instance, you’ll be required to complete a certain number of hours each week. You should be aware of this, and plan accordingly. If you don’t want to be burdened with a heavy course load, consider taking a part-time job in addition to your studies. This way, you’ll only be required to complete a certain number of hours each week, and can allocate the rest of your time to your studies.
Where Can I Find Job Opportunities?
With a high degree of proficiency in French, you’ll be able to find job opportunities in both Francophone countries and in English-speaking regions. In Francophone regions, you’ll be able to find job opportunities in local government, in the legal profession, and in academia. Jobs in the media are also available, especially in Paris. Those seeking employment in other regions of France may have to look abroad. However, even in these situations, you will have the option of returning to your home country, or moving abroad. In terms of opportunities, France certainly isn’t difficult to find a job in. Even in smaller towns and cities, there are usually a few reputable firms that offer employment. Naturally, this can vary from one region to the next. In the Paris area, employers can be more selective, and may expect you to have already obtained your degree. Still, with a little bit of research, you will be able to find job opportunities in almost any field you choose. Just make sure you have the required qualifications. The French educational system is renowned for its high standards, and with those standards, comes a wealth of job opportunities. If you’re looking for a new challenge, you could seriously consider studying in France.
There are many reputable French universities that offer high quality education, and a wide variety of courses. If you decide that this is the route you wish to take, make sure you look into the various modes of study available. In most cases, you’ll have the choice between full-time or part-time study. In either instance, you’ll be required to complete a certain number of hours each week. You should be aware of this, and plan accordingly. If you don’t want to be burdened with a heavy course load, consider taking a part-time job in addition to your studies. This way, you’ll only be required to complete a certain number of hours each week, and can allocate the rest of your time to your studies.