5 Reasons To Learn French: What Are The Benefits For Your Career

There are several cognitive and social benefits to learning a second language, but when it comes to a common dialect like French, you also gain a professional advantage. It’s estimated that 275 million people speak French across 5 continents, making it endlessly valuable.

Any popular language, like German, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese, will give you access to more job opportunities, but is there a reason why you should choose French instead?

Why Learning French is a Great Career Move

Language learning websites, like Lingoda, consider learning French as one of the smartest career moves you could make. Here’s why French is the best choice for future leaders.

1. Networking Opportunities

When you’re able to speak a second language, you can converse with more people. While it’s true that other international business people speak English, we’re always more comfortable using our native language. Plus, you’ll impress potential partners with your language fluency.

Even if you aren’t 100% confident in your French skills, your fellow professionals will appreciate you trying. Learning a language is tough, but if you’re somewhat fluent, you’re proving to your network that you’re a determined, hard-working person. Anyone would want you on their team!

2. Culture Opportunities

Learning a language doesn’t start and end with the words themselves; it also involves studying a culture’s nuances. Most language learners won’t be able to learn slang or dialog complexities unless they’re actually invested in “being French,” which can’t be taught through textbooks.

If you work in fine arts or international business, you already understand that the concept of “being French” is in everything a person does. Without the ability to navigate potentially embarrassing situations, you won’t be able to get a job in a French-speaking country.

3. International Opportunities

French is one of the most spoken languages in major organizations, like NATO, The EU, The Red Cross, The United Nations, and much more. Most of these organizations are in countries like Switzerland, Belgium, and France, where French is an official language.

If international politics aren’t your forte, there are still plenty of French corporations you can be a part of. For example, Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH) primarily hires French speakers, but they will take you over another applicant if you’re fluent in English (and another language).

At the same time, you also open yourself up to English-speaking opportunities in a French-speaking country. TEFL certification allows professionals with non-education degrees to teach English full-time, but most degrees are transferable provided you also have experience.

4. Educational Opportunities

Although your French has to be near fluent, learning the language can open doors to educational institutions that otherwise would remain shut. Science Po, Sorbonne, and the University of Montreal only accept French-speaking students, with very few exceptions.

If you plan to move to a French-speaking country, getting a degree at a French university will increase your odds of immigrating successfully. Most foreign countries only offer citizenship to people who can live and work comfortably, and language fluency definitely plays a part.

5. Immigration Opportunities

Millions of people want to live in countries like France, Switzerland, and Canada, but without French fluency, that reality will stay out of reach. Even if you’re just going to a French-speaking country for a limited time, there’s a big possibility you’ll fall in love and never want to leave.

A Visa can only keep you in a country for so long, so if you want to stay, you need to work on your language skills. Although French isn’t the hardest language to learn (most language sites consider it “easy”), it will still take 575-600 hours for most English speakers to grasp.