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Why Should I Study French at Salem State College?
Pourquoi le français
You probably got here from our page entitled Why you want to study a foreign language in college (and in high school too). If not, make sure you look at that first.
Whether you choose to take a few classes or to complete a minor in French, the French language program at Salem State will help you to develop proficiency in a language that is spoken on 5 continents, in over 40 countries, by approximately 10% of the
world's population. However, the ability to communicate in French
is not the the only valuable aspect of French studies!
The French
program at Salem State College also includes the study of French and Francophone cultures and literatures, in which you will develop:
- sharp critical thinking ability
- oral and written analytical skills
- a comparative perspective on global affairs
- cross-cultural awareness and the ability to work with diverse groups of people
- a broad multidisciplinary knowledge base (including literature, history, art, film, philosophy, linguistics, sociology, economics, and many more disciplines which intersect with French and Francophone cultures).
What can I do with a minor in French?
The French minor at Salem State (5 courses above the elementary level) will help prepare you for a career in any number of fields where language skills, cross-cultural awareness
and critical thinking are valued. Students who minor in
French may pursue careers in:
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teaching: French is now being taught in the U.S.
at the elementary, middle school, high school and college levels
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translation or interpretation
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business: international business, public relations, marketing, sales, management
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journalism and media communications
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politics,
international relations, or work with
government agencies: United Nations, U.S. State Department, CIA, FBI, etc.
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international
engineering and technology
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medicine or
medical research: with French-speaking
populations in the U.S., or with the World Health Organization, Red Cross, pharmaceutical companies
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museum administration
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travel and tourism industries
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fashion or design industries
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culinary arts: chef, sommelier, restaurant owner/manager, food critic
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nonprofit organizations : Peace Corps, Save the Children, Doctors without Borders, etc.
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international law
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writing
or publishing : language textbook editing; fashion or trade magazine writing; travel writing, etc.
Did you know...?
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Proficiency
in French increases your job prospects!
A recent U.S. State Department study
of the international job market indicated that over 50% of jobs
surveyed required or preferred candidates to speak French.
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Canada, whose
official languages are French and English, is the primary consumer
of U.S. exports! And, with NAFTA, more
and more products will be marketed in Canada and companies will
require French-speaking employees.
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France is the
#1 tourist destination in the world! The
number of people visiting France per year is greater than its
entire population.
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In over 20 African
countries, French is used for government or business!
There is a strong French influence in
North Africa, West Africa and Central Africa.
-
French is an
official language of many international organizations!
It is an official language at the United Nations, the Red Cross,
the International Monetary Fund, UNESCO & the International
Olympic Committee!
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French is the
second most influential language in the world! Language
Today, a publication for language professionals, ranks French
second only to English.
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France ranks
4th in the world in terms of Gross National Product! Plus,
over 1,200 French companies have investments in the U.S. and these
French companies employ over 400,000 Americans annually.
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All three branches
of the European Union are headquartered in French-speaking countries!
The executive branch is headquartered
in Brussels, Belgium; the legislative branch in Strasbourg, France;
and the judicial branch in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.
For more information on the French major or minor, consult the French
Program web page!
Other pages about foreign language study
At this site
The Value of Foreign Language Study
These links will give you a better idea of what the study of foreign languages can do for you and help you grow personally and academically.
Foreign Language Careers
"Foreign Language graduates pursue careers in business, education, government, and the non-profit sector, and some pursue advanced degrees. Future career options may be determined not so much by the choice of your college major, but by your interests, skills, values, and types of work experiences acquired during college. Regardless of your career aspirations, increase your marketability to employers through internships, related work experience, good grades, advanced coursework, and involvement in campus activities. Many careers do not require a specific major, but rather a wide range of demonstrated skills, accomplishments, and related work experience while in school." (Rutgers U.)
These pages will give you an idea about specific jobs that someone with a foreign language major could be doing. But remember that a foreign language major often is not a 'career major', but either a value added major (to combine with another major) or a strong 'liberal arts' basis for a multitude of employment oportunities where your employer will train you in the specific skills you need.
The Value of a Liberal Education
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