Brookings Main Campus
Learn French, Prepare for the World
In today’s global economy, the ability to speak French is an extremely valuable skill. French is spoken on five continents, by over 220 million people in the world, and it is the official language in close to thirty different countries. In this program, you will learn to communicate effectively in French with courses that integrate language and culture. Our curriculum will also help you develop what employers call desirable “soft skills” such as empathy, creativity, mental flexibility, critical thinking and intercultural communication strategies. You can take advantage of our study abroad opportunities to refine your language skills, immerse yourself in one of the many cultures that use French and participate in service-learning projects that will give you the skills to be linguistically proficient, open to diversity and globally literate. The French studies major can easily be combined with another major and is especially desirable when paired with a major such as nursing, engineering, English or journalism for instance.
Is it for you?
This program will be a good fit if you:
- Like to learn about cultures that use French as a language in North America, Europe, Africa, the Indian Ocean, the Pacific and the Caribbean.
- Want to travel, broaden your horizons, and engage with diversity.
- Plan to work internationally and need to develop your intercultural competence.
- Want to understand how the French-speaking world impacts and is shaped by globalization.
- Seek to gain proficiency in the French language and increase your overall communication skills for any job—domestically or overseas.
Career Opportunities
- International education: ESL teacher in the U.S. or overseas
- International development: health care industry worker, translator, community organizer, human rights agency or NGO worker, etc.
- Healthcare: doctor, nurse, physician’s assistant, physical therapist, administrator, pharmaceutical product representative, NGO worker (Doctors without Borders)
- International business: salesperson, trader, sales representative
- Tourism industry: director, hotel manager, travel agent, tour guide
Recent Employers
- Ministère de l’Éducation (France)
- WestJet Airlines (Canada)
- euNetworks (Europe)
- National Wildlife Refuge Association (Washington, D.C.)
- Lewis Drug Pharmacy
- Minnesota Department of Health
- Sioux Falls School District
- Government Center, Washington County, Minnesota
Internship Opportunities
- Human Rights Organization (Senegal)
- Women’s Development
- Organic Farming (France)
- Sports and Leadership (Morocco)
Suggested Certificates
Suggested Dual Majors
Suggested Minors
Clubs and Organizations
- French Club
Undecided or still deciding on a major and future career?
If you are uncertain about your major and have questions about career planning, you are not alone. Choosing a major or career can be a very difficult decision. The exploratory studies program may be a good fit if you are unsure of your major and career focus. Entering the university in the exploratory studies program will help you gain confidence and valuable insights on majors and minors available at Ƶ and future career choices.
In addition, , a self-guided assessment, education and career planning program, will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality traits and skills to provide valuable insight as you explore major and career choices. Ƶ students may access FOCUS 2 Career by using their student email and password. After completing FOCUS 2 Career, you may find it helpful to discuss your results with a career coach in the .