Study french abroad
An in-depth guide to studying french as an international student.
Explore french programs abroad
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PhD programs in
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French degrees abroad
French is one of the key international languages and is native to a number of countries including France, Canada, Belgium, Switzerland and much of Africa. It’s one of the official working languages of the European community, and is one of the world’s most important languages in terms of speaker numbers and its role in science, industry and international diplomacy.
Studying French abroad will allow you to develop fluent linguistic skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing, translating and interpreting the language. Most programs also give you the chance to learn about the society, culture and history of France and other French speaking countries.
You can study French abroad in many countries, and studying in a French speaking country can help you develop your language skills. Most French programs will include time spent studying and living in France or another Francophone country, where you’ll be able to experience the culture and immerse yourself in the language day to day.
French program structure
You can study French as a single honors degree at the undergraduate level as a BA, and in the US it is likely that you will study French as a liberal arts major. Studying abroad for a bachelor’s in French often takes four years, with some time spent studying abroad. A master’s in French will take between one and two years of study.
French degree programs use a range of different learning and teaching styles and methods, including lectures, tutorials and workshops. You’ll get the opportunity to regularly practice your language skills in group and individual presentations, and a large part of your time will be taken up by individual study.
Your progress will be assessed through a combination of written examinations and essays, and some modules will include oral presentations, group work and reports. Most programs will ensure you’re assessed on the four main language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
The precise program structure and content will vary depending on the university you attend, but most will be made up of core modules you must study, and a range of electives you can choose from. Some of the subjects you can expect to study include:
- Beginners French language
- Advanced French language
- French literature
- French translation
- Evolution of the French language
- French linguistics
- Academic skills for language students
- Modern French culture
- French history
Best countries to study french
How to study french abroad
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French study abroad programs
French undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in french
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French - BA Arizona State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 29,834 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
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Law with French Law - LLB University of Birmingham, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 18,700 GBP
- Start date
- September
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French and Francophone Studies - BA University of Illinois at Chicago, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 29,800 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
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Secondary Education (French) - BSc University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 27,000 USD
- Start date
- January, June, August
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French - BA University of Kansas, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 26,960 USD
- Start date
- January, June, August
French graduate programs
Master's in french
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French Literature - MA Arizona State University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 24,318 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
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Intercultural Communication - French - MA University of Maryland, Baltimore County, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 22,896 USD
- Start date
- August
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French - MA University of Waikato, New Zealand
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 18 months
- Tuition fees per year
- 30,095 NZD
- Start date
- February, July
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French - MA DePaul University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 22,880 USD
- Start date
- January, March, September
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French Horn - MMus University of Hartford, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 25,390 USD
- Start date
- -
Future french careers
French graduates leave university with a wide range of transferable skills that employers look for, including oral and written skills, independence, research skills and teamwork. Some of the most popular jobs French students go into include:
- Translator
- Interpreter
- Language teacher
- Academic researcher
- Diplomatic service officer
- Journalist
Being able to communicate in French is also a very useful skill in a number of other industries including business and finance. If you’re not sure what career you want to pursue after studying French abroad, your university will be able to help you with career support.
