How is French proficiency useful in the professional world? 

Mastering a foreign language is an asset in our global society and advantageous for mutual understanding across cultures and borders. Studies have shown that these upsides associated with foreign languages also translate to a clear leg up in the workforce.  

In 2017, the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages launched a national campaign to promote multilingualism: Lead With Languages. The purpose of this campaign is to encourage Americans to learn foreign languages. The first argument put forward is economic: without a multilingual workforce, the United States would lose momentum in a global economy. Their survey, ”Making Languages Our Business: Addressing Foreign Language Demand Among U.S. Employers,” conducted among U.S. employers, highlights that 9 out of 10 employers rely on employees with language skills other than English and that 22% of them state a need for French language skills.

Resources for Teachers of Professional French

Villa Albertine, the French Institute for Culture and Education, offers several resources and training sessions geared toward equipping instructors with the skills to successfully teach professional French.   

Explore workshops designed for university teachers in French for professional purposes didactics, created in partnership with the Paris Ile-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and keep an eye on our events page for information about upcoming job fairs and workshops. Discover several resources for teachers professional French here.

Business French Diplomas

Business French Diplomas are intended for all students and professionals who wish to certify their professional French skills. 

The tests are widely recognized and open to candidates over the age of 16. You can either take the tests directly or enroll in a preparation program in one of the approved centers. The tests are taken online and followed by an oral interview.