French along with English is the only language spoken on all five continents.

 

More than 220 million people speak French on all the five continents. French is a major language of international communication. It is the second most widely learned language after English and the sixth most widely spoken language in the world. French is also the second most widely taught language after English, and is taught on every continent. The OIF, an international organisation of French-speaking countries, is made up of 77 member States and governments. France also operates the biggest international network of cultural institutes, which run French-language course for close on a million learners. 

A career asset as well as the language for the job market

The ability to speak both French and English is an advantage for finding a job with the many multinational companies using French as their working language, in a wide range of sectors (retailing, automotive, luxury goods, aeronautics, etc.). A knowledge of French opens the doors of French companies in France and other French-speaking parts of the world (Canada, Switzerland, Belgium, and the continent of Africa). As the world’s fifth biggest economy and third-ranking destination for foreign investment, France is a key economic partner and attracts entrepreneurs, researchers and the cream of foreign students.

The language of international relations

French is both a working language and an official language of the United Nations, the European Union, UNESCO, NATO, the International Olympic Committee, the International Red Cross and international courts. Proficiency in French is essential for anyone considering a career in any international organisation. 

A language that opens up the world

After English and German, French is the third most widely used language on the Internet, ahead of Spanish. An ability to understand French offers an alternative view of the world through communication with French speakers from all over the world and news from the leading French-language international media (TV5, France 24 and Radio France Internationale).

A language for learning other languages

French is a good base for learning other languages, especially Romance languages (Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Romanian) as well as English, since fifty per cent of current English vocabulary is derived from French.

And finally, an advantage for studying in France

Speaking French opens up opportunities for higher education at some of France’s best-known universities (the Sorbonne, Pierre Marie Curie University, etc.) or elite grandes écoles (HEC, Polytechnique, ESSEC), often on very favourable financial terms. Students with a good level of French may be eligible to apply for a French government grant to enrol on a postgraduate course of their choice in France, leading to an internationally recognised postgraduate degree.

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Levels 

Beginner	A1	To recognise and use familiar words and simple phrases for concrete purposes; to introduce himself or someone else. Is able to ask and answer basic questions about home, family, surroundings, etc. and also communicate in a basic way when the other person speaks slowly and clearly, and is ready to repeat or reformulate to help communication.
Elementary	A2	To understand isolated phrases and common expressions that relate to areas of high personal relevance (like personal or family information, shopping, immediate environment, work). Is able to communicate during easy or habitual tasks requiring a basic and direct information exchange on familiar subjects and using simple words, is able to describe his or her surroundings and communicate immediate needs.
Intermediate	B1	Is able to understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar subjects in work, school, leisure activities, etc. as well as manage in most situations that come up when travelling in a region where the language is spoken.Is able to produce a simple and cohesive text on familiar subjects or subjects of personal interest; narrate an event, an experience or a dream; describe a desire or goal, and outline reasons or explanations behind a project or idea.
Upper Intermediate	B2	To understand the main ideas of concrete or abstract topics in a complex text, including a technical article in the user’s area of expertise. Is able to communicate with a degree of spontaneity and fluency during a conversation with a native speaker, in a way that is comfortable for everyone. Speech is clear and in a detailed way on a number of subjects; is able to express an opinion on current affairs, giving the advantages and disadvantages of the various options.
Advanced	C1	Is able to understand a wide range of long and complex texts, including any subtextual or stylistic nuances; as well as to express him or herself freely and fluidly, without obviously fumbling for words.The control on the language is effective and fluent in a social, professional or academic context and is able to speak in a clear, organised way about complex subjects, developing a well-structured argument.
Master or Proficient	C2	Can effortlessly understand almost everything he or she reads or hears. Capable of a coherent summary of events or arguments from oral or written sources. Can express him or herself precisely in a spontaneous, fluent way, conveying finer shades of meaning precisely.