NEW MAJOR
French The Department of Modern Languages offers the Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree in Modern Languages with specialization in French. The French major is designed to provide students with a proficiency in practical communicative skills in French as well as familiarity with the cultures in which it is spoken. French is used by more than 300 million people worldwide and it is the one of the fastest-growing languages in the United States. Having the ability to speak and understand the French language will provide you with many professional opportunities. The French major is excellent preparation for careers in business, journalism and communications, law, medicine, the service professions, and teaching. This program fully articulates with Hunter College’s bachelor degree programs in French. For more information contact Prof. Sophie Maríñez Rm. S601R • Phone: 212 220 8000 Ext: 5279 smarinez@bmcc.cuny.edu Visit www.bmcc.cuny.edu/languages
Why Study French? Here are 7 really good reasons: 1.
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More than 220 million people speak French on the five continents. The OIF, an international organisation of French-speaking countries, comprises 77 member States and governments. French is the second most widely learned foreign language after English, and the sixth most widely spoken language in the world. The ability to speak French and English is an advantage on the international job market. A knowledge of French opens the doors of French companies in France and other Frenchspeaking 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. French is the international language of cooking, fashion, theatre, the visual arts, dance and architecture. France is the world’s top tourist destination and attracts more than 79,5 million visitors a year. The ability to speak even a little French makes it so much more enjoyable to visit Paris and all the regions of France (from the mild climes of the Cote d’Azur to the snow-capped peaks of the Alps via the rugged coastline of Brittany) and offers insights into
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French culture, mentality and way of life. French also comes in handy when travelling to Africa, Switzerland, Canada, Monaco, the Seychelles and other places. Speaking French opens up study opportunities at renowned French universities and business schools, ranked among the top higher education institutions in Europe and the world. Students with a good level of French are eligible for French government grants to enroll in postgraduate courses in France in the discipline of their choice and qualify for internationally recognised degrees. 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. French is the language of the three cities where the EU institutions are headquartered: Strasbourg, Brussels and Luxembourg. 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. French is the language of the three cities where the EU institutions are headquartered: Strasbourg, Brussels and Luxembourg.
What can I do with an A.A. in French? Really anything you want! The possibilities are endless! Because French is becoming more widely used in the world, having the ability to speak and understand the French language will provide you with many professional opportunities. A selection of possible careers available to those with French degrees: Education:
Importer/Exporter Government:
Bilingual Educator College Professor
Business:
International Relations Consultant Foreign Exchange Trader Publishing Specialist Foreign Correspondent Proofreader
Translator/Interpreter International Account Manager International Banking Officer Bilingual customer support
Culture/Tourism:
Cultural Events Coordinator Travel Agent Translator/Interpreter Escort/Interpreter/Guide
National Security Agent Immigration Officer Court Interpreter Cultural Attaché UNESCO Official Translator/Interpreter FBI Agent Foreign Diplomat Missionary Foreign Service Officer
Resources in French at Modern Languages Department Students can explore our own collection of films and instructional videos; become an editor and contributor for our French magazine Échos du Tout-Monde; participate in our annual Student Symposium of Modern Languages; or participate in a Study Abroad program in Canada with 60% of the cost covered to grow linguistically and expand your cultural understanding of French-speaking societies.