The Value of French Studies
The French and Francophone Studies program at UW-Green Bay is designed to help students develop practical language skills while they learn about the literature, culture and people of France and the French-speaking world. Speaking French and understanding the French people and culture opens the door to other cultures of the world where French is spoken, such as Africa (where more people speak French than people speak Spanish in all of South America), the Middle East, Europe, Indochina, etc.
French is the only language other than English spoken on five continents. Indeed French and English are the only two global languages. French is the first or second language in over 40 countries. France is the world's sixth largest economy and is the official working language of the United Nations, UNESCO, NATO, the International Olympic Committee and many more similar important world organizations. According to the most recent U.S. Census, 1.9 million Americans speak French in the home.
Learn Another Culture
The broad training that is part of a program in French and Francophone Studies (including written and oral communication skills, reading and analyzing texts, history, geography and social studies) is an excellent means to personal growth and intellectual enrichment. It is also a fine preparation for entrance into the professional world. In addition to teaching and graduate studies, French and Francophone Studies majors have developed successful careers in many areas of business, the service professions and government.