French: An important skill to learn while studying in France

Studying abroad offers endless opportunities for personal and professional growth but immersing yourself in a new culture is only truly rewarding if you break down language barriers. If you plan to study in France, learning French isn’t just a bonus—it’s a gateway to deeper academic understanding, cultural immersion, and countless personal and professional benefits.

This post will focus on the many benefits of learning French while studying in France, why learning French is important for your experience, tips to accelerate your language skills, and life success stories that inspire you. In the end, you will find that becoming fluent in French while studying in France is one of the best investments you can make for your future.

Benefits of studying in France

France has always been a magnet for ambitious students eager to explore its rich culture, world-renowned education and opportunities. But what makes it one of the best places for study abroad programs?

Educational and Cultural Excellence

France is home to some of the world’s leading universities and institutions. Whether you study literature, business, or engineering, French institutions often find a place on the global education charts. French higher education ensures you have recognized qualifications worldwide, giving you a competitive edge in your career.

Studying in France means experiencing famous art, architecture, and cuisine. From exploring famous museums like the Louvre to wandering the history-filled streets of Paris, you’ll be part of an enviable cultural landscape that inspires curiosity and creativity.

Personal and professional development

Living in France exposes you to different perspectives and pushes you to be more flexible and independent. In addition, France’s thriving job market—especially in industries such as fashion, engineering, and culinary arts—offers plenty of career opportunities, especially if you’re fluent in French.

However, these benefits increase exponentially when students invest in language learning. The ability to speak and understand French makes you more connected to your environment and the opportunities it presents.

Benefits of learning French in France

While there are countless ways to learn French from your home country, nothing compares to using the language in its native land. Here’s why learning French while in France is a game-changer for foreign student students:

Language and cultural immersion

Immersion is the fastest way to learn any language, and France provides an unparalleled environment to master French. Everyday experiences—interacting with community members at a bakery, driving down the road, attending community events—using practical language. These real-world interfaces build your vocabulary, pronunciation, and confidence far better than textbooks and apps.

When you learn French in-depth, you also come into contact with cultural nuances baked into the language—colloquialisms, jokes, and local customs—that add depth to your study abroad experience.

Increased understanding of academic work

Language skills are important if part or all of your program is taught in French. Learning French allows you to understand course material better, confidently engage in conversation, and build stronger academic relationships with professors and peers. Being able to read French-language materials, even in English-medium programs, will give you a wealth of additional information.

Strong relationships with teachers and fellow students

Being proficient in French not only enhances your academic performance but also allows you to build meaningful relationships with professors and peers. By studying French, you demonstrate your commitment to embracing the local culture and language, which can make a positive impression and open doors for more significant connections with teachers. Communication in their native language shows respect and appreciation for their expertise, making it easier to build relationships and establish lasting mentoring opportunities.

Improving job prospects after graduation

Fluency in French expands your career significantly. French is the second most widely learned language worldwide and a dominant language in international communication, business and the nonprofit sector. It will enable you to apply for positions in global organizations, perform well in French-speaking countries, and stand out in competitive job markets. Also, speaking French leads to useful relationships with recruiters from French companies or multinational companies headquartered in France, primarily because of the high demand for bilingual candidates.

Tips for learning French while studying abroad

Not sure how to start learning French while dealing with your studies? Here’s an easy way to win.

1. Use campus resources

Most French universities offer free or subsidized language courses for international students. These systems can be used for structured learning and interactions with other students. In addition, libraries often have access to books, software, interactive materials, and other language resources.

2. Connect with the community

The best way to improve fluency is to engage in regular conversations with the community. Participate in community activities such as sports teams, cooking classes, or volunteer programs. Apps like Meetup can help you create groups to exchange conversations or cultural experiences.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—it’s part of the learning process, and locals generally appreciate your efforts to communicate in their language.

3. Set language learning goals

Take concrete points like learning basic vocabulary before the first week, getting the basic rules of grammar right in the first semester, and carrying on daily conversations for the semester ends. Apps like Duolingo or Babbel and spaced-repetition tools like Anki can help you stay on task.

4. Get involved in the media

Watch French movies, listen to French music and read French books to build your vocabulary and improve your listening skills. Podcasts like “Coffee Break French” and movies on Netflix with French subtitles are a good start.

5. Use it daily

Consistency is key to language learning. Incorporate French into your daily routine—order food in French, translate your groceries, or write about your day in simple French sentences.

Real-world success stories

Still skeptical? Here are examples of students whose lives have changed after mastering French during their study abroad experience:

Saurabh Shetty: A Chef de Rang at Hotel Costes, Paris

Meet Saurabh Shetty, an ambitious student who embarked on an incredible educational and professional journey in France. Studying for a master’s in food and Beverage Management, Saurabh has navigated cultural differences, new learning environments and gained invaluable industry experience. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and passion for personal and professional growth.

Click here to read his success story

Turn your study abroad experience into a life-changing journey

Studying in France is already a unique opportunity—but learning French elevates it to a life-changing experience. It enhances your learning, career prospects and cultural connections in a way that only immersion can.

Additional Resources

Duolingo: Learn French with interactive, gamified lessons.

Alliance Française: Offers cultural workshops and lessons in French cities.

Live Lingua: Access personalized, one-on-one lessons with native speakers.

Study in France Program: Learn more about programs and accommodations for international students looking to study in France.