French for global affairs - Level 1

Taught by a diverse international team of teachers carefully selected from across the EUROSCI Network, this course will offer you an introduction to French language and the opportunities this creates for international business, tourism, diplomacy and intercultural dialogue. Many other courses combine the learning of French language with the study of French culture and citizenship. Unique to this course, however, is its global scope and scientific approach. This is apparent when studying issues such as ID cards and migration, art and science.

French is an official language in 29 countries across multiple continents, and many others use it officially or teach it. Approximately 300 million people worldwide are able to speak the language, of which only one fourth as native speakers. In 2015, approximately 40 per cent of the francophone population lived in Europe, 36 per cent in sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean, 15 per cent in North Africa and the Middle East, 8 per cent in the Americas, and 1 per cent in Asia and Oceania. The total number of French speakers is projected to reach 700 million by 2050, 80 per cent of whom will be in Africa. French is also one of six official languages used in the United Nations and one of the three working languages of the institutions of the European Union, as well as a primary or second language of many other international organisations. In 2011, Bloomberg Businessweek ranked French the third most useful language for business, after English and Chinese.

The course is aimed at students of all ages wishing to acquaint themselves with French language, as a foundation for further studies or to be able to apply what they learn immediately to intercultural communication. You will join a group of students from all around the globe in this unique collaborative learning experience. Live seminars and online discussions will allow you to develop not only your foreign language communication skills, but also your understanding of current debates in global affairs. Whether you are interested in business, politics, international development, global cuisine, ornitology, or football, this is the course for you.