French is a critical language spoken by an estimated 274 million people (and growing!) making it the third largest of the Romance languages.

French is also the official language of 32 countries and governments and serves as an administrative language in several international organizations, such as the EU, the International Olympic Committee, the European Space Agency, and the Universal Postal Union. French is one of the only six official languages of the United Nations!

It has also been voted the third most "useful" language in the world and is the official or working language in most important international agencies and organizations. The Wall Street Journal also recently reported that Foreign Languages and Literatures are the top-paying majors in the liberal arts.

By studying French, you’ll develop stronger communication skills, a greater awareness of human diversity, and a deeper understanding of your first language, all of which are essential building blocks for any career.

Why Study French at Luther?

As a liberal arts college, Luther has a vital interest in other cultures and their languages. The goal of the Luther French program is to help you develop your language skills and understand and appreciate the diversity of French-speaking cultures.

French majors and minors at Luther participate in immersion programs on three continents. The  program offers a variety of study-abroad experiences for students and internships to improve their language skills. Majors are required to spend a minimum of one semester of academic study in a country where French is an official language. For French minors, at least one January Term of academic study in such a country, although a semester is strongly recommended. Those preparing to teach must spend at least one semester of academic study in such a country.

French has been voted the third most "useful" language in the world and is the official language in most important international agencies and organizations. In French courses you will work with expert language instructors devoted to teaching students in small classes and engaging them in challenging and meaningful assignments. French majors and minors also have the opportunity to realize the strategic dimension of the French language by participating in role-playing simulations re-enacting organizations such as the U.N. Security Council or the E.U. Parliament.

Recently the Wall Street Journal recently reported that Foreign Languages and Literatures are the top-paying majors in the liberal arts. At Luther, the majority of French majors and minors do internships in the Francophone world to capitalize on this trend.