Brookings Main Campus
Learn French, Prepare for the World
In today’s global economy, the ability to speak French is an extremely valuable skill. French is spoken on five continents, by over 220 million people in the world and it is the official language in close to thirty different countries. As a result, there is a demand for teachers of the French language—domestically and internationally. As a foreign language, French is taught in the education systems of most countries around the world and is the second most widely learned foreign language in the world, with almost 120 million students and 500,000 teachers. In the French studies program at SDSU, you will learn to communicate effectively in French and with a teaching specialization, you will take language and culture courses that encourage and often include experiential learning to prepare for teaching careers in primary, middle or secondary schools.
Is it for you?
This program will be a good fit if you:
- Want to gain proficiency in the French language.
- Are interested in learning and teaching about cultures that speak French.
- Enjoy being in a classroom environment.
- Want to engage with diversity.
- Want to work internationally with ESL (English as a Second Language) or FLE (French as a Foreign Language) teaching.
Career Opportunities
- French teacher
- English as a second language teacher
- Museum coordinator
- Proofreader/copywriter/editor
- Community outreach for non-profit organizations
Recent Employers
- South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa school districts
- Overseas teaching positions
Suggested Minors
Clubs and Organizations
- French Club
Undecided or still deciding on a major and future career?
If you are uncertain about your major and have questions about career planning, you are not alone. Choosing a major or career can be a very difficult decision. The exploratory studies program may be a good fit if you are unsure of your major and career focus. Entering the university in the exploratory studies program will help you gain confidence and valuable insights on majors and minors available at SDSU and future career choices.
In addition, FOCUS 2 Career, a self-guided assessment, education and career planning program, will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality traits and skills to provide valuable insight as you explore major and career choices. SDSU students may access FOCUS 2 Career by using their student email and password. After completing FOCUS 2 Career, you may find it helpful to discuss your results with a career coach in the Office of Career Development.