Christian Universities with French

By Calli Wolfenden, Staff Writer
 

French is often referred to as the “language of love.” Known for its ties to romance, the Eiffle tower, art, and, of course, croissants, France is a popular destination for tourists, remote workers, students, and those just looking for an escape. Of course, the French language spans much farther than just the borders of France, with it being the primary language for countries in Africa, Europe, and parts of North and Central America. Choosing to pursue a French degree is bigger than diving into the culture of France; it opens doors to multiple francophone countries, offering opportunity to dive into diverse cultures and histories, sharing a similar tongue.

Choosing to major in French at a Christian University will prepare you for any number of careers with a French degree. You’ll be immersed in not only the French language, learning pronunciation, grammar, and meaning, but also how different cultural norms tie into the understanding and interpretation of the language. As your ear and mind become more attuned to the ins and outs of the language, your Spiritual growth will be nurtured and encouraged in an environment dedicated to helping prepare you for God’s purpose in your life.

Some example careers for those who major in French:

• Translator: A Translator works with written content, such as legal or business documents, instructions, books, and other written communications, and converts it from one language to another. Their goal is to accurately capture the content and meaning, including the tone of the work, in their conversion. Translators work specifically with written communication.
• Interpreter: Interpreters work in live conversation settings, such as court rooms, business conversations, or even in hospitals. They convey the meaning, tone, and intention behind what is said in one language and present it in a different language. Their work is important for breaking down language barriers between two parties and ensuring successful communication.
• French Language Teacher: A French Language Teacher works with students of varying levels to help them achieve fluency and understanding of the French language and culture. Depending on the setting, teachers may be able to adapt lessons to students’ specific progress. They may work as private tutors, high school or college teachers, or perhaps work in companies designed to teach individuals different languages.
• International Sales Representative: International Sales Representatives work with clients or businesses in foreign markets/countries, selling or promoting products or services. They are responsible for building relationships between businesses or with clients, bridging cultural differences through their grasp of the client’s language and customs.
• Diplomat: A Diplomat represents their home country’s government in foreign nations, working for peaceful cooperation and a good, working relationship between their country and another. They build treaties, trade agreements, and deal with conflict between their country and another, with extensive political, economic, and cultural knowledge, which aid in protecting their country’s interests while bolstering good relationships across cultures.
• Foreign Journalist: Foreign Journalists report on news or notable events happening in other countries. They often reside or travel to other countries to investigate, interview, and see firsthand the story (or its aftermath). Their work involves having a solid grasp of foreign languages, cultures, politics, economics, and societies. Providing accurate and timely news on foreign events is central to their role, keeping the public updated.

Placement rates are difficult to pin down for those who choose to major in French language, partly due to the diverse career options available. With such great variety in potential career paths, a French language degree offers plenty of employment opportunities for its graduates with a decent estimated median salary of around $49,000. That said, there are some keys to succeeding that shouldn’t be ignored, even with a degree that offers such ample opportunities. 

Success with any language is built on the foundation of speaking that language fluently, not just passably. Careers that are built on a French degree require more than just literal translation ability. You’ll need to understand connotations that certain terms hold, the subtle change in tone and inflection in a speaker’s voice, slang, and cultural sayings. Awareness of and adaptability to cultural norms is also necessary, as these directly affect how speakers receive and respond to you. Your fluency is the French language must be a priority, so practice, practice, practice!

A key to becoming fluent like a native speaker is to spend time immersed in French culture. Go to France! Many colleges that offer a French degree will also offer some kind of study abroad program, because there is no greater teacher than experience. Surrounded by the culture and complete language-immersion of France will force you to practice your speaking, body language, and comprehension with native speakers and adapt quickly. Additionally, this experience will aid you in your career hunt later on as it shows that you’re familiar with the people as well as the language.

With a diverse selection of careers to choose from comes the issue of prepping for those careers. A French degree may open many doors, but specific skills and knowledge are what get you through them. If you have an idea of what specific career you want to pursue, tailor your education and internships to that career. You may want to consider a double major. For example, if you want to be a French teacher, doubling as an education major is probably a requirement. If you want to be a diplomat or foreign journalist, then doubling with a political science or journalism major may be the way to go. Additionally, prioritize a relevant internship (or several) during your college career. And network; keep the contacts you make in college, studying abroad, through internships, and anywhere else you may make connections within the field—these come in handy in unexpected ways later on.

Learning any language takes time and resilience. Patience is required, as is self-motivation. Mistakes are part of the process of learning, and along the way you will make plenty of them. You’ll need to learn to be confident in yourself and see mistakes as an opportunity to get better. Be receptive to feedback and comfortable with correction. Being dedicated is essential; you’ll need to put in a lot of practice hours outside of the classroom to really grasp the language and cement your understanding. Learning a different language takes a lot of personal application and perseverance. The combination of these qualities can make an individual well suited to any career with a French degree, including one involved in ministry.

Work Cited:

• “How Much Money Can You Make with a French Language Degree?” CareerExplorer, www.careerexplorer.com/degrees/french-language-degree/salary/. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.
• “What Can I Do with a French Degree?” 5 Jobs with French Degrees, www.kent.edu/mcls/what-can-i-do-french-degree. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

By Calli Wolfenden, Staff Writer
 

Mark 16:15
“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’”

1 Corinthians 12:8-10
“To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that on Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.”

We are instructed multiple times in the Bible to share the gospel to all peoples. We’re also told to use the Spiritual gifts that we are each given to further the Kingdom. Someone with a French degree has a unique opportunity to combine those efforts. Being able to learn a new language is a gift, and a necessary one in spreading the gospel to nations whose primary language is not the same as ours. There are many French-speaking countries that the gospel still needs to be spread in, there are many French-speakers who still don’t know Jesus.

Those who major in French and apply their skills can be beneficial in planting churches, working with refugees, evangelism, translation, and so much more. Additionally, they can use their expertise to multiply the efforts and teach others to speak French, translate, and evangelize. God can use anyone to do anything, and for those he’s blessed with the ability to speak multiple languages, He can use them to do anything in two tongues.

The opportunities that are open to those who choose to major in French are vast, extending from politics to business to ministry. If you’re passionate about the French language, self-motivated, resilient, and eager to work with people in different and diverse cultures, then perhaps the Lord is calling you to major in French!