French

French is a major international language. It is the first language of people living in several European nations and is widely spoken in Canada, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the Caribbean and Oceania. It is the official language of the Pacific region, including our closest neighbour, New Caledonia – making it a particularly relevant and useful language for New Zealanders to know.

French is the second language of the Internet and the Olympic Games and one of the main languages of the United Nations. A knowledge of French also provides direct access to great films and literature and information on art, science, technology, medicine and tourism.

Knowledge of French language and culture is an advantage for careers in diplomatic and government service, education, travel, tourism, library work, trade and business, translation and interpreting, transport and distribution, media, publishing and entertainment.