Students in the French Program are exposed to the linguistic and cultural richness of France and other Francophone (French-speaking) societies. Our students not only acquire competence in the language, but also gain different perspectives on a variety of subjects of global concern. French is spoken by people of many nationalities besides the French themselves. It is one of the languages of North America, Africa and the Pacific region. In world affairs, France is influential as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and as a leading power in the European Union. French culture has also given us eminent philosophers, writers and painters since medieval times, as well as film directors in the modern period.
In the Australian context, France has major business interests, particularly in the mining, electronics and viticulture sectors, and increasingly in banking and finance, while French-Australian collaboration in scientific and industrial research is strong and growing. In 2012 Australia and France signed a “New Strategic Partnership” which promotes closer relations in foreign affairs, defence and education.
The staff of ANU’s French program integrates language learning with culture, politics, literature and topical issues in contemporary French speaking societies, taking account of developments in second language acquisition and language teaching pedagogy. Proximity to French diplomatic missions and opportunities for exchange programs enhance the value of studying French at ANU.
You will also be encouraged to study abroad as part of your French studies. We have exchange agreements with several French-speaking universities, including in the Pacific (Noumea, Tahiti), with Canada (McGill University; the University of Montreal; the bilingual University of Ottawa) and with Switzerland (University of Geneva). We also offer regularly an in-country fieldwork course in Paris. By studying these courses you may also be eligible for an Ethel Tory Scholarship which you can use to help you study and travel overseas while you are a student at ANU.
Career Options
Many French majors, have entered the fields of foreign affairs, international relations, development organisations, education, business, public relations, journalism, telecommunications, politics, and public and environmental affairs.