Knowledge of a second language is
essential in over 50 occupations. Canada, officially bilingual, is the most important
trading partner for the United States and requires labelling in English and French on all
imported products. Hundreds of French companies have subsidiaries in the US and France is
the largest recipient of US foreign investment.
The European Union, the second largest trading bloc
in the world, recognises French as an official language. There are many job opportunities
with the airlines, import-export companies and other international businesses. French
proficiency will also give you a competitive advantage applying for jobs in the United
States foreign service or the United Nations (Where English is the only language used more
often than French.)
In many European countries, a second language is
introduced in primary school and a third language in junior high school. International job
applicants who are proficient in at least two languages will have a distinct advantage in
the global market.