Start your French journey at HKU

Discover the many benefits of learning French and learn about your French studies at HKU.

• The benefits of studying French at HKU

• The Minor in French

• The Major in French
  (Available to students of 2023-24 and 2022-23 cohorts)

• FAQ about the French introductory course FREN1001

• French in the Global and Area Studies major

The benefits of studying French at HKU
When comes the stage to select a language to study at the university, French is an attractive option to consider. Selecting French, you will study towards a greater mastery of the language, gain a better understanding of France and the Francophone world, enjoy a wider opportunity to complement other academic disciplines and a deeper experience in comparing local and global cultures. To study French also means building for the future by acquiring an additional qualification for the job market in a variety of areas, such as international business, commerce, science, the media, education and culture. In our world of global exchanges, people who know several languages are always sought after for their capacity to mediate across cultures and ideas.

A greater mastery of the language
Language learning is a personal qualitative development, and also a quantitative process. In other words, it takes time to achieve a rewarding level and success derives from cumulative exposure to the language and steady practice. The French programme at HKU aims to help students become autonomous learners and active users of the language. Many of our graduates have been able to pursue further studies in France; others have successfully integrated a company with a French-speaking environment.

A better understanding of France and the Francophone world
With its economic and political standing, France is a prominent player in world affairs. This country has for long influenced other societies in their industrial, cultural and governmental development. The position of France today stems from a rich heritage of intellectual history and scientific progress. To have the ability to pass through the language barrier is a definite advantage. French is the third most used language on the Internet; the French language offers an alternative view of the world through communication with French speakers from all the continents and access to news from the French-language international media (TV5, France 24, Radio France Internationale).

A wider opportunity to complement other academic disciplines
Because it is all about language, communication, society, knowledge and culture, the French syllabus combines nicely with other fields of academic studies you may pursue in parallel. Students in English, Translation, Fine Arts, History, Philosophy, European studies, Creative Industries, Politics, Social Sciences, Business and Economics and many more subjects will find it easy to establish connections with French that will strengthen their ability to cross-examine, analyse and enrich their own experience. Knowing French will consolidate and expand your vocabulary and grammar skills in English. About 50% of English vocabulary comes from French or is related to it. As you develop greater skills in French, you also sharpen your understanding of English.

A deeper experience in comparing local and global cultures
One of the keys to comprehend our world is our ability to compare across cultures and societies. Learning the French language in depth and understanding new cultural aspects will stimulate your capacity to look at your own cultural background and to exercise a critical view on both the local and global environment. The French language is spoken in more than 40 countries in the world.

An additional qualification for the job market

An ability to speak French in addition to other languages is a definite asset on both the local and the international job market. A good knowledge of French allows access to companies in France and other French-speaking parts of the world (Canada, Switzerland, Belgium, North and sub-Saharan Africa). As the world’s sixth biggest economy and favourite destination of foreign investment, France is a key economic partner in many sectors.

Further reading: More reasons to learn French