Thinking of moving or working in Canada? You might believe your English is enough for communication, but having French at your disposal can open extra doors for you.
Approximately 22% of the Canadian population speak French as a first official language, with about 29.1%–29.8% able to hold a conversation in French.
Learn about the top 7 benefits of learning French in Canada, from boosting your career and education opportunities to enjoying more diverse media.
Why Is French Important in Canada?
French is one of the country’s two official languages (alongside English) due to its historical and cultural significance. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain explored the mainland of Canada and established New France.
Ever since, the French language has had an immovable presence in the nation, shaping its identity and traditions to this day.
7 Benefits of Learning French
What do you get from learning French in Canada? More upsides than meets the eye:
1. Improve Your Career Opportunities
Having French as a second language makes your resume stronger because being bilingual gives you a competitive advantage.
Studies have shown that bilinguals have 35% greater job prospects because they can create smooth communication in diverse workplaces. Also, bilinguals tend to get higher pay, potentially 5%–20% more than people who speak only one language.
French, in itself, has a distinctive edge, as it’s used in countless sectors: aviation, diplomacy, arts, tourism, healthcare, banking, and international trade.
Plus, your knowledge of French allows you to contact professionals in Francophone countries, spreading your business’s presence.
2. Support Your Canadian Immigration Goals
Learning French earns your Canadian immigration profile extra points in the system:
- More CRS points for Express Entry (up to 50)
- Better odds in category-based immigration draws
- Higher chances of long-term settlement in Canada
- Increased Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) opportunities
3. Communicate With More People Across Canada
As discussed, French is the mother tongue of more than a fifth of Canadians (7.6 million people). By learning French, you bring the language barrier down to zero wherever you go!
Quebec alone has over 6 million Francophones, with French being the sole official language there. New Brunswick is officially bilingual, and Francophones make up one-third of its population.
The eastern and northern regions of Ontario have the largest Francophone population outside Quebec. Finally, you can expect other, smaller communities to still hold on to their French roots in parts of Western Canada.
4. Access More Education Opportunities
A good grasp of French enables you to apply for a larger range of courses and research programs at esteemed universities and institutions in Canada.
For example, Laval University and the University of Saint-Boniface have French or bilingual courses across different specialities: art and design, administrative sciences, music, philosophy, theology and religious studies, engineering, medicine, pharmacy, and many more.
You can also take advantage of special scholarships or unlock the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot.
Ultimately, mastering French lets you access international education opportunities, such as the highly regarded Sorbonne University and Sciences Po University.
5. Enjoy French-Speaking Culture and Media
There’s nothing like consuming French media without subtitles or translation; you get to experience all those subtle nuances firsthand.
Read some of the most critically acclaimed pieces of literature in their original language: Le Comte de Monte-Cristo and Les Trois Mousquetaires by Dumas, Les Misérables by Hugo, or Madame Bovary by Flaubert.
You’ll similarly enjoy a wealth of French movies in all their authentic glory, from crowd favourites like Amélie and À bout de souffle (Breathless) to well-loved classics such as Les Quatre Cents Coups (The 400 Blows) and La Haine.
And if you’re interested in philosophy, politics, or social sciences, there’s no shortage of French thinkers who have influenced generations. When you learn French, you can read the works of Voltaire, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir and grasp the intricacies of their ideas.
6. Improve Travel Experiences in Canada and Abroad
Proficiency in French means you get to navigate French-speaking communities and cities in Canada without fearing miscommunication or misunderstanding. In Quebec, parts of Ontario, and New Brunswick, you’ll be able to confidently ask for directions, make new friends, etc.
Similarly, you should feel at home in French-speaking countries, avoiding tourist traps, reading menus, and connecting with natives. Travelling to Switzerland, France, North and West Africa, or Belgium should be a stress-free, wholesome experience!
7. Personal Growth and Brain Health
Learning a new language goes beyond education and better career options; it gives you a sense of accomplishment and boosts your self-esteem. It makes learning other languages easier, too, because your brain gets used to forming new linguistic connections.
To clarify, English and French share similar roots, which you’ll immediately notice when learning French. It’s estimated that 30% of English words are borrowed from French, such as “nonchalant,” “beef,” “restaurant,” “hotel,” “café,” and “chic.”
You can apply the same logic if you decide to learn other languages that share linguistic roots with French, like Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese. They’re called Romance languages, as they’re derived from the everyday spoken language of the Roman Empire (Vulgar Latin).
Lastly, picking up another language engages your brain in multiple ways. It strengthens your memory, enhances your concentration, helps you form new thinking patterns, and changes your perspective on different aspects of your life.
How to Start Learning French in Canada
After becoming familiar with all the amazing perks that learning French in Canada grants you, it’s time to take the next step.
Sign up for French classes at French Language Solutions and take advantage of carefully curated course materials, online sessions, and special programs designed for kids and teens.
You’ll find French classes tailored to all skill levels, from beginner to intermediate, conversational, and advanced. Our qualified tutors are native French speakers, and they also speak English for easier communication when it’s necessary.
Learn the language of love now and unlock unlimited opportunities in your career, education, and travels!