Essential Considerations Before Enrolling in University French Courses

Are you planning to take university-level French courses? Do you have the necessary language proficiency to handle the demands of academic French? This comprehensive guide will help you evaluate your readiness for these challenging courses.

Types of University French Courses

When considering university French courses, you're essentially looking at the equivalent of business, history, or philosophy classes taught in French. Think of it as studying these subjects through the lens of a French-speaking academic environment.

Personal Experience: Learning French in University

I myself have had the experience of taking such equivalent courses in German. By the time I finished the second year of German classes at university, I had little speaking experience and had mostly read novels, short stories, and plays, not academic works. Over seven months at a German university where I immersed myself virtually 24-7 in German, I significantly reduced my errors and increased my fluency.

Would I have wanted to be graded for these courses? Absolutely not. I don’t think I would have failed, but I definitely would not have gotten good grades nor would I have deserved them. However, I had a lot of support. During one of my classes, I had to give a long presentation based on a 13-page paper. A very kind academic patiently helped me refine my language. This was a humbling experience but important in helping me align with my goals and understand what I needed to work on.

Are You Ready for University-Level French Courses?

Universities typically offer advanced French courses aimed at third or fourth-year students. However, some individuals may be ready sooner, while others may take longer. Here are a few key questions to ask yourself:

Language Proficiency

Can you read 100 pages of French material weekly, whether it's academic or non-academic? Are you prepared to engage in discussions about the course material in French? Can you give presentations in French? Can you improvise or respond to questions while delivering a presentation? Can you write essays with proper grammar and style on college-level subjects? Can you listen and take notes in French? Can you recall parts of conversations or lectures in French?

Advice from the Experts

Most college-level courses are already taught in French. First and second-year French courses typically focus on learning the basics, while third and fourth-year courses concentrate more on writing and literature.

It's a good idea to consult the instructors of the courses you're considering. They will be able to provide you with valuable insight into whether you have the necessary language proficiency to succeed in their classes.