French is not just a beautiful language — it’s a global one. Today, French is spoken on five continents and is one of the fastest-growing languages in the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, which is projected to be an economic powerhouse by 2050. At Gettysburg, students learn French in a way that connects language study with contemporary global issues, preparing them for the future rather than the past.
Studying French at Gettysburg College is more than just learning a language—it’s a journey into culture, global citizenship, and personal transformation. Our immersive courses cover everything from language acquisition to literature, cinema, art, history, and philosophy. You'll develop fluency in both spoken and written French, all while gaining a deeper understanding of how language shapes identity and influences global connections. And with small class sizes, you'll benefit from close mentoring by passionate faculty who are dedicated to your growth. Whether you're exploring the rhythms of Parisian life, the poetry of Baudelaire, or the politics of the Francophone world, the French program invites you to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage meaningfully with the world.
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Enjoy the French and Francophone Film Festival
This October, enjoy four different French films at the Majectic. Films will be shown on Sundays, October 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th. All showings begin at 5pm and admission is free.
Get the complete schedule and film titles on the Film Festival page.
If you’re looking for a place where your professors know you, your curiosity matters, and your studies connect directly to the world beyond campus, Gettysburg is the place. And if you choose French, you’re not just studying a language of literature and history — you’re preparing yourself with one of the fastest-growing, most globally relevant languages of the future.
Featured course
Jump to level: All French courses
Beyond the Classroom
Learning continues well beyond the classroom. Join French Table for casual conversation and camaraderie, participate in film nights, and celebrate Francophone culture during campus events. You’ll connect with other students who share your curiosity and build lasting friendships in the process.
Many students study abroad in France, Belgium, or other Francophone countries, where they live with host families, take university courses, and experience life as a local. These transformative opportunities not only deepen language proficiency but also build resilience, independence, and cross-cultural confidence.
French is a language of the future. Forbes reports that French could be spoken by 750 million people by 2050 — more than English or Mandarin. That means French will be an essential language for international business, diplomacy, development, and cultural exchange. At Gettysburg, the value is that students don’t just gain fluency: they also receive personalized mentorship, the chance to study abroad, and the ability to pair French with another field (like business, political science, health sciences, or the arts) for a truly global edge.
A Launchpad for Global Careers
A major or minor in French opens doors in virtually every field. Our graduates go on to exciting careers in international business, global health, education, law, journalism, diplomacy, and more. Others pursue advanced degrees in language, literature, political science, or international relations.
Employers increasingly seek individuals who can think globally and communicate across cultures. French is spoken on five continents, making it a valuable asset in today’s interconnected world. Whether you're translating policy in Brussels, teaching in Senegal, working with an NGO in Haiti, or navigating global markets, your French degree from Gettysburg gives you the tools—and the confidence—to succeed.
Start Your Global Journey
At Gettysburg, studying French is an invitation to expand your mind, challenge your assumptions, and prepare for a meaningful life across borders. Join us, and discover where French can take you.