French can be a deceptively familiar language because of the number of words and structures it shares with English. Despite this, it's far from easy, though the bare essentials are not difficult to master and can make all the difference.
Even just saying "Bonjour Madame/Monsieur" and then gesticulating will usually get you a smile and helpful service.
People working in tourist offices, hotels and so on, almost always speak English and tend to use it when you're struggling to speak French - be grateful, not insulted.
Reasons to study French
French is the eleventh most widely-spoken language in the world.
French is the official language of 33 countries in the world.
French is spoken in two of the G7 countries.
French is the mother tongue of 75 million people.
200 million people around the world understand, speak, read or write French.
French is the official language of postal services across the world.
For those with the appropriate skills there are also possibilities for work in the following fields:
international business.
international agencies.
the tourism and hospitality industries.
the diplomatic service.
French research institutes.
As a teacher.
As a translator or interpreter.
French, along with English, is the official working language of:
the United Nations
UNESCO
NATO
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
