The French Section of the Department of Foreign Languages at USA offers courses designed to help students achieve proficiency in a second language, giving them access to French and Francophone cultures, literature, politics and economics. In addition to the courses offered on campus, students may supplement their studies through programs in France: Summer in Angers, where you can earn up to six credit hours, Summer in Dijon, where you can earn up to nine credit hours, Semester or Year in Pau. Majors in good standing may be awarded up to $2000 in study-abroad scholarships.

Over the last century, French has been the primary language in at least one territory or state on every inhabited continent. Today, over 130 million people in 44 countries claim French as their native language.

French is the language of diplomacy, of fashion, of cuisine and of many high-tech industries. It is one of the official languages of the European Union. Some important French-speaking enterprises are: Aventis (pharmaceuticals), Lazare-Frères (investment banking), Nestlé (chocolate!), and Perrier (soft drinks). The list is long in the world of fashion: Yves Saint-Laurent, Givenchy, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Lacroix, Gaultier and many others.

The contributions of French artists and architects are recognized throughout the world. Millions of visitors (tourists and researchers) visit France's many museums each year. Two of the most famous are The Musée du Louvre and The Musée d'Orsay.