To learn French for work, the go-to program at the Institut de Touraine is the professional French course, which combines a foundation in general French with professional development workshops tailored to the learner’s field (medical, legal, military, diplomatic, business, tourism, etc.). This same course can then lead to a recognized certification such as the DFP (Diplôme de Français Professionnel), the TEF, or the DELF/DALF, depending on the learner’s goals.
What is the difference between general French and business French?
A general French course helps you handle everyday situations: running errands, getting around, and chatting with friends. But the professional world requires very specific vocabulary, communication styles, and situations: leading a meeting, writing a professional email, negotiating, presenting a project, or welcoming a client.
To bridge this gap, schools that teach French as a foreign language (FLE), such as the Institut de Touraine, offer professional French courses, where language development is combined with focused instruction on professional language use.
How does a professional French course tailored to a specific career field work?
At the Institut de Touraine, the program combines 15 hours of general French and 5 hours of vocational French per week, for a total of 20 hours of classes, spread out from Monday through Friday mornings for the core curriculum, with vocational workshops on certain afternoons.
The content of these 5-hour workshops is tailored to the industry and the objectives of each learner, including:
- Business French
- French in International Relations
- French in Diplomacy
- French Heritage and Tourism
- French (Healthcare/Medical)
- French military
- Legal French
Two students enrolled in the same general French core curriculum can thus attend different professional development workshops in the afternoon, depending on their field—one focused on the medical field, the other on diplomacy or business—with real-life scenarios such as: welcoming a client, participating in a meeting, presenting a project, and interacting with colleagues in their field.
Which professional French certifications should I prepare for (DFP, TEF, DELF/DALF)?
To demonstrate your French language skills to an employer, there are several French language certifications and Exams available:
- The DFP (Diplôme de Français Professionnel), issued by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is offered in various sectors (business, international relations, tourism and hospitality, secretarial work, etc.). It is the certification most directly recognized by companies as proof of a level of French applicable to the professional world.
- The TEF (French Proficiency Test), which is often required as part of the professional immigration process or for the recognition of academic credentials.
- The DELF/DALF exams, which are more general in scope but remain an international standard recognized by many employers and institutions.
A well-structured professional French program generally prepares students for these certifications in a step-by-step manner: targeted modules (such as business French and French for international relations) help students acquire the language and methodological skills required before taking the exam.
Can a company provide its employees with training in business French?
Professional French is not limited to individual learning. Companies that hire or welcome non-French-speaking employees can organize customized language training—either one-on-one or in groups—tailored to their industry and organizational goals.
This is an option worth considering for any international company with teams relocating to France or working regularly in French.
Which solution should you choose based on your situation?
| Your Situation | What applies to you |
|---|---|
| Do you want to improve your French while expanding your professional vocabulary? | The Professional French Course (15 hours of general French + 5 hours of specialized training tailored to your industry) |
| You represent a company with employees who need training | A customized training program, either individual or group-based, tailored to your objectives |
| Do you want a recognized diploma that will impress an employer? | Preparation for the DFP, TEF, or DELF/DALF exams, integrated into the program |
What is the difference between general French and business French?
General French focuses on everyday situations, while business French focuses on the skills and vocabulary needed in a work environment: meetings, presentations, and interactions with clients or colleagues.
Is there a minimum proficiency level required to take business French classes?
Professional French programs are generally open to students at levels A2/B1 and up, up to level C2. Below this threshold, it is recommended that students first solidify their foundation in general French.
Can you earn a degree in Business French?
Yes, these programs often prepare students for recognized certifications such as the DFP (Diplôme de Français Professionnel), which is awarded by industry sector, or for tests such as the TEF, which are used in particular for professional mobility initiatives.
Can a company enroll its employees in this type of training?
Yes, most French as a Foreign Language (FLE) schools offer customized training programs for companies—either one-on-one or in groups—tailored to the industry and the employees’ goals.
Would you like to improve your French in a professional setting? Discover the professional French courses at the Institut de Touraine in Tours, which combine general French with specialized workshops (business, international relations, healthcare, diplomacy, etc.) and prepare students for the DFP, DELF, and DALF certifications.