Intermediate French: Jobs and Training

Explore the language to understand working life in France and Belgium

On this four-week course, you’ll discover the world of work and training in France and Belgium. You’ll develop your language skills to talk about different jobs and workplaces, and to be able to describe the qualities and skills required for different roles. You’ll also gain insights into qualifications and training.

You’ll hear from six people from France and Belgium who will introduce themselves and talk about their professional activities and responsibilities. They’ll describe their working life and you’ll learn about their educational backgrounds and professional training. By listening to their accounts, you’ll further your knowledge of the French language, gaining the confidence to describe your own work and education background.

Learn about modern day developments that are impacting work in France and French-speaking countries

You’ll reflect on how technology and other social developments are changing the ways in which we work. You’ll hear from a télétravailleuse (home worker) talking about the advantages and drawbacks of working at a distance, allowing you to learn about working life in greater depth.

Gain French language skills to effectively interact in a professional context

Finally, you will focus on the language used to interact with colleagues in professional settings. You’ll learn how to appropriately seek and give advice and permission, and how to make suggestions and give instructions.

By the end of the course, you’ll not only have a deepened understanding of what it is like to work and train in France and Belgium, you’ll also have a wider vocabulary and skills that can help you in a range of French-speaking contexts outside of employment.

This course is designed for those who are at Level A2, working towards Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Learners should feel confident to use the language in most situations likely to arise while travelling in French-speaking countries.

The OU’s language ExpertTracks are designed to help you progress with each one you study.

Learners would benefit from having completed Intermediate French: La Francophonie (People, Places and Events) before taking this ExpertTrack.

This course is designed for those who are at Level A2, working towards Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Learners should feel confident to use the language in most situations likely to arise while travelling in French-speaking countries.

The OU’s language ExpertTracks are designed to help you progress with each one you study.

Learners would benefit from having completed Intermediate French: La Francophonie (People, Places and Events) before taking this ExpertTrack.

• Develop your ability to understand written and spoken French
• Increase your ability to communicate in French through speech and writing
• Consolidate your understanding of areas of French grammar
• Improve your receptive and productive French vocabulary
• Explore and broaden your knowledge of employment and training in France and Belgium