French for NGOs

French for NGOs reimagines Barnard’s former Business French course to meet the needs of students pursuing careers with international NGOs and in diplomacy and humanitarian aid. The course develops the specialized vocabulary, communicative strategies, and cultural competencies students need to function effectively in Francophone professional settings, from collaborating with local ministries and conducting meetings to drafting reports and navigating institutional and cultural contexts. It responds to a documented shortage, reported by organizations such as Princeton in Africa, of candidates with the French proficiency required to work in Francophone regions. Supported by a grant from the French Embassy, and designed in consultation with NGO professionals and Barnard alumnae working in the field, the course forms part of a broader pilot initiative that includes practicums, guest lectures, a targeted job fair, and internship opportunities.