The International Languages Department offers French courses that build strong communication skills, cultural understanding, and real-world language use. French study enhances speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities while fostering intercultural awareness. It also strengthens applications to competitive programs in fields where multilingual communication is vital, such as healthcare, education, social services, international relations, and law enforcement. A degree or Certificate of Achievement in French supports careers in education, healthcare, international business, diplomacy, media, community outreach, and translation and interpretation. French courses fulfill general education humanities requirements under the Cal-GETC transfer pathway and support UC-bound students, where proficiency in a Language Other Than English (LOTE) is a graduation requirement. There are UC and CSU majors that also require additional language study. Students can often meet these requirements at the community college level, saving time, tuition, and units. All French language courses at MiraCosta are Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC). French 121 (Introduction to French Culture) is Low Textbook Cost (LTC). Note: Students educated in a non-English speaking country through high school or equivalent will generally not earn lower-division transfer credit in their language at most universities. Students who might be affected by this rule should consult a counselor and/or the International Languages department chair before enrolling in their courses. Academic and Career Pathway Languages, Communication, and Humanities