Do I need French to major in college?

I'm considering a college major that might involve some international aspects. Do I need to know French beforehand? I'm worried about language requirements and whether this could affect my decision.

You won't necessarily need to know French to undertake a college major with international aspects, unless the specific program you are interested in specifically mentions it as a requirement or strongly recommended proficiency. However, many colleges do have general education requirements that include proficiency in a foreign language, usually satisfied by taking two or three semesters of language courses, which could be French if you desired.

It might be beneficial to remain open to language learning, however, as it can be incredibly useful -- a background in French could be advantageous if you plan on focusing on regions where French is widely spoken, or international organizations where French is one of the official languages.

It's always a good idea to check the specific program requirements at the universities you are considering. If the major you're interested in doesn't specifically require knowledge of French, you may want to give some thought to how learning a foreign language, whether it's French or another language, could enhance your future career goals. For example, if you're thinking of international business, diplomacy or global health, language skills could considerably expand your range of opportunities.