The SMU French Club hosted a panel of international professionals last night to speak to students planning to major or minor in the language.

The goal was to show that French exists not only in the classroom, also as a tool in the workplace.

French club president Freddie Akers opened the hour-long meeting by introducing the panel, composed of three members of the Dallas international business community. The speakers, Pierre Vittoz, Nadia Loudon and Scott Brown discussed French education, culture and business, all speaking only French.

Pierre Vittoz, Headmaster and CEO of the Dallas International School, gave students a clear understanding of how education is structured in France. Vittoz also spent time outlining similarities and differences between the American and French systems.

He shared that French schools are tied much closer to the state and that fewer private schools exist in the country. Vittoz also highlighted the fact that the Prime Minister of France is currently prioritizing the amelioration of education in the country.

Next up was Nadia Loudon, an account director at Invénu L.L.C., a marketing firm. Loudon, has extensive knowledge of international business after working for many years in both France and America. She spoke about cultural differences in the workplace of each country.

A point that stuck out was that Americans generally live for work, while many Europeans work simply to make a living. This idea is illustrated by the fact that Americans may only get a few weeks off work while the French generally take a month or two off for vacation each year.

The country generally shuts down in July and August so that citizens can relax, enjoy life and recharge. Loudon also introduced the idea that the American work environment is generally a bit more positive and some dub it a “praise culture.”

Scott Brown, the final speaker, is a partner at Jackson Walker L.L.P. a Texas based law-firm with an international reach.

Brown spoke of doing business in both countries and advocated that students should take advantage of study abroad programs to hone skills in the language and to perfect a Parisian accent, citing his own experience as an example. He also encouraged students to practice as often as possible.

Students left feeling confident in their choice to pursue a degree in the French language, which is spoken in over 55 countries worldwide. The panel promoted the value of being able to converse in another language and how this ability translates into the modern-day workplace.