French is one of the most exclusive languages in the business and diplomatic world. It is an official language in 29 countries and a primary working language at the UN and the European Union. The scarcity of French language experts in Indonesia creates a niche market with salary standards far above average.
For those of you who are strategic, this major is a gold mine. Curious about how big the potential is? Here are the jobs for French literature/education graduates along with their fantastic salary ranges.
1. Multinational Corporate & Embassy Staff
This is the most sought after career peak. Many giant French companies (like Danone, L’Oréal, Michelin, TotalEnergies) operate in Indonesia. They require positions such as Expat Liaison, Bilingual Secretary, or Public Relations to bridge communication between headquarters in Paris and Indonesian branches. Additionally, working as local staff at the French Embassy or Consulate also offers international salary standards.
Salary Estimate: IDR 10,000,000 to IDR 35,000,000+ per month (depending on level and currency used).
2. Interpreter
Unlike written translators, an interpreter works in real time during high level conferences or while accompanying VIP business delegations. Due to the high level of difficulty and significant stress risk, the pay is very high. Often, the calculation is not per month, but per hour or per project.
Salary Estimate: IDR 8,000,000 to IDR 25,000,000 per project/month (Certified interpreters can be paid IDR 2 to 4 million per day).
3. Teacher at International Schools
Forget small honorary teacher salaries. French Education graduates are highly sought after by International Schools in big cities (Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya) that use the IB or Cambridge curriculum. Here, French is often a mandatory subject or a popular elective.
Salary Estimate: IDR 7,000,000 to IDR 15,000,000 per month (excluding allowances).
4. Premium Inbound Tour Guide
Tourists from France, Belgium, and Switzerland are known as loyal and high spenders. They greatly appreciate guides who are fluent in their native language and understand their culture. Becoming a tour guide specifically for the Francophone market offers very flexible yet large income, especially from tipping.
Salary Estimate: IDR 5,000,000 to IDR 15,000,000+ per month (during high season).
5. Sworn Translator
If you obtain certification as a Sworn Translator, you have the authority to translate legal documents (diplomas, deeds, contracts) that have legal value. The rates are calculated per finished page, not per working hour.
Salary Estimate: IDR 5,000,000 to IDR 12,000,000+ per month (depending on project volume).
UNNES, The Best Investment for Your Global Career
Sobat UNNES, the fantastic salaries above can only be achieved if you have adequate competence. The industry is not looking for those who “just know”, they are looking for “experts”.
The French Literature Department at Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) is the right vessel to achieve this.
Our curriculum is specially designed so that students reach proficiency levels B2/C1 according to European standards (CEFR), a level that is mandatory for working in the international sector. Furthermore, UNNES’s reputation as a Top 10 Best University in Indonesia provides strong validation for your CV in the eyes of HRD at multinational companies.
Prepare your future with us at Universitas Negeri Semarang!
