Starting in September, seven senior high schools in Beijing will open French classes for first year students.

Most schools in China only offer English as a second language, with a few teaching Japanese. Now, with the help of the French government, some students in Beijing will have the opportunity to learn French, reported Friday's CRI online.

Starting in September, seven senior high schools will open French classes for first year students.

The Beijing Municipal Education Department and the French Embassy signed the agreement Wednesday. The program will also help Chinese students go to study in France and promote exchanges between the two countries. Five universities in France are participating in the program.

The French teachers at the seven schools will be appointed by the French Embassy.

The program will later be expanded to other schools.

The students involved will also have to continue to learn English.