Regardless of whether you speak the language or are familiar with a culture, the picture should hold up.
I always enjoyed art history because, growing up in California, my exposure was limited, and it was a new experience. To learn the history of art opened up certain things to me, made me see. It intrigued me.
Generally, the French highly promote culture and the arts, and photography is in their blood.
For me, the most important thing I learned was just honing my eye. I think I had a good eye.
Even though I didn't get a business degree, I enjoyed learning about economics.
Actually, when I first started dabbling in photography, I was still working for my parents as a salesman.