One of our Successful Students!

When did you start learning French?

At school but I re started as a beginner in 2011 with Alpine French School (called Lost In Translation at the time)

How many lessons have you taken?

Hmmm… I think two intensive courses and 4 or 5 group courses plus a load of conversation classes

Were you good at French at school?

I hated French at school and chose German instead. My teachers tried to encourage me to take two languages as they thought I was good at them but I had no interest. They would think it is hilarious that I now live in France!

Do you think you have a skill at learning languages?

Yes I think so, I have always been good with regurgitating information, science, maths etc and I think languages are the same

In your opinion, why have you made such good progress?

Probably a natural ability mixed with the will to succeed. I don’t want to live in a country where I can’t understand the language. I have also made sure to take full advantage of the budgets for free lessons!

Do you do a lot of homework or personal study outside of the classroom?

No but I do make sure to try to speak in French when I get the chance. At the start it is difficult as people tend to respond in English if they see you struggling. However there comes a point where they start to respond in French and that is when you see real progress.

Give 5 pieces of advice to students who want to progress and succeed

Try to find a job where you need to speak French.
Make the effort to start a conversation in French even if you struggle it is better than starting off in English.
Try to deal with things yourself instead of asking someone else (calling EDF etc)
Speak to your neighbours about the weather, traffic or anything else that you would do in your mother tongue.
Try not to be self conscious, everyone makes mistakes but it is best to try.

What is your secret ?!

I want to learn French. I don’t want to be an expat that can’t integrate into the community because I can’t speak to anyone! My experience of learning the language here has made me want to succeed so much that I now plan to do a degree with languages and become a teacher. I want to give children the chance to learn a language in the way I have here as I don’t feel school inspired me at all.

April 22nd, 2025
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