Bonjour! So, you’ve just moved to the City of Light or you are about to, juggling your busy schedule and trying to settle in, all while desperately wanting to fit into the linguistic flow of Paris. It sounds challenging, right?
There are some ways and French courses out there that it makes it even more overwhelming.
Being relocated in Paris means new habits, new culture and also, maybe, a new language to learn as an adult.
A common mistakes expats make when they recently arrive in Paris is to think that they have time and they’ll eventually learn the language once they are settled down.
But here is the true : settling down in a new city is a challenge and it’s take time.
I’ve been teaching French as a second language for two decades and let me tell you exactly what happened to the people who don’t learn the language immediately the first two years when they arrive in France : they’ll never speak French.
Paris is an international city and there are a lots of foreigners who live here permanently and don’t speak French. While it’s absolutely possible to survive in Paris without French, people who don’t master the language are missing out a lot of beautiful opportunities, especially on their daily basis but they are surviving.
Another true about foreigners in Paris, the French administration doesn’t adapt. It doesn’t adapt to French people either ;-).
The challenge how being relocated in Paris is more than understandable. Here is a picture of your life when you recently move to Paris :
- You probably have kids and you are trying to digest their integration too.
- You need to adapt to your new life.
- You want to get to know your new work place and environment.
- You need to navigate the administration when you are not lucky enough to have an agency doing it for you.
- Adding French classes to that may just feel not right or too much.
The honest truth, is that, yes, it’ll be probably a lot at the beginning but it’s only to become a challenge if you are resistant to changes.
Learning French as an adult is not as complicated as it may look. Thanks to the internet, access to information about French courses available next to you have never been so easy.
In addition, there are a big variety of French courses out there that will go with your personality not against it.
Here are a few options of French courses you may consider:
- Private French classes in person or online,
- Group classes,
- Digital courses.
In case you wonder, every single course are amazing and give results when done by an experienced coachs.
The best way to find a course is to try it.
If you are too busy, you can’t or don’t want to commit to a long course or anything with a fixed schedule, I’ll recommend you to start with Private French classes in Paris. They are more expensive because they are private and they’ll give you all the freedom you need to help you integrate in Paris and get to know your new home.
With private French classes in Paris, you’ll be about to embark on the most effective and flexible language learning journey. Curious about why private lessons might be your golden ticket? Read on!
Why Private Lessons are Ideal for the Busy Bee in Paris
When you’re hustling between work commitments, settling into a new home, and trying to soak up the beauty of Paris, time is of the essence. This is where the value of a private French tutor in Paris shines through:
1. Flexible Scheduling
With a private French teacher, you aren’t bound by rigid class timings. You can schedule sessions according to your convenience, making it much easier to fit French learning into your hectic day.
Whatever your level is, I recommend you to start with 2 hours a week (two different days). Stick to this routine for at least 3 months and from there revaluate your progress, your needs and your availability to readapt to your schedule.
One important note : stick to a routine. If you cancel every now and then, you won’t progress.
If you want to know your level right now, take this free placement test (email required).
2. Tailored to Your Pace
Everyone learns at a different speed and differently. Many people are traumatized by traditional school where everyone learn the say way. That was my case too. I’ve been traumatized by English teachers when I was younger and it tool me time to trust a teacher until I realized that teachers for adults are much fun and nicer than teachers from schools.
Learning French as a second language can be done in many different ways and if it’s your first time learning a second language, you’ll be happy to have private French classes that adapt to your pace. Private French lessons in Paris allow you to move at a pace that suits you, ensuring you understand one concept before moving on to the next.
3. Customized Content
While all French course have (or should have) a set curriculum, a private French tutor in Paris tailor lessons to suit your interests and needs. If you’re into art, your lessons could revolve around discussions on the Louvre or the Orsay. Love French cuisine? Learn while discussing recipes or restaurant menus!
If your weak point is prononciation, your private French teacher will (and should) design your classes helping you getting to improve your prosodie (the tonality of the French language).
4. One-on-One Attention
With a private French teacher, it’s just you and them. This means all your queries get answered, and your mistakes corrected instantly. The individual attention ensures rapid progress. You’ll have enough time and practice to improve your pronunciation and your speaking without being rushed by other students.
This one-on-one attention gives you the opportunity to feel safe and confident to practice your French.
5. Immersion in Real-life Situations
Private classes often go beyond textbook learning. While textbooks are mandatory to reach the next level, especially from a grammar point of view, to aim to learn French is to speak French. Your tutor can take you to a local boulangerie, guiding you through ordering in French, or have a mock negotiation session if your work requires it.
At I Learn French, my students love to have class in cafés (outside rush hours of lunch time).
6. Emphasis on Speaking
Often, in larger classes, students get limited chances to speak and practice. But when it’s just you and the best private French teacher, you’re talking, discussing, and practicing your pronunciation a lot more.
A good Private French teacher makes you speak at least 70% of the time. If you attend a Private French course for at least 3 months, you’ll be impressed by your progress.
7. Cultural Insights
Language isn’t just about words; it’s about culture too. A local tutor can offer insights into Parisian life, customs, and traditions, helping you fit in faster.
I absolutely love sharing all my tips and tricks with my private students : my favorite café to work during the day, my favorite wine bar, the most Parisian market, …
8. Saves Time
No need to commute to a language school. Paris is well connected but commuting to your course can create frictions especially with public transport. Many tutors will come to your location, or lessons can be held in a nearby café or even online. You learn without the added stress of navigating Parisian traffic!
My students often choose a hybrid Private French course where they can meet me in person or online depending on their busy schedule.
Finding the Best Private French Teacher for Your Needs
Now, you’re convinced that private lessons are the way to go, but how do you find the right fit? Here are some steps to help you connect with the best private French teacher:
- Research and Reviews: Start by looking online for “Private French classes in Paris.” Check out reviews on google and see what other students are saying. Feedback can offer a genuine insight into a tutor’s teaching style. LinkedIn is also a nice place to find a good teacher.
- Be picky: since Covid, there are a lot of native speakers who improvise themselves as teacher without training. Due your diligence and ask for experience and references.
- Discuss Your Goals: Be clear about what you want. Whether it’s conversational French, business French, or preparing for an exam, communicating your goals ensures the lessons are targeted towards achieving them.
- Budget: Private lessons range in prices. While seeking the best, also ensure it aligns with your budget. Opting for Private French classes is a budget and your company may sponsor your training.
Concluding Thoughts
Relocating to Paris is both exhilarating and overwhelming. And while you’re balancing a plethora of tasks, diving into the French language can seem daunting. But with private French classes in Paris, you’ve got the perfect solution tailored to fit the life of someone who’s ultra-busy.
Remember, the journey of learning a language is filled with ups and downs, but with the right guidance, especially from a skilled private French tutor in Paris, you’ll be saying “C’est magnifique!” to your progress in no time. So, while the Eiffel sparkles and the Seine flows, let the beautiful French language flow in your conversations. Bonne chance!