Four Essential Tips to Learn French from Home
When I went to France for two months to dedicate myself to learning French, my language skills improved dramatically from being in an immersive environment. Since returning from this trip in 2019, I’ve dedicated a little bit of time each day to improving my skills. Although we all can’t jet off to France right now, there are still lots of opportunities to learn French from home.
1. Take Online French Classes
Alliance Française
I’m taking courses through Alliance Française, which is an internationally renowned French language institute. They have schools all over the world, so you’re likely able to find one in your area. Depending on your region, you’ll have the option for in-person or virtual classes. The benefit of virtual classes is that you can take classes from other Alliance Française institutes around the world, so you’ll be sure to find a time that works for your schedule. Along with their courses, they also host a variety of French language social programs to further immerse yourself, such as virtual book clubs and movie nights. If you are planning to put your new French skills on a resumé, your courses with Alliance Française add to your credibility because of their worldwide reputation. Alliance Française uses the CEFR system for classifying French levels, which is used for most European languages. You also have the option of continuing your studies in France, or any other French-speaking region, at one of Alliance Française’s many institutes in these regions.
LSF Montpellier
If you’re looking for a more immersive experience and can dedicate a little bit more time to your studies, I would recommend looking into courses at LSF Montpellier. I studied at their independent language institute in the South of France for two months. They have a wide array of courses, and the option to excel your learning by taking full-time courses. The professors at LSF Montpellier are top notch; it was the most fun I’ve ever had in a French class. The professors immerse you in the culture and current affairs, and aren’t set on following a lifeless textbook. When travel becomes possible, I would highly recommend looking LSF Montpellier for a language stay.
2. Practice your French Conversation Skills
Although taking formal lessons can help you with your grammar and vocabulary, you will need to put it to use in order for it to stick. I used iTalki to find a private tutor to practice my conversational skills. Practicing spontaneous conversation with a native speaker has definitely boosted my confidence speaking in French. You can use my iTalki link to get $10 in credits once you purchase $20 in credits for online classes.
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3. Consume French Entertainment
Netflix is now offering and producing content in a variety of languages. Although Emily in Paris may inspire you to learn French, you’re going to need to look beyond that if you want to expand your French vocabulary. Netflix’s new offerings makes it so easy to learn new French vocabulary at home. Here are a few of my top recommendations:
- La Mante (A true crime series about a female serial killer)
- Plan Coeur (A romantic comedy series about a woman who gets set up with a male prostitute)
- Glacé (A true crime series set in the Pyrenees)
- Appelez mon Agent (A drama series about a group of talent agents)
Most of the music I listen to is in French these days. My top recommendations are:
4. Learn French Slang at Home through Travel Vlogs
Although we’re unable to travel at the moment, there are still ways to explore French-speaking regions. Check out some French travel YouTubers to prepare for your future travels and learn some of the slang! Here are some of two of my favourite French travel YouTubers:
I look back at my time in France as some of the best moments of my life. I’m so thankful that I was able to have this opportunity right before the start of the pandemic. I hope you’ll be able to use all of your new language skills to travel the Francophone world in the not too distant future.
If you’re looking other bucket list inspiration, check out my blog post with 1000+ bucket list ideas.
