9 Tips for LEARNING FRENCH

Hey friends! 

I know so many of you have just arrive here in France and are thinking about learning the French language. I remember when I first started as an au pair it seems both so exciting and also overwhelming. I can’t believe I speak French (pretty) fluenty. I’ve learned a lot of tips and tricks along the way that I definitely want to share with you! 

So, I figured I would fill you in on some tips I wish I knew! 

9 Things to you should know about becoming fluent in French… 

1. You will have language plateaus 

This is important to know and keep in mind when you feel discouraged. There will be times (many times) when you feel like you HATE the French language and that it is IMPOSSIBLE to learn. I want to emphasize that this because it is totally normal! Before booming fluent and even still now, I have had months where I didn’t want to learn French. Don’t get too hard and yourself and stick with it! 

2. Keep yourself excited by making it fun 

Learning a language does not mean being in school and reading boring books and having structured lessons all the time. Does that help? Absolutely. However, mixing language learning into your everyday life - into your music, your friends, your activities makes language learning wayyyy more fun! 

3. Scare yourself into learning the language 

If you don’t use it, you will lose it. By this I mean, it’s easy to say you know how to order a coffee in French in a classroom setting, but actually doing it in real life is a totally different story. Force yourself into uncomfortable situations where maybe you don’t understand everything that is going on. When you add urgency to language learning, your body will remember French because it becomes a NEED rather than just a WANT. 

4. You will not meet French people unless you put in the effort 

You can meet French people through language partner apps and websites such as Lingoda, Tandem, or even through apps like Bumble. But I will say from experience, it can be very intimidating and a huge challenge. However, when you do meet French people and friends who you really click with, it can do wonders for your language learning! 

5. You should probably go to language school 

Shameless plug, we are sponsored by Lingoda language school and I highly recommend them! If you are looking for an online school to supplement your experiences in French, they offer different options for every type of learner! Lessons take place through Zoom, can be booked 24/7. Lingoda also has native-speaking teachers and they offer both private and small group classes with max 5 students! If you sign up for a Sprint Challenge, you can use the code APOP20 for 20 euros off! Check them out by clicking here. 

6. Take breaks, but stay consistent 

As long as you take a break, knowing you will eventually get back into the language learning process, allow yourself to take pauses. Theses breaks are necessary to reinvigorate your approach to learning. As long as your break is not very long, you will never totally lose what you learned for good. It comes back fast! 

7. Don’t get overwhelmed by rules and grammar 

When I changed my mentality to say « I am going to try to make as many mistakes as possible without caring » instead of « I want to speak perfectly » I learned so much more. Who is judging you more than you are judging yourself? Let go of the fear of making mistakes and you will learn so much more! 

8. Try to find a host family that speaks to you in French 

In addition to going to language school, my host family and host kids spoke to me in French. I realize this is not always possible, but if it is or if you are just starting your au pair journey, try looking for a family that will encourage you to learn French!

9. Dating French people is the best for your language skills 

I feel like this one doesn’t need much of an explanation. Speaking from experiences, dating a French person really puts you in certain situations that challenge you to learn parts of the language that you would not necessarily learn in language school. Try meeting someone on an app! 

Okay! That’s all for now. I hope this post was helpful for you. If you have any tips or anything you want to me to make a video on or write about, please let us know by emailing at aupairohparis@gmail.com