At Learn French With Alexa, we offer regular Speaking Practice Classes and Conversation Club sessions to help learners put their French speaking skills to the test alongside other learners. These are fantastic ways to build up confidence in a low-pressure online environment, and they wouldn't be possible without the help of our native French teachers.

In this blog Bénédicte, Charlotte and Chloé introduce themselves, and offer some invaluable tips for French learners hoping to reach proficiency.

Charlotte

What made you want to teach French?
I've always had a passion for teaching and languages, so when I moved to the UK to start as a French speaking teacher I knew it'd be the right path straightway.

Where do most French learners go wrong?
Overthinking and expecting to be fluent in a matter of days. Learning a language isn't an easy process and there's no magic wand. However, dedication, patience and embracing the fact that making mistakes is all part of the journey are key to success.

What’s your number one piece of advice for French learners?
My number one piece of advice is just to go for it. Yes, learning and speaking a new language is scary, but it's so much fun. It's personal growth, it's being able to communicate with so many more people, it's about gaining new skills. If you enjoy what you're doing then the confidence will follow.

Tell us a fun fact about you
I always get excited at spring time to watch my tulips bloom.

Bénédicte

What made you want to teach French?
It wasn’t something I had ever imagined for myself, but after my first year abroad, I decided to challenge myself, (I was quite shy at the time) and apply for a one-year position as a lectrice (a fixed-term role designed for native speakers to teach their language through practical sessions and tutorials at university). I ended up absolutely loving it, and what was meant to be one year somehow became permanent.

Where do most French learners go wrong?
Waiting until they feel 'ready' to start speaking and using the language. Learning the theory is great, but actively using the French is what makes real progress happens.

What’s your number one piece of advice for French learners?
Start speaking as soon as you can, even if you’re unsure of yourself, or you think you are going to make mistakes. You will - but that’s how we learn!

Tell us a fun fact about you
I am currently learning Spanish, so I can relate to the 'pain' my students experience when they’re learning French!

Chloé

What made you want to teach French?
I’ve always wanted to be a French teacher for foreign learners. It feels meaningful to help others, and I really enjoy sharing my native language with my students. Seeing them improve and make progress is very rewarding.

Where do most French learners go wrong?
Grammar is often a challenge. The French language is quite complex, with many tenses and irregular verbs, which can make it difficult to master.

What’s your number one piece of advice for French learners?
Speak! It’s very important to speak when learning a foreign language. Don’t try to be perfect - dare to speak, even if you make mistakes. That’s how you really improve.

Tell us a fun fact about you
I love organizing trips and discovering new places, especially by the sea.

These online sessions are designed to teach you new words and expressions, improve your pronunciation, and make speaking French second nature in a supportive and interactive environment alongside fellow learners. Class sizes are limited to ten to make sure everyone has a chance to speak. Different classes are available for each level of the CEFR. Classes are available as regular sessions (weekly over the course of ten weeks) or intensive (two-hour classes each day for five days). Don't worry if you aren't able to find a spot for the next round of classes, as you can join the waitlist.

Find out more.

The Conversation Club is the ideal space for more experienced speakers to put their French speaking skills to the test in an organic, flee-flowing conversational environment, under the guidance of a French teacher. Sessions are held online and are available for each level of the CEFR, from A2 upwards. The Conversation Club takes place weekly over the course of give weeks.

Find out more.