Learning French

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28 Nov 2006 9:36 a.m.

Karen Fawcett (5017 posts)

Teresa:

Sounds as if you're enrolled in a terrific class.

The other members make such a difference.

28 Nov 2006 3:48 a.m.

Teresa (811 posts)

Tonight, in my French class, I had to stand up in front of the class and do a speech, in French of course, with visual aides. It was so much fun. I did my report on the Luxembourg Gardens and I had French music from the Amelie soundtrack playing in the background. I had a poster board full of pictures from the Gardens. This French class has been so much fun because we are learning the language from so many different angles. We listen to a lecture for part of the class, we listen to French music, we watch French movies, she has us speak in French, read in French, write in French, and what I love is that she also talks a lot about all different aspects of the French culture. My Professor is French and lived in Paris most of her life. She was a Professor of French at the Sorbonne and has been in America for 1.5 years. I feel like I hit the jackpot by having the opportunity to have her be my teacher. I am planning on studying French in France for an extended period of time in the near future, but in the meantime, I feel like France has come to me.

22 Jan 2006 5:01 a.m.

ccpup (206 posts)

It's fascinating that you bring up the composition of the students, Karen, 'cause there are a few people in my class who, although sincere, have very challenging accents that really throw me off ... and throw my teacher off as well! And one of the students wants to know the "why" for everything not understanding, of course, that, when studying a new language, there are sometimes Rules that don't really have a "why". Sometimes a majority of the class feels like it's spent explaining to her the fine points of something that, in the end, isn't that important. Grrrrrrrrrrrrr ... The teacher will sometimes -- in polite exasperation, I think -- just say "Please, trust me. We'll talk about this more in the future. But, for now, trust me. This is how it is and how it's done."

Again, their desire to learn is sincere, but it really does highlight how important it is to have a good balance of students in class. Felt bad feeling this way, but now I feel better knowing others sometimes feel the same!

22 Jan 2006 4:14 a.m.

Karen Fawcett (5017 posts)

QUOTE(Mara @ Jan 21 2006, 06:56 PM)

I agree with you BPAl. I had a great instructor at the AF for, I think, two terms. But then when I decided to go for a summer class which she didn't teach I was quite disappointed with my instructor.

Not only is the teacher essential ... but the composition of the students in your class makes a HUGE difference. In Paris, so many people enroll in the AF in order to be able to come to Paris as a student and work/or play.

My class was filled with lovely Japanese kids ... As hard as they tried to learn French, their accents played havoc on mine!

21 Jan 2006 12:56 p.m.

Mara **** (295 posts)

I agree with you BPAl. I had a great instructor at the AF for, I think, two terms. But then when I decided to go for a summer class which she didn't teach I was quite disappointed with my instructor.

21 Jan 2006 6:43 a.m.

Al Ross (3244 posts)

Went t the Alliance Francais a few years ago and my wife and I went and were in different classes because of different proficiencies. In comparing notes we realized that much is based on not only the ability of the teacher to teach but also the personality of that teacher. We profited by our experience at the AF but also realized that getting the right teacher is luck of the draw.

20 Jan 2006 10:58 p.m.

ccpup (206 posts)

Haven't had an opportunity to read through all of the Posts, but, having just started studying French at l'Alliance Francaise here in NYC, I thought I'd add my two cents.

So far I love it! Our teacher is wonderful, very patient yet energetic and, from the very first day, she mentioned where she was from in France (Clermont-Ferrand), but that she had a "neutral" accent in comparison to other French speakers. Whatever that means, I know I'm benefitting from her.

Really no complaints about the class. I can FINALLY do numbers in French (something I thought I'd never, ever be able to do) and am finally learning how to say the letters in the French alphabet, a thing I -- believe it or not -- hadn't really considered doing before. I know, I know ... it sounds weird, but there you go.

One thing I enjoy about this teacher is her insistence on speaking in French from Day 1. She will be explaining something that is very simple, but in French. And she'll repeat it and repeat it and repeat it until it's clear we all understand it. Occasionally she'll quickly gloss over an important point in English, but will then immediately revert back into French. I love it. And it's a wonderful feeling to realize you know the gist of what she's saying although she's speaking in a language you're not yet totally familiar with. And it's the first time I remember enjoying homework.

Anyway, except for the construction one occasionally hears outside the window, I'm greatly enjoying my experience at l'Alliance Francaise.

16 Oct 2005 2:25 p.m.

BPChuck (3087 posts)

I think that the drop-out rate with the particular school you plan to take, and for the same course you intend taking should be also checked out, if you are seriously looking into one particular school and a particular course. Remember the more accelerated the cours is, the larger the drop-out rate is even if you are very dedicated.

BP Chuck

16 Oct 2005 1:06 p.m.

Mara **** (295 posts)

Ellen
Not yet as I was busy finalizing the apartment - will try to make a decision this week......I keep going back and forth as to whether I want an am or pm class - some schools offer one, some the other, some won't commit until they test my French level......

16 Oct 2005 9:01 a.m.

ellencmog (863 posts)

QUOTE (Mara @ Oct 9 2005, 05:56 PM)

Since this is just an intensive one-week course, and I do not want to spend my life savings, I have narrowed it down to:

Ecole France Langue, rue de Sfax 75016
Lutece Langue, 23 blvd Sebastopol
L'Atelier Prive des Langues, 75 rue des Dames 75017

I am leaving the Saturday after Thanksgiving and will be in Paris until 12/5. Anyone interested in a GTG can PM me.

Mara, have you made a final decision yet? I'm anxious to hear and will be interested in your report when you return as I am seriously considering doing the same thing.

14 Oct 2005 8:03 a.m.

BPChuck (3087 posts)

Without wanting to dwelve into private matters, the age of the student is very significant. The younger you are, the easier it is to learn the language, and also the mor you retain it, and the less of an accent you have. The second point is the instructor. An instructor that has an other primary language (mother tong?) than French, will most likely have an accent, however slight it is, and pass it off, regretfully to the best of his students. Also the geographic origin of the instructor will enter the picture. The dialect in France's various parts is not the same as in Paris for example. This naturally is not unique to France. In the German speaking world, there is no way that you could not tell a person who comes from Berlin, from one who comes from Vienna. - Just a thing to remember and think about !

BP Chuck

14 Oct 2005 7:23 a.m.

Karen Fawcett (5017 posts)

QUOTE

but my question right now would be..... how far in advance do you think I should reserve my spot? The other question is this ... if I stay for two months, do I need to get a visa or any special paperwork from the French government, or can I just go with my passport? I'm thinking two months would be the perfect amount of time for me, and on the weekends.

Anna: I'd reserve as soon as you know which school you want to attend. If not, there might not be a space at the one you prefer.

As for coming without a student visa, you'll need to check with the school. However, French law says that a tourist visa is valid for 3 months without having to leave the country.

I would love to take private lessons. In a class, (unless it's very small), it's hard for a teacher to correct all of the students' accents. That why langiage labs are so useful.

14 Oct 2005 4:46 a.m.

Joachim Tarot (97 posts)

Just to add my 2 cents.

I never took a class in Paris, but in summer 2003 I took private lessons at Eurocentres.
http://www.eurocentres.com
(It is a Swiss school with the head office in Zurich.)

I took the private lessons for three weeks, twice per week, 90 minutes. (I was mainly in Paris for vacation and did not intend to pass my vacations in school)

The teacher was the head teacher of the school, M. Moriot and I think he was very good. I had asked for 'conversation et expression orale'.

Greetings

Joachim

13 Oct 2005 11:57 p.m.

A. Long (219 posts)

QUOTE (Teresa @ Aug 29 2005, 09:01 AM)

Phyliss, I agree with you that it will be very nice to be with other adults who are trying to rapidly learn French. I saw that Kate Capeshaw was a former student. I showed the website to my husband and he is all for me doing it. I've always wanted to explore that part of France, so I'm so grateful to you for sending me in this direction. So, I will pm you as the time gets closer, but my question right now would be..... how far in advance do you think I should reserve my spot? The other question is this.... if I stay for two months, do I need to get a visa or any special paperwork from the French government, or can I just go with my passport? I'm thinking two months would be the perfect amount of time for me, and on the weekends, I'll take the train to Italy and explore all over France. I am assuming one only needs a visa if one will be there for three months or more, correct? I had to get my daughter a student visa to study abroad in Australia because she was going to be there for so long.

Now, this really gives me an incentive to practice, practice, practice.

Ellen, I have never heard of that other school, but that means nothing. Phyliss, is the one who can give the best feedback. Maybe some day you can go to a French immersion class too? I hope so. This is something that I would never have even thought of doing several years ago, but I'm obsessed with learning the language now because it is such a fun hobby. It truly is my hobby. I find it fun, like putting a puzzle together. My high school daughter, who is taking Spanish, cannot understand how in the world her mother can think foreign language study could be fun!

Anna, you haven't posted for a long time.... are you still working hard at your French?

I'm back.

Teresa . . . I've also been considering doing an immersion program, only I wouldn't have the same amount of time that you're considering. Have you made any more decisions?

My French is coming along, although the spoken part is still very slow. I just need to get in the habit of thinking more in French, though - when I do give myself "speaking assignments" I usually end up surprising myself at just how much I really can say.

Unfortunately, my class has a new instructor this semester, and honestly not quite as strong or organized as the previous instructor. I've talked to the previous instructor about this, she's aware of the problem, and I think if we don't have a solution this semester, there will be one next time.

10 Oct 2005 10:32 a.m.

Mara **** (295 posts)

QUOTE (BPAL @ Oct 10 2005, 08:40 AM)

Both my wife and I took separate classes at the Alliance in NY ........
I would think that in taking the course in Paris it would be a great benefit if one can continue to stick with French after the session is over.

I took classes there as well - maybe we met........

I am trying to watch the morning news from france2 every day, an 11 minute broadcast. I can get it clearly on my computer as I have a high speed connection.

10 Oct 2005 8:40 a.m.

Al Ross (3244 posts)

QUOTE

When I took (a few) classes at the Alliance, it was a disaster!

Both my wife and I took separate classes at the Alliance in NY and they were hardly disasters although one was better than the other. In some of these type schools it can be luck of the draw in both teachers and classmates. But unless you have a total immersion course there is a limit to what you can get out of the short courses.

I would think that in taking the course in Paris it would be a great benefit if one can continue to stick with French after the session is over.

10 Oct 2005 8:32 a.m.

Mara **** (295 posts)

Thanks for that clarifcation, Karen, about the au pairs.
Some of the schools did emphasize that in particular so I will go over the websites again and possibly eliminate those.

10 Oct 2005 8:18 a.m.

Karen Fawcett (5017 posts)

QUOTE

Karen, they all have extensive websites......are you thinking they are some sort of scam?

Mara: Not at all .... I was thinking more about "teaching" philosophy.

Chuck -- hate to contradict you. When I took (a few) classes at the Alliance, it was a disaster! There were so many students who were au pairs. All they wanted were the visas in order to work. They had little to know interest in learning French and it was contagious

10 Oct 2005 8:04 a.m.

BPChuck (3087 posts)

Just to put my two cents worth in, The best school I found was the Alliance Francaise, which is, or at least was affiliated with the University of Paris, on the Blvd Rastapil. As the instructors soke only French (during classes) it was excellent regardless what mother language was. You did have to do a fairly good amount of "home work" but progress was rapid. An othet thing that results in fast progress that get and aquaintece (if you are single, someone of the opposite sex) whith whom you send a lot of time. I found this to be the the most productive and fun way.

BP Chuck

09 Oct 2005 12:19 p.m.

Mara **** (295 posts)

Karen, they all have extensive websites......are you thinking they are some sort of scam??

I have emailed all of them and received replies.

Ecole France Langue and Institute Parisien are accredited by Groupement des centres de français langue étrangère- FLE- en France - does that make them sound better??

09 Oct 2005 12:11 p.m.

Karen Fawcett (5017 posts)

QUOTE

Ecole France Langue, rue de Sfax 75016
Lutece Langue, 23 blvd Sebastopol
L'Atelier Prive des Langues, 75 rue des Dames 75017

I don't know why I am saying this -- I must be nuts. (no comments please).
Ask the schools to send you print catalogues. Ask to speak to each director of the schools. I might even ask for some references in the US.

Tell them you've been ask to do a report on language schools in Paris.
....(and it's true.) You want to know their philosophy before plunking down your money and making the time commitment.

09 Oct 2005 11:56 a.m.

Mara **** (295 posts)

Thanks for all the support, Ellen, Karen, and Phyllis.

Since this is just an intensive one-week course, and I do not want to spend my life savings, I have narrowed it down to:

Ecole France Langue, rue de Sfax 75016
Lutece Langue, 23 blvd Sebastopol
L'Atelier Prive des Langues, 75 rue des Dames 75017

The total class time appears to be fifteen hours and the price in the neighborhood of €200 or €12-14 an hour which doesn't seem unreasonable.

Two others, Institute Parisien and Accord offer 20 hours and are another 80 to 100 € and, at least according to their websites, larger classes than the ones I am considering above.

One of the schools had me take a proficiency test on line to find out my level. The others will send a test after I pay.

A lot of schools have a minimum of two weeks or are for the whole term so they are not suitable.

Of course, I would like to spend a couple of weeks or month for total immersion, (and I do have a bunch of them saved in my Favorites), but that is not an option right now.

Actually the French teacher that I liked when studying here in NYC organizes a small group once or twice a year for five days to go to France and study intensively with her along with sightseeing. I always thought her fee was high plus the time frame was no good but that is also a future option.

I am leaving the Saturday after Thanksgiving and will be in Paris until 12/5. Anyone interested in a GTG can PM me.

As far as shopping, the two apartments between which I am deciding are in the 1st and 2nd arrondisements and dangerously near Longchamps! It may be time to add to my collection.....

09 Oct 2005 7:25 a.m.

ellencmog (863 posts)

Mara,

I don't think it's a dumb idea at all; in fact I've been considering doing something similar for a year or so. I've been looking at programs in Provence, but would consider Paris as well. I also like your idea of renting an apartment to make the experience less touristy. When are you going? I'll be very interested to hear your thoughts on the school you eventually choose and the experience in general. Amusez-vous bien and please be sure to report!

09 Oct 2005 5:59 a.m.

Karen Fawcett (5017 posts)

QUOTE

I have read thro a number of items on the site - maybe Alliance is the way to go?
Thoughts appreciated.

I must agree with Phyllis here. I attended the Alliance for a couple of months and it was a disaster.

Would you be willing to go outside of Paris to attend a total immersion program? You'd learn, live and breathe French.

09 Oct 2005 4:11 a.m.

Phyllis (329 posts)

I think it's a great idea Mara. What schools are you considering?

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