Choosing to move over to France was one of the biggest decisions I have made in my life, and one of the many reasons that influenced this big step was to learn a new language. So, when I found Le Répertoire de Gaspard and saw that they provide French lessons for FREE I was sold straight away!
“The French lessons were a great motivation as it is possible to get by in Paris without having to speak much French”
Lessons, lessons and more lessons
During my first year with the agency, I carried out the CAP petite enfance course which included daily French lessons. They were perfect for me because we were taught in an academic setting which is how I learn best. As a beginner student, the first few months focused on basic level French and progressed drastically throughout the year so that I was able to carry out my exams in the June. As a beginner in French, I experienced waves of mind blocks however, having the support of a whole class and the amazing staff at LRDG helped me power through the CAP exam period.
Speaking French with actual French people… for free!
Alongside the lessons, I went to language exchange nights in Paris which was a great way to socialise with the people from the class, as well as meeting new people and putting into practice what we had learnt in the French lessons. My teacher also encouraged us to start reading basic French books and I found that listening to French speaking podcasts and keeping a diary (in French) are other effective methods to learn French for free.
“The key is to get out of your own head and try to speak French as much as you can”
This year, I am very fortunate to be continuing another year with Le Répertoire de Gaspard which enables me to take two weekly French lessons with their accredited Alliance Français French teacher, Amelie. This is allowing me to continue with my French progression and it gives me the opportunity to see the friends I made last year along with making new ones 😉
Priya, Biology Teacher at Le Répertoire de Gaspard
