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Le club des Au Pairs · Jan 20, 2025

You Won't Learn French Just by Being in France 🇫🇷✈️

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Allison- Eng&frenchaupairclass · Le club des Au Pairs

If I had a coin every time I heard that the best way to learn French is to go to a French-speaking country, I’d already be rich. 💰
But let me explain why that won’t be enough.

When I went to be an au pair, I had a degree in English and a B1 level in French, yet there was one thing that stressed me more than anything:
The first contact with my host family. 🤔

I was aware that I couldn’t greet them with a kiss, as it wasn’t part of their culture. 😬 Shaking hands seemed too cold for starting an au pair-host family relationship. 🤝 And hugging was terrifying to me because I’m not naturally tactile, even with people I know. So, you can imagine the discomfort of having to hug a completely unfamiliar family. 😳

This is what we call “culture shock.” 🌍 It’s the feeling of being disoriented when we’re confronted with a lifestyle that’s unfamiliar to us. 😵‍💫

I share this story with you because the culture shock was the first, but only because I already had some knowledge of the language and culture. But what would have happened if I hadn’t had that knowledge? 🤔

First, I wouldn’t have been able to ask for directions at the airport. ✈️ It might sound simple, but knowing where you're going is essential. 🚶‍♀️ Then, I certainly wouldn’t have been able to follow my au pair training in New York, which involved learning about first aid, and the tricky situations we could face. 🏥 I also wouldn’t have been able to make great friends and share tons of laughs. 😂 Yes, knowing a bit of the language really helps you understand your friends' jokes! 🎉

I would even say that understanding jokes should be THE primary motivation for taking language courses before going abroad. 😂🗣️

Language courses give you the theory, and traveling allows you to practice. 🌎 Without theory, you won’t know the phrases, the vocabulary, or the verbs. 🧠 And you’ll realize that holding a conversation becomes complicated. 🗣️

So, yes, traveling is great, but do it to either improve your language skills or take immersion classes while you’re there. 🎒🌟

If you’re an au pair in France, and want to start learning French from scratch, I’m here to help. My online language course is designed specifically for au pairs beginners who want to build a strong foundation and gain the confidence to speak in real-life situations. 💬

In this course, we’ll focus on:

  • Building essential vocabulary to help you start conversations with your hosts with ease. 🗣️

  • Mastering grammar basics so you can form sentences and express yourself clearly. ✍️

  • Interactive activities and fun challenges that make learning engaging and practical. 🎯🎉

Don’t let the fear of culture shock or language barriers stop you from experiencing the world. 🌍 Whether you're planning to live abroad or just want to enjoy travel without language frustrations, my course will prepare you to engage confidently with native speakers. 💪

🌍 Ready to start your language journey? Join my course for beginners today! 🌍

Enroll here

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