What happens during French lessons for adults?

In our first lesson, we’ll discuss your goals and learning style (visual or auditory learner, etc). I will also do a quick assessment of your level of French, if you have previous experience with the language. 

I create bespoke learning plans and lessons for each individual student. Depending on your interests and level, our subsequent lessons could include activities like…

• Practicing ordering at a restaurant (using a real menu from a restaurant in a city that you’ll be visiting)

• Reading and discussing an article about current events together

• Learning how to talk about yourself, your loved ones, and your hobbies

• Reading poetry or skits out loud to improve your pronunciation

• Breaking down grammar rules like the difference between the imparfait and the plus-que-parfait, or how to conjugate the conditionnel passé

• Having a natural and free-flowing conversation in French
  

What happens during English Coaching sessions?

During our first session, we’ll talk your goals and how you would like your sessions to be structured.

There is no set curriculum — each session is truly bespoke for you and tailored to your unique situation.

I’ll usually ask a lot of questions and prompt you to describe things in detail, explain abstract topics, or rehearse important phrases (depending on your needs) so that you can get better at speaking. Depending on your goals, we may talk about networking in English, how to market to anglophones, or using English to help you make new friends or deepen your existing relationships. We may also talk about jargon and vocabulary specific to your industry or work on your pronunciation.

I type all new vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, etc. in the chat. After each session, you’ll receive an email with a summary of our discussion and all your new vocab.

I may give you “homework” or things to do on your own between sessions (if you have time and if you request it).

What happens during French lessons for K-12 students?

During the first lesson, I do a quick assessment to better understand your child’s level, as their grade (grade 5, grade 9, etc.) and their grades (C+, A-, etc.) may not always tell the whole story. We may also review recent homework, quizzes, and classwork.

Depending on your/their goals, we will either come up with a structured curriculum to address gaps in grammar and vocabulary, or take a more free-flowing approach that will help them explore their interests in French and grow at their own pace.

I create bespoke learning plans and lessons for each individual student. Depending on their age and level, our subsequent lessons could include activities like…

• Reading children’s books or YA books out loud to practice reading comprehension and pronunciation

• Reviewing parts of speech and how they are different in French vs. English (relative pronouns, gendered adjectives, formal/informal second person pronouns, etc.)

• Helping your child learn effective study skills and prepare for upcoming quizzes or tests

• Reading and discussing texts like news articles, biographies, etc. to help them improve their ability to express their ideas/opinions in French, as well as bolster critical thinking skills

• Doing crafts together in French and English-as-needed (Such as creating their own illustrated ‘picture book’)

Do you work with people located outside of Canada?

Yes! To-date, I have taught online lessons for adult learners of French located in the US states of New York, California, Massachusetts, and Virginia.

I also work with with English coaching clients based in France.

No matter where you are located, if we can find a time that works for both us, we can meet online to help you achieve your language-learning goals.

Can you help me get ready for a trip to [Paris / Lyon / Montréal / etc…]?

Mais bien sûr ! (But of course!) I love working with travellers, and I have visited fourteen different countries around the world myself. I know how nerve-wracking it can be to navigate an unfamiliar place, culture, and language when you are jetlagged. I’m happy to help you prepare for your trip so that you can feel at ease, knowing that you’ll have important phrases like, “Is this dish vegan?” or “Where is the train station?” ready to go!

Do you work with beginners?

For French lessons: Yes! I enjoy working with learners at all levels, including those who have no prior experience learning French. I love seeing those lightbulb moments when new students can have their first simple conversations in French, or are able to read and understand short paragraphs independently.

For English coaching: No, I only work with people who already have an intermediate level of English (B1 and above). English coaching clients usually have specific goals around improving their spoken English to grow their business, advance their career, or make new connections in their community and feel more integrated in anglophone North America.

Do you work with siblings / couples / small groups?

Occasionally — it depends on your situation and your goals. Please email me at FrenchAvecCecile@gmail.com and we’ll set up a video call to see if we’re a good fit to work together.

Can you help me pass the [TEF / IELTS / Canadian federal government BBB exam / etc…] ?

I work with adults who want to prepare for exams on a case-by-case basis. I myself have passed the DALF C2 and the DELF B2. I also passed the TCF and the IELTS as part of my process to obtain Canadian Permanent Residency via Express Entry.

Please contact me at FrenchAvecCecile@gmail.com and we can set up a video call to discuss your situation and see if we’re a good fit to work together.

Do you offer gift certificates?

Yes! I can invoice you and will send an e-gift certificate to your loved one to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, holiday, or another special occasion. You can send me an inquiry about an e-gift certificate here.

Please note: The recipient must schedule and complete their French lessons or English Coaching sessions within 6 months of purchase date.

How does payment work?

You can pay online by credit card in the currency of your choice (Canadian dollars, Euros, US dollars, etc). I will send you an invoice prior to our first session. Payment is processed via PayPal, though you do NOT need a PayPal account to make a payment. You will be able to use your credit card or e-transfer.

I also accept cheques (in-person only).

Do you teach online or in-person?

Both.

Through online lessons, I currently work with learners/clients located across Canada, France, and the United States.

I offer in-person sessions in the Lonsdale neighbourhood of North Vancouver, British Columbia.

Do you offer in-home lessons?

No, sorry, I am not able to travel to learners’ homes.

Are you a native speaker of French?

No. I lived in the Ardèche region of France for two years, working at a Lycée where I taught English as a foreign language as well as guest lectured (in French) for Philosophy classes and Brevet de technicien supérieur students (BTS, equivalent to community college students).

During my time living in France, I passed the DALF C2 exam — the highest achievable credential of French as a foreign language, awarded by the French government (Ministère de l’éducation nationale).

According to the Alliance Française, a learner can take the DALF C2 exam after completing 1,200 hours of French classes. (Doing 1 hour of French per week, it would take 27 years to reach 1,200 hours! If you did three hours of French per week, it would take you 8 years.)

I have also completed French language coursework at the Université Grenoble Alpes (formerly Université Stendhal)/Centre Universitaire d'Études Françaises, and I studied French language and literature at Brandeis University, where I graduated Phi Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude, and with Highest Honors. 

I maintain my level by reading novels, poetry, and news in French, listening to French-language podcasts (I love Votre Cerveau and Avec Philosophie from FranceCulture), and regularly attending professional development opportunities for teachers of FLE (français langue étrangère, French as a foreign language). 

I grew up in an anglophone environment and did not start learning French until I was 18 years old. I am passionate about language acquisition because I know firsthand both how challenging and rewarding it is to study a new language. 

French has opened many doors for me, both personally and professionally. It’s an honour and a pleasure to be able to share the language with others.