Why a french immersion ?

As a student of the French language, why should I take an immersion?

1. Personalized Learning with a Private Tutor

TAILOR-MADE FRENCH LESSONS

Learning French in France with a personal tutor offers tailored lessons that adapt to your learning style, pace, and goals. Unlike traditional classroom settings, a private tutor can focus on your specific weaknesses and strengths : if you struggle with certain grammar concepts or pronunciation, your immersion teacher can spend more time reinforcing those areas, providing targeted exercises and games to improve grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversational skills.

Also, many learners feel shy or anxious about speaking in front of others, especially when making mistakes.  In one-on-one lessons, the learning environment is supportive and judgment-free, which reduces anxiety and encourages more risk-taking in speaking. 

MORE SPEAKING TIME

In a class group of six students, how long does each student get to speak during a lesson ? 5 minutes in total? In a private class, you get significantly more speaking time, which speeds up fluency and confidence. Every immersion program provides around 30 to 40 hours of French practice a week. The tutor can provide immediate and personalized feedback on your pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary usage. Most of the teachers actually take notes on your progress during your guided conversation. Something that is nearly impossible to do in a conversation group.  

A RELAXED ENVIRONMENT : I’M TOO OLD TO BE AT SCHOOL!

In a French immersion, lessons can be adjusted to your preferred learning environment—whether it’s in a quiet study space, during a walk around the city, or even over coffee—creating a relaxed atmosphere that fosters better learning.

2. Cultural Immersion Through Contextual Practice

Taking a French immersion in France allows you to practice French in real-life contexts, making the learning process natural and intuitive. Engaging in everyday activities—ordering food at a café, shopping at local markets, or asking for directions—offers opportunities to apply what you’ve learned. This constant exposure to the language in its natural environment helps you absorb idiomatic expressions, cultural nuances. It also fosters confidence in speaking, as you’re continuously practicing in meaningful, real-world situations.

Emily, a 50-year-old American, joined my French immersion program in Provence a few years ago, eager to finally put her years of study into practice. One morning, after a small recap on what to say to order bread at a bakery, I suggested a walk to the local bakery.

At the counter, Emily smiled and said, « Bonjour, je vais prendre une baguette, s’il vous plaît. » – excellent! she didn’t say “je voudrais” like many Americans do, and she said it perfectly gliding the words just like in our recap. 

The baker nodded and handed over the bread. Then came the question: « Avec ceci? »

Emily froze. She glanced at me, unsure. I leaned in and whispered, « Just say, ça sera tout— (pronounced “ça sra tout”) that’ll be all. » Emily repeated it softly, « Ça sera tout. » The baker smiled warmly, and Emily relaxed. As we left, Emily chuckled. « I didn’t learn avec ceci in class. » I grinned. « That’s why you’re here. Real French happens in places like this. »

These interactions, and the confidence you build when you are sure you are saying the right thing, make your travels to France so meaningful. 

3. Combining Learning with vacation!

Learning French becomes more enjoyable when it’s paired with fun, immersive experiences. Activities like exploring historic sites, participating in local festivals, or sharing meals with your tutor make learning feel less like a chore and more like an adventure. 

These memorable moments help reinforce the language in a relaxed and engaging setting. Enjoyable activities also keep motivation high, making it easier to stay committed to learning and deepening your connection to French culture.

4. Building Authentic Connections in France

Usually, when you travel to France, you rarely get to meet and share opinions with French people apart from waiters and sellers. But your French immersion teacher can become a gateway to authentic cultural experiences. He will share insights about local customs, traditions, and everyday life that you wouldn’t find in textbooks. They may also introduce you to local communities, events, or social gatherings, helping you build meaningful connections. This authentic interaction enriches the learning experience, offering both linguistic practice and a deeper understanding of French society.