How learning to speak English in London has inspired my teaching of French

In 2005, I left France and moved to London, ready to start a new chapter in my life. On arrival, I quickly found work as an au pair and later as a call centre operator. But amidst all the excitement and challenges of living in a new country, there was one thing I knew I had to focus on: learning English.

I enrolled in a language school to improve my skills, and it was there that I met my English teacher. He wasn’t just any teacher – he was someone who understood exactly what it was like to be a foreigner learning a new language. His patience and encouragement made all the difference.

I remember how comfortable I felt in his class. He never made me feel embarrassed about my accent or my mistakes. In fact, I felt confident enough to try and speak even when I stumbled over words or grammar. The trust I built up with him from the start was so important in helping me to feel comfortable in London.

Looking back, I realize how valuable that experience was, and it’s something I carry with me now when I teach French to others who are new to the language. I know how important it is to have someone to guide you, someone to make you feel comfortable on your learning journey. It’s my aim to help my students feel as I did – confident, supported and ready to take on the challenge of learning a new language.