You learnt the language of Ratatouille in high school but it’s been AGES since you last practised… Now you feel like a complete fraud, as if you’ve forgotten everything! Or so you think. 😏

Don’t panic—this is completely normal. In fact, most language learners go through this at some point in their life. And the good news is: you probably remember far more than you realise. In this article, I’ll show you exactly what to do when your French is rusty.

Ready to dust off your skills? Let’s go!

VCE French oral season is here. If you're reading this with your exam a few weeks away — or even a few days — take a breath. You've done more than you think.

That said, there's a difference between hoping for a good result and preparing for one. This article is about the latter.

After more than a decade of helping VCE students across Victoria, I've noticed a clear pattern: the students who perform best aren't necessarily the most "gifted" linguists. They're the ones who prepared consistently, practised regularly, and walked into the exam knowing exactly what to expect.

Here's what that looks like in practice.

Have you been stuck at A2 or B1 level for a while? Often called the intermediate plateau, this phase is a very common part of the language-learning process. So don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many language students (myself included 😉) experience this stage. The good news? There is a way out! In this article, I’ll show you how to improve your French as an intermediate learner.

When you start learning a foreign language, the first steps can feel frustrating. You might think it’s impossible to have a real, interesting conversation with an actual native. But I’m here to tell you: it’s absolutely possible 🙂. 

If you’ve been wondering how to talk to native French speakers at A1 level, this article is for you!

Simone de Beauvoir, Victor Hugo, Voltaire… you’ve probably already heard about all those classic writers from France! But did you know that French-speaking authors come from all over the world? 🌍 In this article, you’ll find plenty of Francophone literature to read — amazing novelists who open the door to new cultures, perspectives and stories… all while helping you improve your French! 

Ready for take-off? 😉🛫

What if I told you that the COVID era brought one unexpected positive impact to language learning? 😉 The pandemic played a significant role in making distance training more accessible than ever. When it comes to practicing the language of the holy baguette land, you now have two options: face-to-face vs online French class! So, which team are you on? 

When learning French, it can feel intimidating to throw yourself into a conversation group for the first time! Many students wait for ages before they finally feel ready to try… But you know what? You don’t need to know the language of Molière perfectly to join a conversation! In this article, I show you exactly how to overcome the fear of speaking French in a group. 🐓

How to get better at French listening comprehension outside of class? 

French lessons are great… but let’s be honest: they won’t make you bilingual on their own. What if I told you that you can improve your listening skills even passively? Yes, you heard me! From the comfort of your sofa, you can keep making progress. In this article, I’ll show you exactly how to improve French listening comprehension outside class! 😉

Do you speak the language of baguettes and macarons almost fluently? If so, congratulations! You’ve probably come a long way to get here. At this stage, you might be wondering: how can I keep improving?

I’ve taught many students at B2 and C1 levels, and trust me—they’re never “done” picking up new things! So fasten your seatbelts: I’m about to share some tips on how to improve your French as an advanced learner! 🐓

I like to compare learning a language to a journey. First, there’s the preparation phase… Then one day, you decide to take the plunge! Even though you’re not 100% ready, you go for it anyway. Well, it’s the same when it comes to mastering the most romantic language in the world 😉. My students often ask me, “how can I improve my French speaking skills?” 

My answer is very simple, yet highly effective: speak as much as you can. Practicing French conversation regularly is key. And here’s why.