How I did it: I took French for 3 years in high school, but we never went further than reading and listening of French. I never thought about it again, until I decided to apply for an exchange year at Sciences Po in Paris. So in January 2008 I took a weekly language course, which brought me back to the basics of French. Then, in the summer of 2008, I went to Nice to do an intensive language course for 4 weeks. Now I was prepared to at least understand French a bit and to conduct conversations. At least, that's what I thought...

Once I arrived at Sciences Po, it almost seemed that everyone was fluent in French except me. During the first semester I did part of the courses in French; now I am in my second semester and now all the courses I'm taking are in French. I understand the most part and it's getting better and better, but still: having a vivid discussion or conversation is still hard, but I believe this will come in time :)

Lessons & tips: Don't compare your level to others; it can seriously demotivate you!

Resources: www.babbel.com is a very good website to start practicing French and to extend your vocabulary.

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Apr 08, 2009, 02:42AM PDT | 0 comments | 1 cheer