Our communicative approach

To cater for different learning styles, we adapt and combine the best language-learning methods, following the objectives and standards of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) developed by the Council of Europe.

Largely based on communication and task completion, our lessons cover the five language activities (speaking, listening, writing, reading and interaction) so that you can use French appropriately.

Each lesson focuses on a particular topic drawn from current events or everyday concerns. The chosen subject sparks debates, discussions, critical thinking and role-plays, and encourages active participation and interaction. Our aim is always to get you communicating and to place you in situations similar to real life. In our general French programme, we put the main emphasis on speaking and listening. However, writing, grammar and phonetics, which are essential for communicating correctly, are not neglected.

Linguistic, social and cultural activities that promote communication in context

Since language and culture are closely linked, we use a communicative, task-oriented approach in the classroom, which covers both learning and perfecting French and using it appropriately in real communication situations. To immerse you more deeply in French culture, we offer, among other things, an immersion programme: a combination of lessons and social and cultural activities that puts the language in context, stimulates speaking, and lets you interact with French speakers, and like them, in real situations.

A programme based mainly on authentic documents

To prepare you for a French-speaking environment, we draw on a variety of relevant resources based, as far as possible, on authentic documents. Our aim is to help you improve your language skills, but also to use French effectively, with confidence and independence, in real-life situations.

Thanks to technology, we have access to a wealth and variety of authentic documents: audio (radio, news broadcasts, podcasts, songs, phone messages, adverts…), video (TV programmes, short films, clips, weather forecasts…), images (photographs, postcards…) and written material (newspapers, classified ads, travel brochures, menus, maps, blogs, flyers…). We do not use a set textbook: the resources are chosen to bring the lesson to life and to match your needs.

A typical session

Each session is prepared in advance by your teacher, based on your needs, our previous conversations and the points that need reinforcing — nothing is improvised, but nothing is set in stone either. A typical session usually begins with an informal conversation to warm up, then we continue speaking on a topic suited to your level that matters to you. During the session, we pause when needed to focus on what is useful to you: vocabulary building, grammar in context, pronunciation, correcting a piece of your writing… Among the topics recently covered in class: administrative procedures in France, a regional recipe, a debate on current events, preparing for a job interview… Your experience, shaped by your own goals, will be different from anyone else's.

French: the only language of communication

French will be the only language of communication during your stay, and your teacher will not translate. This is how you will practise more, experience true language immersion and learn to think in French.

An approach appropriate to your aims and learning style

Teaching in small groups (maximum 3 students in the school) or one-to-one lessons allows us to design a language-training plan that best meets your needs. Our teaching techniques and activities are therefore chosen for their effectiveness and according to your expectations, interests, habits and learning pace, so that you feel motivated and able to express yourself fully.

Take an active role in your learning

With an individualised programme, we are always here to encourage you to take part actively, to keep you motivated and to involve you in your learning so that you succeed. We are your language guide; you are the active learner.

Personalised support

Throughout your language stay, you will receive special attention. We will give you good advice on organising your stay and, together, we will develop learning strategies to follow in your French lessons and outside them.

Assessing your level before you arrive

To determine the level of your course, we will be in touch by email or phone before you arrive at Naturellement Français. This gives us a good idea of your language skills and interests, so that we can prepare a suitable, personalised programme. As a result, your French course can start as soon as you arrive at the school, without wasting time on tests.

Feel confident with your passionate, professional and friendly native French teacher, specifically trained and certified to teach French as a foreign language (FLE). Your teacher is entirely devoted to you, to give you the best possible teaching and to make your language stay a successful learning experience, in a fun, friendly and warm atmosphere.