I really want to learn French. I mean really. I went to France recently and was starting to do quite well at it – my daily progress on speaking French really ignited an interest in the language and the culture for me. I can’t wait to go back!

I am reasonably well traveled for a 22 year old. I have been to many countries on various continents, often having no clue how to speak the native language. My most recent trip has encompassed Thailand, England, Spain and France. I used to learn French when I was in primary school. Like most kids I knew, I hated it. Over the years however, my extensive travel has engrained a love of travel and languages in me and I can speak bits and pieces of lots of different ones.

My experiences have taught me that if I want to learn French, the quickest way to do it is to go to France and immerse myself in the language and culture.

For the five weeks I was in France it was my mission to learn French to the highest level I could. Okay, so I’m not fluent, but I sure learned a lot! When you find yourself completely surrounded by people that don’t speak English it’s amazing how much of their language you can pick up.

I started out knowing that bonjour means hello and that was about it! After a week of trying to learn French by listening and talking to people I knew a lot more and could ask if someone spoke english and make a purchase in a shop with a degree of confidence. By the end of my five weeks I could (and still can!) explain that I am a vegetarian and order a salad without egg, ham or cheese with fries and a drink. I can hold a basic conversation and get the general idea of what is being said to me.

If you really want to learn french, or any language for that matter, they key is to immerse yourself in the langauge and culture as much as possible.

I had a great time trying to learn french in an immersion situation and when I drove over the border into Spain… yep, you guessed it! I accidentally started speaking French to the Spanish! Oops!

… Kate Wiley

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