Tag: learning french

Learning French in Paris: The Best Schools and Programs for Your Language Goal

Learning French in Paris: The Best Schools and Programs for Your Language Goal

If you’re really trying to speak French, eventually you’ll want to go to the motherland. And unless you are one of those super annoying people who has an “amazing ear” and picks up languages from just a vacation (looking at my sister), you’re going to…

Charli’s Top Podcasts for French Language Learning

Charli’s Top Podcasts for French Language Learning

When I moved to Paris and needed to improve my French FAST, I added some French podcasts into my playlist as part of my crash-learning plan. Here are my top picks, and some reader recommendations!

I Still Speak English at Home with My French Husband. Here’s Why.

I Still Speak English at Home with My French Husband. Here’s Why.

I confess that my French is not as far along as I would like. But when people here in Paris find out I am married to a Frenchman, many are quick to scold me for not speaking French at home with my husband.

Lutèce, Paname…how many Paris nicknames do you know?

Lutèce, Paname…how many Paris nicknames do you know?

Lutèce, Paname, City of Light… Paris by any other name is just as sweet! You’ll see Paris’s former names and nicknames used all over the city as well as in books, movies and songs. Here are the noms de plume of Paris to know.

Why Do French People Respond in English When I Speak French?

Why Do French People Respond in English When I Speak French?

It’s a frustrating, but common occurrence for expats in France — You ask a question in French and the response comes in English. You try again in French. Still English. But don’t freak out, French people (most likely) aren’t doing this because they’re rude or…

The French Love Trashy Reality TV Too

The French Love Trashy Reality TV Too

The French, they’re just like us! We Americans have this idea French people are all sophisticated and just read philosophy and could never be interested in crap TV. Au contraire. They even have their own answer to Kim Kardashian.

Paris Dispatch #4: The Waiting Game

Paris Dispatch #4: The Waiting Game

As autumn took over Paris, my honeymoon period with the city continued. Five months in I’m still charmed by this city daily. But building a complete life is taking longer than I expected before boarding the plane in New York. Newsflash: It takes much more…

Should I Move Abroad? 5 Questions to Ask Yourself

Should I Move Abroad? 5 Questions to Ask Yourself

Moving to another country can be a transformative experience, but it is not without challenges to consider. If you’re thinking about making the jump overseas, ask yourself these five questions before packing your bags.

Paris Dispatch #3: La Rentrée

Paris Dispatch #3: La Rentrée

“America is my country and Paris is my hometown.” Though she died more than 70 years ago, these words from Gertrude Stein continue to encapsulate the feelings of many Americans who followed in her footsteps. Increasingly my own as I feel more and more at…

How to Live in Paris without Speaking French

How to Live in Paris without Speaking French

Bonjour, my name is Charli and I barely speak French. Oh no, I didn’t let this stop me from moving to Paris, which either makes me incredibly optimistic or pig-headed. Jury is still out. But I do know I’m far from alone.