Next to English, French is the most popular second language in the world. Over 29 countries, from Europe to Africa to the Caribbean, use French as their official language. And we haven’t even mentioned the food! French is one of those languages that lavishes rewards upon anyone willing to put in the effort to learn it, and that’s where Cambridge Coaching comes in. We offer customized private French tutorials at all levels:
- Beginners: introduction to grammar, speaking, and basic characters (sample syllabus here)
- Intermediate: taking reading, writing, and speaking to the next level
- Advanced: exploring seminal texts and literary/business French
We have also worked with even more advanced students looking to prepare for a standardized test, or to fine-tune oral skills through conversation tutorials that emphasize usage, vocabulary, and the mastery of common idiom--and even slang.
Our French tutors are exceptional teachers - they are PhD candidates and teaching fellows at NYU and Harvard University, published authors, and professional French teachers. They can teach anyone French; whether you're planning a long-dreamt trip around wine country, or looking to gain an edge in the college process by acing the French SAT subject test.
Select the focus that is right for you to learn more about how we can help you improve your French.
Academic Test Preparation Business Enrichment Cultural Exploration
Suggested Approaches
Our 5 favorite approaches are inclusive of all linguistic goals from grammar heavy test preparation and translation to conversational enrichment and business packages. While each of the language teaching methods below can be effective, your specific goals will impact which method we choose for your tutoring.
Resources
Because we are not invested in selling proprietary materials, we prefer to draw from the numerous language learning and teaching methods available to us. Here are some of our favorites:
Daily Immersion: Newspapers & Music
In addition to what you study during your tutoring session, one of the most fun aspects of learning a new language is exploring the culture that it comes from! Check out podcasts, music and local newspapers to get a taste of French culture.
Podcasts are a great way to supplement your language classes. Immerse yourself in French as you stroll through Harvard Square, or as you walk down Lexington Avenue.
Local and regional newspapers are a great way to follow current events in your new language, while advancing your reading comprehension:
There are also tons of newspapers published in the United States that cater to bilingual populations. Find these daily publications around NYC or Boston to get local news in your target language.
Tip: Highlight or make a list of the words you do not recognize as you read. Don’t stop to look them up immediately. Finish the article and see how much you can understand without the dictionary. Then, look up the words, and re-read. This process may seem repetitive, but it asks your brain to work a bit more actively, and will yield results!
Don’t miss out on French music! Some musicians are particularly easy to listen to in their native tongue. Listening to music will get you comfortable hearing your target language and help your comprehension. While you’re at it, you’ll expand your knowledge of colloquial vernacular and regional slang.
- Edith Piaf
- Johnny Hallyday
- Alizee
- Benjamin Biolay
- Zaz
- Coeur de Pirate
- Browse French radio stations here to check out current hits!
Tip: Look up the lyrics in English before starting so you have a sense of the meaning of the song before you start listening. This will make it easier to recognize vocabulary.