Many of our students live in a French-speaking country, France, Belgium or Switzerland, and have shared their relocation experience with us. One lesson comes up again and again: preparing your French before the move changes everything.
Here are the mistakes to avoid and five practical ways to make the most of your move.
Key takeaways
- The classic expat trap: socialising mostly with other foreigners and speaking English instead of French.
- Take every chance to speak French, even imperfectly, from day one.
- Work on pronunciation: small details are often all that stop you being understood.
- Immerse yourself in the culture to make learning natural and lasting.
Mistakes to avoid when you settle in a French-speaking country
According to our students, the main trap for expats is socialising mostly with other foreigners and speaking more English or their mother tongue than French. For those working in a European or international institution (often in Brussels or Geneva), it is even harder: the working environment is in English.
In France, the upside is that French people often prefer to speak French rather than attempt rough English. The challenge then becomes understanding your colleagues and taking an active part in a meeting in French. We meet students who have lived there for years and still lack the confidence to speak in front of a group.
5 ways to make the most of your move
Several levers help you overcome this. Here are the five most effective.
| Tip | In practice |
|---|---|
| Take every chance to speak | Hairdresser, bakery, language exchanges: speak without fear of mistakes |
| Reply in French straight away | Do not switch to English with the new French people you meet |
| Rehearse key phrases | Prepare at home what you will say in a meeting |
| Work on pronunciation | Listen to and imitate natives to be better understood |
| Immerse in the culture | Traditions, music, food: the language comes alive |
The 5 tips in detail
1. Take every chance to speak French
Whether at the hairdresser, the bakery or the butcher, speak French without fear of mistakes. The more you speak, the more comfortable you become. Interacting with locals also exposes you to different accents and dialects; consider joining language-exchange groups to practise regularly.
2. Reply in French from the first meeting
With a new French person, speak to them in French right away and do not switch to English the moment you do not understand something. Regular interactions with natives get you used to accents, intonation and variations. People will appreciate your efforts and be more patient than you expect.
3. Rehearse key phrases at home
Before an important meeting, make sure you can express your point clearly. Revise the phrases you can reuse at the right moment: preparation removes much of the stress.
4. Work on your pronunciation
The most common frustration is not being understood well, often because of small pronunciation details that are easy to fix. Listen carefully to natives, notice their intonation, rhythm and stress patterns, then imitate them as faithfully as you can to internalise the melody of the language.
5. Immerse yourself in French culture
Learning a language goes beyond grammar and vocabulary: it also means understanding the culture. Explore local traditions, music, art and food, attend cultural events, visit museums and historic sites, and try traditional dishes.
Tip: Prepare your move a few weeks ahead: start speaking French day to day right now, even from home, so you arrive more confident and save precious time on the ground.
Going further
About to live or work in a French-speaking country? Live French can help. Join our Live French Club to practise in a group, or progress faster with a native teacher in one-on-one online lessons and a free trial.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to speak French before moving to France?
Not strictly, but arriving with solid basics helps you understand colleagues, take part in meetings and settle in much faster.
Why do expats progress slowly in French?
Often because they socialise mostly with other foreigners and work in English. The key is to take every chance to speak French day to day.
How can I be better understood in French?
By working on pronunciation: listen to natives and imitate their intonation and rhythm. Small adjustments are often enough to be understood.
What should I do before an important meeting in French?
Prepare and rehearse at home the key phrases you will need, so you can express your point clearly when the moment comes.
How do I integrate in a French-speaking country?
Speak French from the start, immerse yourself in the local culture and surround yourself with natives rather than staying among expats.
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