Student Success Stories - John - Confident Storyteller

May 27

Looking for In-Person Classes—and Discovering Something That Works Really Well Online!

When John first contacted The French Room, he was hoping to find a local, in-person French class. He lived nearby and had always learned in a traditional classroom setting. Online classes weren’t really what he had in mind.

But after chatting with Ellie and hearing about the school’s background in in-person teaching, he agreed to give the online format a try. Ellie explained that while The French Room was now fully online, its roots were in real-life community teaching—and that same sense of connection and warmth still runs through every class. John decided to give it a go.

That was three years ago.

Ellie explained that while The French Room was now fully online, its roots were in real-life community teaching

Meet John

Hear John describe his French learning milestones and share a humorous story from his last visit to France
Write your awesome label here.

Learning French to Feel Part of the Group

John spends his summers in France working with horses—something he loves. For him, learning French was a way to bring together three passions: France, horses, and language.

But there was something else, too.

He wanted to feel comfortable joining in around the dinner table. “I wanted to be part of those long meals,” he said, “where everyone’s chatting and telling stories. But I found it hard to follow and even harder to join in.”

He’d previously been part of a local weekly class that he enjoyed, but after moving house—and with the class numbers dropping—he was looking for something new. What he didn’t expect was how much he’d enjoy the different, relaxed style of learning he found at The French Room.

“I wanted to be part of those long meals,” he said, “where everyone’s chatting and telling stories. But I found it hard to follow and even harder to join in.”

From Formal Lessons to Natural Conversations

John still leads a busy life, even in retirement. But French became a regular part of his day. A little study here and there—not because he had to, but because he saw progress and enjoyed it.

What surprised him most was how different The French Room felt from anything he’d tried before. It was less academic, more conversational. More about real communication.

And one part of the course really stood out: storytelling.

During group sessions on communication techniques, John’s talent for telling a story came into its own. He started sharing stories in French naturally, with real expression and warmth—no longer reading with his head down, but speaking with confidence and ease.

“We all love a good story well told,” Ellie says. “And John has become a brilliant storyteller—in French.”

Immersive Weekend That Built Confidence

One of John’s highlights was taking part in a fully immersive weekend with The French Room. (Held in Devon, UK) He admitted he felt a bit unsure at first—would it be too much?

But the group atmosphere, the support, and the real-life practice quickly eased those doubts.

“It turned into a great weekend of learning and activity,” he said. “Even when we were out and about, people were speaking to the locals in French.”

It was the kind of experience that reinforced just how much progress he’d made.

What John Says About Learning with The French Room

Today, John’s French feels like a living part of his everyday life. He speaks with more confidence, joins in conversations more naturally, and enjoys sharing what he knows.

“Ellie is an excellent teacher,” he says. “She’ll push you forward, but she’s also happy to explain anything you missed. I’d recommend The French Room without hesitation.”

For John, learning French has never been about exams or ticking boxes. It’s about enjoying conversations, feeling more connected, and making the most of the time he spends in France.

John attends a weekly live group class and also enjoys lots of independent study using both the Rendez-Vous Tuto Archive and the Learn French Libraries that come free with his Bonjour Brilliance subscription.

Would you like to make French part of your everyday?

Book a free 15 minute consultation with Ellie to find your way of learning French >

Trial The Bonjour Brilliance Self-Study Program
14 Days FREE 

Eager to get started today?

We will help you unlock your inner potential so you can excel in your professional field. Boost your confidence, master the field, become a certified professional. Learn to use all the related tools, walk into a job and be a rockstar from day one.
Created with