From Bonjour to Brilliance: Voices of The French Room

Listen to inspiring personal stories from students at The French Room and discover what’s possible when learning French feels this good!

Learners

Excellent Reviews

Live teaching hours completed

Nikki's French Room Journey so far...

Nikki started her journey in weekly group classes on Zoom.  She soon felt confident enough to join the book club, where she explored French humour through the film and play, Le Dîner de Cons!

“We listened and read passages together, and of course, we also watched the film. By the end, we could follow and understand the jokes—it was excellent. I highly recommend joining!” 

Later, during an immersive weekend, Nikki felt a new sense of sophistication.

“Initially, immersion seemed daunting, but doubts quickly faded. Members of our group even tried speaking to locals in French! It was a wonderful weekend of learning and activity.” 

Today, Nikki participates in live streamed media interviews in French at events where she judges dressage!


Nadja's French Room Journey

Nadja had set her sights on passing the DELF B1 exam both as a personal challenge and to help her in her new life in France. After three years of dedicated learning with Ellie, she achieved her dream:

“I passed the DELF B1 exam! I can’t thank Ellie enough for her fantastic teaching skills and the personal connection she brings to every lesson.” 

John appreciated Ellie’s structured approach and focused lessons during intensive courses:

“The courses start with a list of objectives, which provides a useful focus. Practicing French on the beaches and in restaurants around Barnstable made it rewarding and fun.”

With their confidence high, both Nadja and John are thinking of joining Ellie in France for next year's immersive events and are now preparing for their next level of fluency.

Jane's French Room Journey so far...

Jane, newly married into a French-speaking family, longed to join conversations at family gatherings without hesitation. Initially, she feared making mistakes, but Ellie’s welcoming environment transformed her mindset:

“I was nervous to get started, but quickly felt welcome. Ellie is patient and encouraging, making learning so enjoyable. Now, I feel it’s okay to make mistakes, which has allowed me to learn so much more.” 

Over time, Jane’s confidence grew:

“Meeting weekly and chatting in French with others makes such a difference. It’s challenging but rewarding. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it!” 

Today, Jane feels included in group conversations in French and far more able to understand her in-laws cultural background.


Find out What it's like learning at The French Room

👨‍💻The French Room students love 💓 learning!

—   Flexible Self-Paced Learning and Live Online Classes

Feel your French confidence shine

Encouraging and fills me full of confidence
Nicky Poulton (UK)
Don't feel scared to try. Reach your ambition.
Ryan Johnson (UK)
One of the highlights of my week!
Hanz Pelz (UK)
I have tried many different routes but for the first time feel that I am making real progress.
Seamusog Gallagher (UK)

Learn with people like you

It feels really authentic, real French with loads of useful, idiomatic and colloquial phrases! Everyone is a committed learner and really supportive of each other
Sarah Stern (UK)

Makes French part of your life

Week by week the language becomes a part of one’s everyday life. The flexibility and variety from grammar to cookery exceeds anything I could have imagined.
Nikki Herbert (UK)

French you can use in France

I’ve spent many years on and off trying to improve my French. The French Room has seen the best outcomes for the investment by far. My motivation is maintained and I’ve seen a massive difference when in France. 
NICKY brand (Australia)

Be part of the community

A really enjoyable community of french speakers, with lots of opportunities to enjoy aspects of french culture in different ways, virtually and in real life.
Lisa mcnamara (UK)

Sophisticated online resources

Son site Web est sophistiqué, donc vous pouvez également trouver de nombreuses ressources en dehors de vos cours. Tout cela avec des tarifs abordables en plus !
Ekin G (United arab emirates)

Immerse yourself in French

The course offerings are plentiful from tutos, private lessons, group lessons, book club, etc. I have participated in and enjoyed them all. Ellie’s grasp of the language, her teaching style and positive encouragement makes the learning process an enjoyable experience.  I highly recommend TFR and Ellie if you are looking for an immersive, positive avenue to learn the French language.
Terri Kight (United States)

Voices of The French Room

Real French Communication

Join inspiring students as they reflect on their progress at The French Room.

John shares a beautifully written story about his experiences in France. This video captures his journey from classroom conversations to living and thriving in a French-speaking world—showing how learning French can lead to real connections, new opportunities and unforgettable adventures.

Nikki, a confident French Room student, takes to the stage to explain the "Rule of Three" in French. Watch as she shares her journey, showcases progress, and demonstrates her ability to explain complex concepts clearly and fluently. It’s a perfect example of how learning at The French Room builds not only language skills but also the confidence to use them in real-life conversations and beyond.
From hesitant beginnings to confidently using French in real-life situations
Explaining in French: The power of the Rule of Three!

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Meet more students in The French Room Podcast

Meet French Room students in conversation with Ellie. Talking about what motivates them to speak French, hurdles and success and tips on what works in real-life French situations.  

For everyone who loves learning French.

Episode 1 - Lisa talks about living and working in Lyon

I love Lisa's "all in" attitude. Sometimes all you need is a bit of bravado and Lisa has it in bucket loads!

Episode 2 - Gemma sold up and moved to France to open her Gîte

It takes some guts to up sticks with a young family and move to another country. This is a great story of feel the fear and do it anyway!

Episode 3 - Nadja talks about how she overcame the anxiety of speaking French and what it means for her new life in France.

An inspiring conversation for anyone who has ever felt anxiety speaking French

Episode 4 - A conversation with Steve about the connections between music and learning French

We can all benefit from learning with their peers, no matter their age.
Find out What it's like learning at The French Room

👨‍💻The French Room students love 💓 learning!

—   Flexible Self-Paced Learning and Live Online Classes

Feel your French confidence shine

Encouraging and fills me full of confidence
Nicky Poulton (UK)
Don't feel scared to try. Reach your ambition.
Ryan Johnson (UK)
One of the highlights of my week!
Hanz Pelz (UK)
I have tried many different routes but for the first time feel that I am making real progress.
Seamusog Gallagher (UK)

Learn with people like you

It feels really authentic, real French with loads of useful, idiomatic and colloquial phrases! Everyone is a committed learner and really supportive of each other
Sarah Stern (UK)

I have found a learning model which really suits and really works.

For me, this is the recorded tutos and the live group classes. Ellie's recorded tutos, which you can dip into as frequently as you want, are excellent, and the live classes are a great environment to practise your french speaking in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Christopher Neal (UK)

French you can use in France

I’ve spent many years on and off trying to improve my French. The French Room has seen the best outcomes for the investment by far. My motivation is maintained and I’ve seen a massive difference when in France. 
NICKY brand (Australia)

The confidence to go forward and converse in French

Meeting weekly and chatting in French with others at the same level makes such a difference and whilst it is challenging it is also very rewarding. I recommend to anyone considering learning or improving their French language skills to make use of the variety of learning tools available through The French Room.
JANE DAVIES (FRANCE)

Sophisticated online resources

Son site Web est sophistiqué, donc vous pouvez également trouver de nombreuses ressources en dehors de vos cours. Tout cela avec des tarifs abordables en plus !
Ekin G (United arab emirates)

Immerse yourself in French

The course offerings are plentiful from tutos, private lessons, group lessons, book club, etc. I have participated in and enjoyed them all. Ellie’s grasp of the language, her teaching style and positive encouragement makes the learning process an enjoyable experience.  I highly recommend TFR and Ellie if you are looking for an immersive, positive avenue to learn the French language.
Terri Kight (United States)
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