Reviews - Speak French with Lisa

Real stories from expats who now feel more confident speaking French!

Stephanie - living in the South of France

Before the lessons with Lisa, I was stuck in the same place for so long without seeing progress, which really affected my confidence. My schedule didn’t allow me to dedicate as much time as I wanted to learning and practicing, so I struggled to stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed or behind.

Working with Lisa has changed everything. She meets you exactly where you are and helps you progress in a way that feels natural, achievable, and never stressful. I honestly couldn’t recommend her more! She’s kind, supportive, and incredibly helpful with learning French.

I’m so grateful I found her and would recommend her to anyone who’s struggling to learn or to feel confident using French in daily life. Learning a language in your 30s is no joke, but Lisa makes it easier! If you’re hesitating to start, just go for it. You’ll be so glad you did.

Sammy from New-Zealand - living in Paris

I have noticed such a difference in my daily life thanks to your classes. I am friends with a neighbour in my building and before I started your class I met her for coffee and could understand a lot but could barely speak back and then we met again a couple of weeks ago and we spoke the whole time in French!! We also went down to see some French friends in the loire valley recently who we haven’t seen for awhile and they were so impressed by my progress.

I feel much less stressed about daily life in France, I don’t have to panic and think for ages anymore, words and sentences are coming out naturally and surprising me by being correct.

I still have a long way to go but I am really loving the lessons and making big improvements so merci à toi!!

Frances from New-Zealand - Lived in Biarritz &
Moving to Paris soon

“Before improving my French, I felt very isolated because I couldn’t communicate properly. Things like organising daycare for our daughter were particularly difficult. My husband had to do all of that and I felt quite frustrated because it was such a big decision for my child.

Since starting the lessons, communicating with my in-laws is definitely a lot better. I recently had a conversation entirely in French with one of their friends who spoke no English, and she told me I was much improved. That was great!

I really enjoy the flexibility of the lessons. I love that there’s a structure around learning important grammar and vocabulary, but I also love how we can make it very bespoke to what I need at any given time. I can ask questions about things that might be completely random, and you’re happy to teach them to me or fill me in on how things work. I find that really helpful.

Honestly, I think your lessons are fantastic because you’re very easy to get along with, you’re completely non-judgmental and you feel like you’re speaking with a friend. When you’re trying to learn a language, it’s very hard when you’re nervous about saying things for the first time or getting things wrong. Feeling extremely comfortable is a huge piece of the puzzle for me.

Whether you’re a parent, moving to France, have a French spouse, or whatever it might be, lessons with Lisa are just invaluable. She really helps hold your hand through the tough moments and makes it fun at the same time. It’s always incredibly valuable, and you learn so much.”

Christian from England - living in Béziers

My family came to visit and for a few days, I had to do all the talking – ordering at restaurants, handling every interaction in French. I was a bit stressed at first, but it really showed me that I could do it! And my family were so impressed. I’m comfortable speaking in front of a group now without panicking or worrying about being judged.

I had to do an event and talk in French in front of probably 80 people and do an interview on the microphone but it went really well! I felt pretty proud. I also sat at a table with 8 French guys I don’t know and spoke to them the whole dinner all in French! I got a lot of good feedback that my French was good as well.

On my drive home I was reflecting on when I first arrived in France and how tough it was to where I am now and as always I just wanted to say a big thank you for all your help with my progress.

Susan from USA- Living in Dordogne

«Before working with Lisa, I understood a little French, but I lacked the confidence to actually use it. Today, I can chat with my neighbours, communicate with shopkeepers at the market, and even speak directly with the contractors renovating our house in France.

Right off the bat, I have a lot more confidence when I’m speaking with people, at the local magasin, in the big supermarket, when I’m making an exchange in a store, buying fabric at the marché or buying food at the markets.

One of the things I love most about the lessons is that they feel like a real human connection. I consider Lisa a friend, a very patient friend, patient with my language! I feel like I get to feel like the fullness of myself because she’s willing to speak English with me, and I never feel like it’s a shame to speak English.

Lisa feels truly interested in me as a person, in what I do and in my work. Through learning the language and gaining a true human connection with her, the one-on-one lessons are pretty magical and pretty special.

I would recommend Lisa’s lessons to anyone who wants to integrate more fully into the culture while living in France. Lisa is patient, organised and charming, and it’s enjoyable! I look forward to these lessons.

Christine from United States - living in Paris

Before taking lessons with Lisa, I’d done 9 months of group classes, but I spent more time listening than speaking and often found myself overshadowed by classmates. Everything felt serious and grammar-based, and I didn’t feel confident having real conversations in French. It was also challenging for me to find opportunities to speak outside of shopping/store transactions.

What I love most now is how every lesson is connected to my real life. We work on the exact situations I face phone calls, shopping, meeting people and I feel ready and supported. Lisa brings such lightness and empathy to lessons. It honestly feels like chatting with a French friend who’s helping me become a real part of French life. The space she creates feels safe and welcoming, there’s no pressure for perfection, just genuine connection.

Lisa’s lessons are organized, intentional, and fun. She truly understands what it’s like to live abroad and learn a language from scratch and that makes all the difference.

You’re a great and down-to-earth teacher. The container for learning that you create feels safe and welcoming. I never feel embarrassed or judged when I make mistakes in our lessons, so I feel more inclined to try harder. I am really enjoying learning from you!

Lauren from UK - Working in the South of France

«Before working with Lisa, I could read some French, but I completely froze when it came to speaking or understanding people in real conversations. Working in the South of France, I wanted to feel comfortable talking to locals and communicating with contractors, but I lacked the confidence to even try.

The lessons have made me feel a lot more confident, weirdly confident about it being okay not to understand and being okay not to know everything and just giving it a go. I have made more friends who are French, and I feel confident to try even though I may get it wrong.

Before, I would avoid being around people speaking French because I was scared I wouldn’t understand. Now, I’m catching on to different words that they say, and I have a better understanding. Overall, the lessons have made me feel a lot more comfortable in that environment.

I love the lessons. I say this all the time: I feel like I’ve made a friend, not just a teacher. They’re so personal, and you always make time for my questions. Even if you come in with a plan, you’ll tweak it to what I need.

Because of how casual the lessons feel, it doesn’t necessarily feel like you’re learning, or like you’re in a pressure situation. They’re friendly, relaxed and a really comfortable environment to be in. I speak so much more French than I ever possibly thought I would.