Learner's Story: Alice

Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

I am Alice, a student at the Alliance Française de Hong Kong. I have been learning French on and off from a young age, and picking it up again after retirement. I love food, travelling, and exploring new places and hobbies. In my leisure time, I enjoy painting and travelling.

Why are you studying French?

My French journey began during my first job at a French company. The company offered a wonderful benefit - free French courses at Alliance Française. Given the context, learning French was both a practical and appealing choice.

My first French lesson remained vivid in my memory. When I stepped into the classroom, I was surprised to hear the teacher speaking entirely in French, despite it being a beginner's class! We had to introduce ourselves without knowing a single word, using body language to describe our favorite foods and hobbies. The teacher would guess what we were trying to express and teach us the French words - often using gestures herself. It was truly an amazing experience. I continued learning for four years until work got too busy.

You mentioned learning French at a young age...what brings you back to Alliance Française?

Years later, while planning for retirement, I wanted to establish an enjoyable routine. Learning French immediately came to my mind. I chose to return to Alliance Française de Hong Kong not only because of my wonderful prior learning experience but also for their diverse offering of courses and workshops. They provide options for all ages and levels, from "Arts et Civilisations" workshops that match my interests to "Focus on Speaking" workshops that address my specific learning goals.

Any tips in learning French?

There are no shortcuts in language learning! Do everything you can - study the language, listen to it, speak it, and immerse yourself in the culture. In class, study diligently and participate actively. If you follow these practices, you'll notice gradual but steady improvement.

You've participated in the Immersion Programme for two consecutive years. Is there a reason why?

I strongly believe in the power of cultural immersion for language learning. There's no better way to learn than by experiencing the country and its culture firsthand. During the programme, we were surrounded by French every day. Living with a host family provided invaluable opportunities for authentic conversations about history, food, and culture - making it very different from ordinary travel experiences.

What was your daily schedule during the immersion programme?

Our weekdays began with three-hour French classes in the morning, grouped according to our proficiency levels. Afternoons were filled with various activities - from site visits and museum tours to landscape excursions and wine and cheese tastings. These experiences simply can't be replicated in Hong Kong. One of my fondest memories is visiting an open-air cinema and weekend market with my host family in Montpellier.

Would you recommend the Immersion Programme?
Yes, absolutely. Each time I participated, I gained unforgettable memories.