"I had studied French for only 2 months when I signed up for two weeks of 1/2 day classes at LUTECE LANGUE. Even though I earned a Ph.D. from U.C. Berkeley, I was nervous! I found the class a challenge because I had to learn how the French teach, which is different than in America. The instructor was dedicated, the other
students (3 only--a plus) were friendly and near my level, and I learned very much. I highly recommend the personal, small classes and the very careful attention to each student."
Patricia LUND
Psychologist, USA
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I was extremely pleased with the French lessons I took at the LUTECE LANGUE school. The class size was very small compared to that offered by most schools in Paris (six students at most), the teachers were of the highest quality (I cannot say enough good things about Pierre - he is patient, intelligent, funny, and a truly gifted teacher), and the emphasis placed on conversation was exactly what I needed. I gained the confidence to speak with people on the streets, in the stores, and in all the day-to-day situations that have arisen during my stay in Paris and my travels in France. |
Also, having students from other countries was incredibly interesting: I learned much about the culture of France from Pierre and a multitude of things about other cultures from the mix of international students in my class. I would highly recommend the LUTECE LANGUE language school to students of the French language.
J'étais très heureuse avec les leçons de français de l'école LUTECE LANGUE. Les classes sont très petites (six étudiants au plus); les profs son de première qualité (Pierre est très patient, intelligent, et drôle!); et l'importance qui est accorde a conversation était parfait pour moi. J'ai gagne la confiance de parler avec les gens dans les rues, aux magasins, etc., qui était mon premier but. Aussi, ayant des étudiants des autres pays était très intéressant; j'ai appris beaucoup de la culture de France et du monde entier.
Lisa KIMBRO
Expatriate, USA |
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Ca fait déjà la 6eme semaine que je fréquente les classe à LUTECE LANGUE ! Je m'y sens bien. Les cours en petit groupe sont intéressants. L'atmosphère des classes dépend d'une bonne parti des participants. Une jour c'est plus calme, l'autre c'est très vivant. Quelques unes des participants parlent beaucoup, contribuent en demandant des questions aux autres, les autres sont plus timides. Mais en tout cas il y a Pierre, le prof, qui répond, qui " dirige "facilement avec l'élégance et de l'humour. |
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C'est lui, mais aussi les autres profs de LUTECE, que créent une ambiance conviviale et aimable. Merci à vous tous !
Sandro WERMELINGER
Biologist, SWISS |
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La première fois quand je suis arrivée à LUTECE LANGUE, je ne parlais pas un mot de français. J'avais appris pendant 3 mois avec la méthode traditionnelle à la Sorbonne. J'étais découragé et déçue. C'était mieux d'apprendre le français par la méthode progressive avec des exercices oraux. De plus, le professeur étais attentif et attentionné. Je suis toujours impressionnée par la créativité des professeurs. Ils rendent le français amusant et excitant à apprendre.
Susan POLLECKE
Landscape gardener, USA
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I would like to extend a heartfelt (though belated) thank you to you and your school for the classes that I took the last two weeks of May. I certainly enjoyed them and had a wonderful stay in Paris. Thank you especially to Patricia for her thoughtful vitality and superb classes. I am back to my regular classes at the Alliance Française here in Toronto, and they are going well. It is more difficult, of course, trying to fit it around work schedules and other commitments that one does not have while on vacation, but I have renewed enthusiasm for my studies. |
Thank you again, and I look forward to having another opportunity to study with you at some time in the future.
Allison DOWN
Credential Evaluator, Ontario College of Teachers
CANADA |
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In my considered opinion LUTECE LANGUE is the best school for the money in Paris. Why? Other reasons could be adumbrated, but the key to their success is that their classes are strictly limited to no more than 6 persons. This means that, in each 1.5 hour class, you will be given enough time to LEARN HOW TO SPEAK, something impossible to achieve in a classroom with as many students as are typically found at, for example, Berlitz or the Alliance Francaise, or even the Sorbonne. I encountered many "refugees" at LUTECE LANGUE from those other schools, and all were glad to finally have found a place where they could really learn French.
Q : how much you got out of the course;
Well, I went from being able only to read French (I could make myself understood, but not really to talk at length) to being able to carry on lengthy conversations, and to do all the work necessary to install my husband and me permanently in Paris, including negotiating with our bank, France Telecom, Electricite de France, and, more importantly, supervising two teams of workmen performing a complete remodel of the bathroom and kitchen in our apartment ... all in French!
Q : what you liked best,
In addition to the small class size, the assiduous correction of our teacher of all our mistakes. This gave me confidence that, when I was not being corrected, I was speaking without errors! I also liked the "creative" exercises we she gave us, including writing a "newsletter" and inventing scenarios for the future. I enjoyed her flexibility as well; if we were having a particularly lively discussion, she would just go with that and leave the grammar lesson for another day.
Q : and what you did not like;
For many months, our class was composed of 3 persons living in Paris, with the other three slots available for those "dropping in" for periods of 1 or 2 weeks or more. Later in the year, the other two "permanent" persons moved on, and I was confronted with a completely different set of colleagues every two weeks or so. I missed the continuity I'd earlier enjoyed. (Of course, this objection wouldn't apply to you, if you're staying in Paris for only a short time.)
Q : the "ambiance" of the course;
The ambiance was great. Caroline, our teacher, would start each class by asking us what was going on in our lives, and this led to our feeling as if we were colleagues, not simply strangers in a class. She also had us do much work in pairs, which led to a greater feeling of mutual ease.
Q : Finally, would you return for another class if circumstances permitted?
Oh, yes! The only drawback is that, having lived here for nearly two years, my spoken French has advanced beyond the level of their regularly-scheduled classes. However, I've asked to be put on a waiting list and be notified if a couple of other more advanced students come along.
Laura MORLAND
Journalist, USA |
