How to Learn French Before (or After) You Move: Language Tips for Expats

Jun 29

Moving to France or a French-speaking country? Discover practical, real-world strategies to learn French before or after your move. Ideal for expats at every stage.

Introduction: Language is the Key to Truly Living Abroad

So you’ve made the exciting decision to move to France—or perhaps to another French-speaking country. Whether it’s Paris, Lyon, Montreal, or even Geneva, the anticipation of a new life abroad is thrilling. But there’s one important question you might still be asking: Should I learn French before I go—or can I just pick it up once I’m there?

The answer? Do both.

Learning French isn’t just about ordering croissants or navigating public transit. It’s about integrating, connecting, and understanding your new community. It helps you rent an apartment, enroll your kids in school, chat with your neighbors, and navigate healthcare or immigration systems with less stress. And while total immersion can be a powerful teacher, going abroad without any language preparation can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming.

The good news? Whether you’re still packing your bags or already settling into your new life, it’s never too late—or too early—to start learning French.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical, real-life strategies for learning French as an expat, both before and after your move. From smart tools and immersive experiences to cultural tips and common pitfalls, we’ll help you find your footing linguistically, wherever you are in the process.

1. Why Start Learning French Before You Move

Get a Head Start on Integration

Starting your French studies before your move gives you a foundation. You don’t need to be fluent, but knowing how to greet people, ask basic questions, and express needs will instantly make your transition smoother.

Reduce Culture Shock

Understanding the language even a little helps decode the culture. You’ll be able to recognize signs, menus, and social cues—and avoid awkward or frustrating encounters.

Boost Confidence

Confidence breeds connection. When you’re not terrified of every interaction, you’re more likely to engage with locals and feel at home.

2. What to Focus on Before You Move

Prioritize Communication, Not Perfection

Focus on speaking and understanding over grammar rules. You want functional language, not textbook precision.

Build Listening Comprehension

French can sound fast and fluid. Train your ear with:

Podcasts: Coffee Break French, FrenchPod101, News in Slow French
YouTube channels: Français Authentique, Comme une Française
French music and movies with subtitles

Use Flashcards and Apps

Apps like Duolingo, Quizlet, and Memrise are great for daily vocabulary practice. Just don’t rely on them alone.

3. Learning French After You Move: The Real Immersion Begins

Talk—Even If You’re Nervous

Use French in real situations:

Greet neighbors and shopkeepers
Ask questions in stores
Join local meetups or expat groups

Even simple exchanges help build fluency and confidence.

Take a Local Language Class

Look for:

Government-subsidized language programs
Adult education courses (GRETA in France, for example)
Private language schools or tutors

You’ll get structured learning and meet other expats or learners.

Use Tech in Smart Ways

Change your phone and social media to French
Use French subtitles for Netflix shows
Download bilingual dictionaries like WordReference

Keep a Language Journal

Write short entries about your day in French. It improves vocabulary and reinforces sentence structure.

4. Cultural Fluency: Learning More Than Words

Observe Body Language and Etiquette

Say bonjour and au revoir in every shop
Use vous until invited to say tu
Don’t interrupt or over-explain—concise speech is respected

Learn Local Expressions

Language is full of idioms and slang that don’t show up in textbooks. Try:

Ça marche (that works)
C’est pas grave (no big deal)
Bof (meh)

Accept and Embrace Mistakes

You will make them. Everyone does. Laugh, learn, and keep going.

5. Learning With Kids or a Family

Make It a Household Activity

Use labels on household items
Watch cartoons in French with subtitles
Learn songs and games together

Enroll Kids in Local Schools

They’ll pick up the language fast—and you’ll get connected to local parents and routines.

6. Maintaining Motivation and Progress

Track Progress

Use apps or journals to log:

New words learned
Conversations attempted
Media consumed

Set Micro-Goals

Examples:

Order a full meal in French
Make a phone call to a local service
Watch a French film without subtitles

Celebrate Milestones

Every breakthrough matters. Recognize your progress and reward yourself.

7. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Over-relying on English

Speaking only English with locals or fellow expats can stall your progress.

Avoiding Conversation Until You’re “Ready”

Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. You learn by speaking.

Thinking You Can Learn Just by Living There

Immersion helps, but only if it’s intentional. Passive exposure isn’t enough.

FAQs: Learning French as an Expat

Q: Is it better to start learning French before or after I move?
A: Both! Start early to ease the transition, then deepen your skills once immersed.

Q: Can I survive in France without speaking French?
A: In big cities, maybe—but life will be harder. In smaller towns or for anything official, French is essential.

Q: How long does it take to become conversational?
A: With consistent effort, many learners reach conversational level (B1) in 6–12 months.

Q: Are apps like Duolingo enough?
A: They’re great for support—but real progress comes from conversation and structured lessons.

Q: What’s the hardest part of learning French?
A: Listening comprehension and speaking confidence. But both improve with practice.

Learn French with Us at Polyglottist Language Academy

Whether you're preparing for a move to France or already adjusting to life abroad, Polyglottist Language Academy offers classes that make your journey smoother.

Our French courses—available in-person in Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, and online—combine real-life conversation, cultural tips, and friendly, small-group learning. Perfect for expats, travelers, and professionals.

More Helpful Resources for French Learners:

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