Meet another Lingoda French Teacher
We recently caught up with French teacher, Nancy, based in Canada. She talked to us about her love of languages, travel, and how her day as a Lingoda teacher is planned. We’ve now met with Alizee, based in France. She gives us her overview of life as a Lingoda teacher, French culture, and travelling Asia.
Alizee, please tell us a little about yourself!
My name is Alizee, I am 26 years old and I come from Brittany, the best region in France where everybody is enchanted by the food (mostly butter food =) ), the people, the Celtic history and the glorious and various landscapes. My hobbies include travelling (Europe, USA, South East Asia), literature (especially the French classics and post colonialism novels), cinema (I am a huge Hitchcock fan) and spending time with friends at the beach. I have a pretty chilled personality. I am optimistic, always up for something new, eager to discover new things such as food, activities, destinations. I also have some down sides, but you don’t want to hear about those!
You’ve travelled and worked in several countries, where have you lived and explored?
I have lived most of my life in France, but after I turned 18, I decided to start travelling the world, but at my pace, one country at a time, taking time to understand the culture, the people, getting to really know the country. I have lived in the UK, USA, Vietnam and the Philippines. I have travelled to many countries in Europe such as Ireland, Spain, Italy, and Croatia. I have also been to many Caribbean Islands but my favourite travel was my time in south East Asia. I was there for 2 years travelling and working around Cambodia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Singapore, Lao, Thailand and Malaysia. I have been so lucky to go to all those wonderful places and to learn so much about others and myself.
Alizee hiking in Indonesia
What does the average day look like for you as a Lingoda teacher?
My days never look alike because I make my own schedule and never get the same hours so my days are always different. I usually book some hours in the morning, and some others in the evening so I can get time for myself in the afternoon. I can easily find a balance between my personal and professional life. I prepare all my classes the day before so when I get to my class, I am always ready and I never feel any pressure.
What is it about learning and speaking other languages that you enjoy?
I’ve always loved learning new languages. I’ve studied English, Spanish, Italian and Chinese. Even when some languages are seemingly difficult, like Chinese, it is always a pleasure to get to know more. I like learning new languages because I can talk to more people (locals always enjoy when you can actually speak to them, even a few words in their language) but also because when you learn a language, you learn about the culture and the way of life. Whenever I am in a new country, I always ask locals for a few words and expressions, write them in a notebook and remember them for the future.
You teach with Lingoda, what is it that you like the most about the platform?
The thing I like the most about the Lingoda platform is the easiness and how clear everything is. Everything is easy to use, and very fast to understand. I have seen some other online platforms and most of them were very confusing.
Why do you think people should learn languages?
I think people should learn other languages because it is important to communicate with others in order to learn more about them. Learning a new language is also a good way to develop new professional opportunities. I also believe that learning a language is a great way to develop your cerebral abilities.
What do you like most about the French language?
What I like the most about the french language is the way it sounds, especially in the old french post war songs. It sounds like a beautiful and peaceful song! The French language has such variety! We use many idiomatic expressions that probably don’t make sense for learners!
Alizee relaxing in the Philippines
Why do you think people should visit, or even live, in France (or a French speaking country)?
France has so much to offer in terms of culture, places, people and food. France might be a small country but there is always something to do or to discover. Our country is so different from one town to the other. We have everything you could ask for: mountains, beaches, cliffs, fields, big developed cities, amazing restaurants, fancy (and less fancy) bars. Each region also has their own specialty/field/activities. For example, Lyon is known as the city of lights but also the gastronomic city, Nantes is the city of modernism and art culture, Strasbourg is well known for its Christmas market and its German influence. You will never be disappointed wherever you go.
If you had any tips or advice for a language learner, what would they be?
My tips for a language learner are :
– for beginners, do not try to understand every single word in a sentence, try to identify a few keywords.
– watching movies/TV shows in french WITH french subtitles.
– getting as many resources as possible (YouTube podcasts, le café du fle exercises…)
– reviewing the content of a class the day after the class, with a rested head.
What words of wisdom do you have for anyone who may be thinking about taking the leap into language learning or travelling?
I would say go for it without hesitation, you have nothing to lose and you won’t have any regrets.
