Parlez-vous français? As of 2023, French is the sixth most spoken language in the world, with speakers all over the globe looking to learn the language of love.

Meanwhile in Canberra, a melting pot of diplomats, expats, and travelling families, we have our own reasons for picking up the language.

CW caught up with Nabila, founder of the acclaimed Canberra French Language Institute, who shared the top three reasons why Canberrans are learning French.

1. “It’s an open world!” says Nabila. “Travel is back and learning French doesn’t just give you the opportunity to stay in France.” Did you know that there are 29 French-speaking countries all over the world? Learning French can take you to Belgium, Luxembourg, and Monaco, but also all over Africa – the continent with the most French-speaking countries – the Pacific and the Caribbean. 
2. A boost in international career opportunities. “We have learnt that learning French as a second language opens up career opportunities for Canberrans – including international work postings in francophone countries.”
3. Neuroplasticity (expanding your brain). “If you want to motivate your brain, learning a second language is the way to do it,” says Nabila. “But there is also no better way to broaden your horizons and learn about another culture than to study their language.”

It’s never too late to learn French

Other than being a classic bucket list item, becoming fluent in another language has proven to halt the symptoms of Alzheimer’s for up to five years.

Cracking into your studies later in life is no problem; at the Canberra French Language Institute, students range in age from two to 70+, with a seven-strong team of qualified teachers to accommodate for all ages and learning styles.

“We have teachers who specialise in teaching two to three-year-olds, and teachers who are experienced educating our more senior learners,” says Nabila.

“Learning French is a great way to keep the mind active, and often our seniors are our most motivated participants.”

She shared some insight into the Institute’s impressive 100 per cent satisfaction rate.

“The difference between learning French from any native speaker and a qualified teacher, is that a teacher can provide different ways of teaching and tailoring the lesson to the student.”

It’s more than what a textbook (or an app) can offer.

If you’re a public servant who needs to learn French to apply for your dream posting, or a savvy traveller looking to achieve conversational fluency before an extended trip, you require a timeline – and results.

That’s where a professional like Nabila comes in.

“When English speakers come to us to learn French, we know they are unlikely to be practising French anywhere else. So, we will sit down with them and formulate a plan.

“Are you learning French for fun or is there a specific goal? Is your target timeline one year or two?”

You may be able to jump straight into a group class, require private tuition, or a mixture of both – all of which Nabila’s school provides.

“Give us the timeline, and we’ll get you to your goal,” she smiles.

Growth prompts move to Deakin

The Institute first began as Saturday classes in Nabila’s backyard, before moving to rooms in Kingston. Having grown thanks to an overwhelmingly positive response from the community which carried it through the pandemic, they are now relocating to a light-filled office space in Deakin.

Nabila built the Institute to provide a student-focused, 100 per cent tailored learning experience that yields results – suitable for the fast-paced lives of the national capital’s residents.

“Many of our students are adults, with their own careers, and their own lives. They are able to select what they need to learn from the language.

“We maintain continuous contact with the student until they reach their goal level.”

Don’t wait until next term to learn. Beginners can start at any time with one-on-one sessions with Nabila.

The Canberra French Language Institute offers morning classes from 10am to 12pm, evening classes from 6pm to 8pm, and private tuition to fit any schedule.

Achieve results within your timeline. Visit Nabila and her team today at 1/17 Napier Close, Deakin or call 0417 182 492.