How To Choose The Right French Class For You ?

You Want to Learn French, …. But Don’t Know Where To Start ?

You’ve decided to learn French, bravo!

Maybe you’ve always dreamed of ordering a croissant in perfect French, or you want to move abroad to a Francophone country, connect with your French partner and their family, or simply feel more confident when someone speaks to you in French.
But when you search “Best French Classes near me” or “Online French lessons”, the options feel endless. So how do you actually choose the right French class for you?

Here’s a simple guide to help you make that decision, based on my own experience as a French student and teacher after accompanying hundreds of students over the past 12 years.

Step 1 : Start With Your WHY

Before signing up, take a moment to define your goals.

• Do you want to speak confidently in French while traveling or socialising?
• Do you need French for work or official exams?
• Do you just want to enjoy the culture and conversations?
• Do you want to connect with your French partner’s family?

Your why determines the how.

If your goal is to speak naturally, choose a class that focuses on real-life communication, not just grammar.

If you’re aiming for a certification or professional use, look for structures, progressive lessons.

At Say Oui To Français, every new student starts with a Free Discovery Call to discuss goals, level and preferred learning style before joining a class.

Choose A Class That Matches How You Learn

If you’re creative or neurodivergent (ADHD, dyslexia, autism, …), look for classes that offer interactive and flexible teaching methods, and not one rigid textbook approach.

At Say Oui To Français, I use games, stories, comic books and cultural activities so you FEEL and LIVE the language, not just memorise it.

You can download my “Free E-Book to Determine Your Learning Style” here.

Step 3 : Decide On The Learning Format That Fits You Best

Your lifestyle, personality and learning style play a huge role in your learning and progress :

• Group Classes : great for motivation, social connection, and practicing with other learners.
• Private Lessons : perfect for personalised learning, flexible scheduling and faster progress.
• Learn French with Comic Book Workshops : excellent for visual learners, neurodivergent learners and for those who love stories and want to progress faster and gain confidence in speaking
• Self-paced online courses : ideal for independent learners with strong discipline.

Many students mix two or more formats. For example, my students join my Learn French with Comics Workshops for creativity, culture and meaningful discussions and debates, my small group classes in Edinburgh for consistency, community and fun conversations and my private lessons for fluency, personalised guidance and steady progress.

Step 4 : Be Honest About Your Schedule

Consistency beats intensity. It's better to study French 1 to 2 hours a week regularly than 10 hours but only once a month.

Ask yourself :

• How much time can I realistically give?
• Do I prefer short, frequent lessons or longer immersive ones?
• Would I rather learn online or in-person in Edinburgh?

Pick what fits your current real life, not an ideal version of it.

Step 5 : Find A Teacher Who Makes You Speak In French

You don’t learn French by staying silent! The right French class should encourage you to talk A LOT!

If your teacher is speaking 90% of the time, that’s a problem. You should be speaking at least 60% of the class. Because that’s how you’ll build confidence : by making mistakes, laughing about them and trying again. Good French classes create space for natural conversations, feedback and expression, not for perfection.

Step 6 : Trust The Vibe

Learning French is emotional.

You need a space where you feel relaxed, supported, and inspired. Take a trial class, join a workshop or chat with the teacher.

Ask yourself :

• Do you feel encouraged to speak and to make mistakes?
• Do I have fun while learning?
• Do I feel seen and understood?

The right French class will make you feel safe to make mistakes and excited to learn.

Final Thoughts

There’s no single “best” French class, only the one that’s best suited and adapted to YOU. Choose a class that matches :

• your goals
• your learning style
• your schedule
• and your energy

When you find that balance, learning French stops feeling like a chore and starts feeling like an adventure!

If you’re ready to start learning French online or in-person in Edinburgh, book a Free Discovery Call at Say Oui To Français.

Together, we’ll help you find the perfect class to help you grow your confidence and truly say OUI to French!

Ready to Join us?

Check out our different formats of classes and choose the one that resembles you the most

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