Learn French with a Language Partner: A Fun and Effective Method
Learning a language, especially on your own, can sometimes feel challenging... Why not make the experience more enjoyable and productive by choosing a learning partner?
Starting your French learning journey with a "buddy" who is also learning French is a motivating and effective way to progress together.
In this article, I'll share the benefits of learning French with a partner and give you my top tips to make this collaboration both pleasant and efficient!
1. Help Each Other Practice Without Pressure
With a learning buddy, you get the chance to practice in an informal setting, free from the pressure you might feel when speaking with an expert or teacher.
You can chat in French, even if your conversations are sprinkled with mistakes or awkward moments. You can also correct each other, share memory tips, or exchange resources like articles, podcasts, or videos in French.
The key is to feel free to try and help each other!
2. Shared Motivation and Regular Exchanges
One of the biggest advantages of having a "learning buddy" is the constant motivation they provide. Scheduling regular meetings to practice French helps you stay committed and maintain a routine.
Knowing your learning partner is waiting for your message or call pushes you to invest more time and overcome moments of doubt. Together, you can celebrate every small victory, making the learning process more inspiring.
3. Sharing Strategies and Resources
Learning a language is also about finding the right methods and resources that make understanding and memorization easier.
With a learning buddy, you can share what works best for you: apps, exercises, videos, etc. Sometimes, your buddy will discover a technique that works for you too, and vice versa.
Together, you can practice pronunciation exercises, challenge each other to expand your vocabulary, or even play online games to make practicing French more fun.
4. Learning Through Fun
With a buddy who is at the same level as you, learning becomes less formal and more enjoyable. You can set simple goals, like successfully ordering a meal in French or telling an anecdote.
These kinds of challenges are motivating and allow both of you to learn in a relaxed atmosphere. You’ll also laugh at your mistakes and stay positive, reminding each other that every error is an opportunity to improve.
5. How to Find a Learning Buddy?
Good news! We have a dedicated forum discussion to help you find a learning partner: ind your OLS Language Learning Buddy.
This discussion is a space for language learners to connect with a partner to practice, exchange, and progress together. In this forum, there are two ways to find a language partner :
The simplest method is to select one of the potential partners from the existing comments in the forum. Scroll through the comment section to see if one of the learners matches your expectations in terms of the language they’re learning and their level. If you’re interested in a profile, leave a comment under their message expressing your interest and send them a private message on EU Academy to discuss details. To send a message, click on the speech bubble icon at the top right of the page, search for their name, and write to them ;)
If no one matches your criteria, you can leave a comment so a potential partner can find you. Write a comment including your name, the language you want to learn, and the languages you’re proficient in.
Important Note: Do not share personal contact information in the public forum. Use private messages to communicate securely.
Ready to Get Started?
To wrap things up, here are some tips to ensure great progress with your learning buddy:
- Set shared goals: For example, learn a new vocabulary field every week or successfully hold a five-minute conversation in French.
- Encourage each other: Celebrate every bit of progress together, no matter how small. Encouragement keeps motivation high!
- Plan varied sessions: Besides chatting, why not watch a video together, read an article, or take a quiz in French? These activities make learning more engaging.
- Be patient and kind: Kindness is essential for smooth learning. Accept your mistakes and those of your buddy—errors are a natural part of the learning process.
Learning French with a buddy gives you the opportunity to grow together, stay motivated, and make progress as a team. This collaboration makes learning less intimidating, more fun, and creates memories and friendships along the way.
So don’t wait—find your buddy on the Find your OLS Language Learning Buddy page and dive into the adventure!
Lilas, OLS Community Manager — French