❝ My Language Learning Journey - Marie in Marseille ❞
Hello everyone,
I’m very excited to introduce our new article series, My Language Learning Journey!
In this series of interviews, different Erasmus+ students or European Solidarity Corps volunteers share their mobility and French learning experiences with us.
Today, I’m delighted to speak with Marie, who volunteered in Marseille this year. I sincerely hope you’ll enjoy this interview!
Without further ado, let’s dive into it.
Hello Marie, can you introduce yourself, please?
My name is Mariia—Marie in French—I’m Ukrainian, and I’m 21 years old.
Between January and June 2024, I did a 6-month volunteer program in Marseille. It wasn’t my first experience abroad. Before that, I had only visited Poland on vacation with friends.
The following summer, I participated in other volunteer programs, this time as part of a team, in Italy and Finland.
After those experiences, I decided to move to Paris for my studies. I’m pursuing a Master’s in European Affairs, a field I’m passionate about. Thanks to this, I can contribute to fostering strong relations between Ukraine and France.
What did you do during your volunteer program?
I volunteered at a high school, working with a French teacher and another volunteer from Spain. Our job was to teach French to migrants.
Why did you choose Marseille?
I chose Marseille because it was the first project I found! Also, I don’t like winter. Marseille is in the south, so it’s warm there.
How did you come across this destination?
I found it through online messaging groups. In Ukraine, we have many spaces where youth volunteer opportunities are shared. I came across this offer and then had an interview with a coordinator and another volunteer already on site.
How did you adapt to the language?
My language adaptation went smoothly because I already had a B1 level when I arrived, so overall, it was easy. Sometimes, I struggled to express myself or understand the southern accent, which can be quite pronounced in Marseille.
Now, I feel much more comfortable speaking French. I’m studying for a Master’s degree in France, and it’s going well—I understand everything.
Another volunteer came without any knowledge of French and made incredible progress in just four months.
How come you already had a good level of French before your volunteering experience?
Although I had never lived outside Ukraine, I had a good level of French because I worked in a Franco-Ukrainian daycare as a French teacher for young children.
Of course, since the kids didn’t speak French, it was mostly me talking, and they didn’t always understand, haha!
What languages did you use while volunteering?
During my volunteering experience, I mainly used French, but also some English and Spanish to communicate with other volunteers. I also met Ukrainian friends there, so I occasionally spoke Ukrainian too.
What advice would you give to someone just starting to learn French?
My main advice would be to surround yourself with as much French as possible: listen to music, watch movies, read articles, listen to podcasts, or even tune in to French radio.
And most importantly, speak! Go out, try to meet friends, and practice as much as you can.
Did the OLS courses help you?
The OLS courses helped me a lot at the beginning—they were very useful. However, after a while, they became too easy for me, so I stopped using them. I especially enjoyed participating in the conversation sessions and still read your blog.
I’d recommend the OLS platform to students with a beginner level in French. There are plenty of useful expressions, and it’s a great way to start using simple daily phrases.
How was your overall experience?
Overall, my experience was excellent!
The high school was in a relatively poor and disadvantaged neighborhood, but I had an apartment and took the bus to get around, so I felt pretty safe.
The teachers at the school were very kind, which made the experience even better. We went on many outings, especially to the calanques, which were absolutely stunning.
Even though I’m rather introverted, I made friends and had the chance to hang out during the day. I also visited other cities around Marseille.
What did you enjoy the most?
What I loved most were the people I worked with. I stayed friends with some teachers and students, and if I ever return to Marseille, I know I’ll be able to see them again.
What did you enjoy the least?
What I liked the least was when my Spanish colleague left. I really missed having a partner to work with.
What surprised you the most?
What surprised me the most was the educational system, which is quite different from Ukraine’s. It’s much more flexible. For instance, there wasn’t a universal textbook for the students—we used different books and the internet as resources.
This allowed us to focus on what the students really needed, like preparing for the DELF exam or organizing outings to help them adapt to the city. This more adaptable approach truly surprised me.
What places would you recommend visiting in or around Marseille?
I’d definitely recommend the calanques, the Old Port, the beaches, and the park near the Prado roundabout. The Frioul Islands are also a must-see, perfect for a summer boat trip. I only had the chance to go twice, and I wish I could have gone more often.
I was lucky enough to be in Marseille during the Olympic flame relay! It was very crowded, but it was still a wonderful moment.
What advice would you give to someone preparing to volunteer abroad?
I’d tell them to double-check the weather forecast, haha! I arrived in Marseille in January, thinking it would be cold, but it was quite warm.
And most importantly, I’d say: don’t be afraid to go out every day, even if you’re introverted or low on energy. Go out to meet people and visit other cities, or you might regret it later.
What has volunteering brought to your life?
Volunteering has truly changed my life. In Ukraine, I didn’t know what I wanted to do after my studies. But by going to France and other countries, I met many people and discovered what I wanted to do. Now, I live in Paris. Volunteering is truly life-changing.
I plan to continue volunteering next year! I’d like to go to a country I haven’t been to yet, like Germany or Sweden.
What are the main challenges of mobility experiences?
The main challenges are adapting to living alone, especially for those who have always lived with their parents.
The language barrier can also be tough since speaking can be difficult, even if you’re good at writing. And, of course, there’s the adjustment to a different culture.
In getting to know the French, I found them to be very warm. They helped me a lot with my administrative tasks to continue my studies and gave me valuable advice. If you have a problem, they’ll be there to help.
Would you like to add anything?
I’m an ambassador for the EuroPeers network, a group of former volunteers who share their experiences and encourage others to go abroad. I highly recommend trying it, even for just two weeks. It’s amazing!
I joined this network to show that a volunteer’s journey doesn’t end after their project. I share my experience to promote opportunities to young people who don’t yet know about volunteering.
Thank you so much, Marie, for sharing your story—I’m sure it will help many people!
And there you have it! I hope you enjoyed reading Marie’s testimony.
If you’d also like to share your mobility experience with the OLS Community, don’t hesitate to contact me. You can leave a comment below this article or send me a private message.
Have a great day, and thank you again to Marie for this inspiring story!
Lilas, OLS Community Manager — French