Reviews

« You’ll learn more than just how to speak French »

Laurie Bauer

San Francisco, California, United States
It’s been my lifelong dream to speak fluent French, and Veronique is the best teacher I’ve had since I started studying French at age 12. Her lessons, which are a combination of conversation, grammar, writing and reading assignments, have pushed me to a new level.  I recently spent 6 weeks in Switzerland and France this past summer, and everyone I encountered complimented my ability to speak and understand French.  I owe this to the skillful way that Veronique has taught me over the past four years.
She sends weekly thought-provoking French articles written with a fresh perspective on real-world events.  During our conversations, we discuss cultural differences, and she asks my opinion and position on topics that promote critical thinking.  I have learned a great deal from these discussions, and feel that I’m more conversant on the topics in both French and English. Veronique’s teaching style inspires confidence. During our conversations, she listens carefully and sends any corrections via Skype chat, which doesn’t interrupt the flow of the discussion.  I can read the corrections later, or we discuss them in real time if I have any questions.
Veronique also understands adult learning styles.  I’m in the process of getting my PhD, so there are times where I can’t focus as much on my French, and she is always understanding.  For those lessons, we talk about my past week and current events so I can keep up with my French and not lose the progress I’ve gained.  There is never a shortage of interesting things to talk about with Veronique.
I feel so fortunate to have one hour per week of pure pleasure to talk to Veronique in French about the most inspiring topics.  I am extremely lucky to have her as my teacher. 
I consider myself an average acquirer of languages (Spanish and French).  French is more difficult than Spanish because of the large number of exceptions especially when it comes to the sounds of the letters.  I have many friends who studied French in middle school, high school and college and have since given up on studying French because it was so difficult to get to the level where they felt they could communicate confidently with others in French. 
What I love about studying with Véronique is that her lessons allow me to see continual progress and this keeps me motivated to keep going.  For example, I was having difficulty using the various grammatical tenses and she provided very detailed exercises, verbal and written explanations on how these tenses worked which clarified and gave me confidence to use these different tenses.  
Most importantly, studying with Véronique has given me so much motivation to do more.  I was not thinking of taking the DELF B2 (high intermediate French exam) when one day she brought the idea that I should take it.  I did not feel comfortable as this would require that I study comprehension and writing which were my weaknesses.  But now I’m so happy that I am studying for the B2 as this has dramatically increased my progress in and my enjoyment of French.  I know I would not be currently studying French had I had any other teacher.

Michael Wong

North Carolina, United States

Saul

Sinaloa, México

For me, studying French was something difficult at the beginning, since there are sounds that don’t exist in Spanish. Fortunately, Véro was my first French teacher, she was always very patient with me, and her classes were pleasant and entertaining.

During her courses, I didn’t only learn aspects in relation with the grammar, but I also discovered cultural aspects of France. Because of that, my first encounter with the French language was totally positive, and all thanks to Véro.

What I really appreciate in practicing French with Vero, is how patient she is motivating me, no matter how weak my French is.
I had lessons with her to prepare for the DALF C1, it was great, I passed the exam and I know that she worked hard with me to improve my speaking and writing as well. She is organized, professional, lovely and understanding person.
I’d highly recommend her for anyone who looks for a French teacher online.

Bachayer A.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

« I feel very lucky to have Veronique in my life as my teacher and highly recommend her! »

Gretchen B.

Saint-Paul, Minnesota, United States

Laurie Bauer’s review expresses beautifully what I have experienced and felt as a student of Veronique’s.

She is an extraordinary teacher and as importantly she is a kind, patient and interesting person who brings her best self to each class.

I studied French in high school and college and always loved it, but it wasn’t until almost 30 years later that I committed to really learning it with the goal of living in France.

Veronique was my teacher for group lessons initially and then for private lessons via Skype. Before Veronique I had other teachers as an adult learner and after my first class with Veronique I immediately saw and felt a difference.

Veronique listens carefully and knows when to give criticism, praise and encouragement. She understands how an adult student’s mindset works and how to help each student learn and improve.

She helped me make a major breakthrough early in our time together.

One day she asked me to stay behind from one of our group classes and remarked (in French, bien sûr!) that she had noticed that I wasn’t talking very much in class. She encouraged me to not hold back and to not worry about making mistakes. I realized that this was the first lesson that I needed to absorb – to let go of my ego and stop trying to be perfect.

She has taught me many things in every area of the French language from grammar to vocabulary including the correct pronunciation. We read modern and classic novels so that I learn different contexts for vocabulary and each week we discuss every day activities and cultural events so I am acquiring practical language skills. My progress was evident when I recently spent a week at a school in Lyon and was able to understand and respond to what was being said throughout the all French sessions.

I knew Veronique was an amazing teacher from my in-person group lessons, but was a little hesitant about using Skype for private lessons. We will soon be at our two year anniversary of weekly private lessons on Skype and I can attest that there has been no difference between studying with Veronique in-person and on-line. Skype is reliable and I like being able to save the notes from our classes to review in between classes. This can be done easily by copying and pasting the conversation into a document.

“Vero is one of the best teacher’s I’ve had! She’s very patient and encouraging. I highly recommend her!”

Anna D.

San Francisco, United States

Sherry M.

San Francisco, Californie, United States

” I have had a handful of French teachers throughout the years and even though they were all good, Vero has been by far the BEST.

I highly recommend Vero to anyone interested in learning French or improving their French. She is great for both conversation and grammar. In addition to being super knowledgeable, and patient, she has the most beautiful soul, all and all making you feel excited for your weekly classes. “