Reviews
Below is a list of reviews written on my French classes and method, audiobooks and work in general, as well as related articles published in the press. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Material
Reviews On "Une Semaine à Paris, a traveler's guide with a novel twist" audiobook
I have been writing, editing and publishing learning materials for the corporate market for 25 years and I find Camille's, Une Semaine à Paris to be one of the most effective learning packages that I've seen on any subject for the adult learner.
Michael Brassard, President, Lean Materials, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Une Semaine à Paris - A traveler's guide with a novel twist is an upbeat and endlessly useful tool for beginning/intermediate French students as well as visitors to Paris.
5 out of 5 stars.
Laura K lawless, developer/guide of French.About.com
I can warmly recommend "Une semaine à Paris" to students and teachers alike.
Dr Jonathan Walker, Cambridge UK.
"I highly recommend this book. The CDs are outstanding!"
Mary Klatt
"This is a guide any traveler to Paris needs to have in their library."
Natasha Yakovle
"Even after living in Paris as a student, and visiting it several times as an adult, I have found that I consult the book when I plan my visits! Every chapter makes you feel as if you were there. Ahhh, Paris!"
Melissa Bennett
"Thanks for such a wonderful resource and great suggestions"
Carol Nelson
"just the material I've been looking for"
Ray Sullivan
On "Easy French Poetry reading and analysis"
"Camille's analyses are among the most unique and brilliantly instructive teaching methods I have come across"
Mariève Rugo, BA Harvard University, MA and Adjunct, Brown University, USA
"Your voice gives meaning to the poems"
Maria from Greece .
"Votre explication de la fable est vraiment exactement ce dont on a besoin pour l'examen de la littérature AP."
Connie Carrington, Chair, Foreign Language Department, Fairfield College Preparatory School, CT
"A talented educator who knows how to engage her students in an authentic language learning experience using technology"
Anne Serrel-Jones, curriculum expert for Newton Public Schools, USA
"An incomparable resource that strengthens my graduate-level students own speaking ability"
Lenette Marcello, M.A. Middlebury College French School, USA
"Camille ouvre à chacun de nouveaux horizons de culture et de bon goût"
Rodica Marcu - Utrecht Alliance Française, Netherlands
"Camille analyses are tremendously useful for me and my students."
Robert J. Raymond, Director Nanette Workman French House, Mississippi State University, USA
Annick from Germany
"Your method makes learning French much more enjoyable than other methods"
Jackie from Canada
"The content is interesting and intriguing, keeping the listener engaged on several levels. Superb."
Nycfille, on iTunes
On French Today's masterclasses and guides:
"Your material is the only one that covers the middle ground"
Brian from the internet
"Back from Niger. I was the only American who could speak to the staff so they could translate interviews into the native languages. (hausa, djerma)."
Janet A. Dewan MS, PhDc, CRNA
"I am a student in second year French at college. Your lessons are so useful to review for my upcoming exams."
George Browblee, Kingscollege, New Zealand
"Thank you once again for all the marvellous things you've created to keep my
French dream alive!"
Dr B K Green, South Africa
"I want to thank you for all your effort in order to give us french lessons. I appreciate it so much."
Prof. Roger Iziga Goicochea, MSC, University of Lima-Peru
"You "speak" slowly enough to understand"
Samantha Springle
Press
My work and unique method have been featured in newspapers and magazine articles:
Interview in "The Boston Globe" - 08/12/2007
by Cindy Cantrell - NorthWest insert, People section.
Camille "is most interested in building the confidence of adults who may read French but are afraid to speak it".
Interview in "Le Journal Français" - 01/2007
by Sohini Gogel - full page section Entreprendre.
"Camille adore ses cours et aime rire, parler avec ses élèves et établir une relation de confiance et de confidence avec eux lors des conversations."
Interview "Teacher of the week" by Fluent French Audio
Q: So an adult comes to you who knows nothing: how much chance does he or she have of learning French?
A: Adults can and do learn - when you don't treat them like children! They need to understand so they can memorize. They are self-motivated, so you don't need to fight to get their attention, but they also are very self-conscious. I believe the first thing to do is to build up their confidence, to set them up for success.
(Read the full interview by clicking here.)
Review in the magazine "This City Paris" - May/June 2005
On "Une Semaine à Paris, a traveler's guide with a novel twist".
"Believable dialogues and quite a bit of travel information"
"Useful information for anyone traveling to France. If you are learning French, or your vocabulary has simply gotten rusty, this is a great book for you. "
Interview in "The Medford Transcript" - 12/11/2007
by Sharon Tosto Esker -
"Tucked away in the comforts of a warm house in West Medford, you can escape to Paris with the help of a welcoming French teacher."
Classes and method
"I enjoy the format of phone conversation"
"Camille calls me at our scheduled time, and we chat about a variety of topics - movies, weekend activities, pets, French customs, and when needed, we practice grammar exercises. I have learned a great deal and am becoming more comfortable with carrying on a real conversation. I also enjoy the format of a phone conversation, as I must rely exclusively on my knowledge of the language rather than watching for the speaker's gestures or facial expressions for context clues."
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"Variety and flexibility make this an ideal learning experience!"
"Warning: addictive!"
"This course was ideal for flexibility in learning another Romance language without going over the basics of grammar that are so similar to Spanish. This flexibility allowed me to progress in less than a year to the Intermediate level, and Camille invites you to speak in French about subjects that interest you, so it is a fun and exciting experience too! Camille as a native speaker gives an incredibly useful perspective on French culture and attitudes as well as the likely reactions to different styles of speaking. Having been to Paris since the lessons, I know how useful her teaching is! Warning: addictive!" This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Interview "Teacher of the week" by Fluent French Audio
Q: So an adult comes to you who knows nothing: how much chance does he or she have of learning French?
A: Adults can and do learn - when you don't treat them like children! They need to understand so they can memorize. They are self-motivated, so you don't need to fight to get their attention, but they also are very self-conscious. I believe the first thing to do is to build up their confidence, to set them up for success.
(Read the full interview by clicking here.)
"Total beginner to an intermediate level in 3 months"
"Camille is one of the best teachers I have ever had."
Camille has a unique approach to teaching French: a killer combination of everyday conversation (the arts, travel, current affairs, etc) with emphasis on a strong grammatical foundation. She was able to accommodate my busy schedule and tailor the course to my needs. Camille is one of the best teachers I have ever had. All in all, I have had a lot of fun in learning French and have progressed from a total beginner to an intermediate level in 3 months. I highly recommend her, if you are looking to learn French, she is a very dedicated and extremely savvy teacher."
"A naturally gifted teacher"
"I have been taking lessons with Camille for several years. In addition to being a naturally gifted teacher, she provides a comfortable, safe teaching environment. The lessons are a great way to study the language via discussions of daily life events."
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"Outstanding instruction for the advanced student"
"I travel over one hour each way to my weekly lesson without a second thought..."
"This is private instruction at its absolute best. Camille has a flair for finding a multitude of language activities to motivate, clarify, and improve all areas for the advanced student. I travel over one hour each way to my weekly lesson without a second thought because this kind of personalized instruction is very difficult to find, particularly at this level."
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"I have taken lots of classes over the years, tried studying on my own, but it wasn't until I discovered Camille that I really noticed a huge improvement."
"I have taken lots of classes over the years, tried studying on my own, but it wasn't until I discovered Camille that I really noticed a huge improvement in both my French comprehension and speaking ability. Camille is an efficent, capable teacher who has an uncanny ability to recognize individual learning style. She's flexible, patient, and creative. I always look forward to my meetings with her."
Natasha Yakovlev
"...something I would not get in a classroom environment."
"I especially appreciate the one-on-one aspect of the lessons because I have never studied a foreign language before. Camille's thorough and individualized approach means that we do not move on to a new topic until I am ready - something I would not get in a classroom environment."
Kate Syms
"She 'demystifies' the French language"
"I started taking lessons with Camille in preparation to my moving to France in order to attend INSEAD MBA program. Camille is very personable, and my lessons with her have been enjoyable and highly informative. As a native French speaker, Camille is able to provide her students with lots of useful and interesting insights into the French language and culture, and I found her explanations to be down-to-earth and practical. I went from total beginner to conversational in the present tense in 2 months, with 3 hours of weekly lessons, and serious homework. I highly recommend Camille if you need a French tutor. She "demystifies" the French language, facilitates her students' progress in any way she can, and pays excellent attention to one's conversational skills, grammar and pronunciation."
Tanya Cherneva
"I always look forward to my weekly lessons - I wish I had the time for more!"
"Camille is a great teacher! I have been a student for about 10 months -- both as part of a group, and for individual lessons. Camille is ideal for the motivated learner, and she is always flexible about lesson content. I might be doing grammar one day, but if I need a break, I read novels, and discuss them (in French, of course!). My vocabulary has improved dramatically, and I am more confident in expressing myself in spoken French. I always look forward to my weekly lessons -- I wish I had the time for more!"
Lisa McShine
"I am astonished at the progress that I have made"
"…Camille's extraordinary teaching skills and enthusiasm."
"I recommend Camille to anyone who is serious about learning French. Camille's superb teaching technique skillfully combines conversational and reading exercises with a thorough review of French grammar. I have been taking private lessons with Camille for the past eight months, and have been participating in a weekly group lesson as well. I am astonished at the progress that I have made over this period. I definitely owe this to Camille's extraordinary teaching skills and enthusiasm."
Reza Mollaaghababa
"I have found that you can learn as quickly or as slowly as you like, and have a wonderful time in the process!"
"I have been studying French with Camille for 2 years, first in private class and now in a group lesson, and have found both to be equally rewarding. Camille's approach is very personal and supportive, friendly and casual. She adapts her teaching style to your comfort level and learning comprehension. She encourages you to talk about your interests, prepares you well for the intricacies of travel in France, and rewards you with tales of life in Paris! I have found that you can learn as quickly or as slowly as you like, and have a wonderful time in the process!"
Melissa Bennett
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