My name is Amos. I live in Shanghai, where I work as a Communications Director in fashion. I frequently travel to Paris and have a French partner, so French has always been a part of my life in some way.
French Immersion came to me as an unexpected gift. My boss had originally booked the program but couldn’t make it at the last minute, so she asked me to fly all the way from China to take her place.
I must admit, I never imagined the program would be so enriching, inspiring, and yet so relaxing at the same time.
I’ve always considered my French to be “passive.” Over the years, I’ve taken French courses in colleges across the U.S., London, and Paris, and thanks to my French partner and frequent trips to France, I can understand about probably 80% of daily conversations. But speaking? That’s another story. I’m someone who cannot accept my mistakes, so I’ve never trusted myself to speak French, until now.
Soon after arriving at Camille’s charming home, she immediately pinpointed my biggest hurdle: confidence. Through her warm and encouraging approach, she created a carefree environment where I felt comfortable speaking—not just with her, but also with her brilliant partner Jean Loup and their wonderfully diverse circle of friends. And let’s not forget Vinky, their adorable “panda-like” Bichon, who quickly became a dear companion.
Camille’s teaching style worked perfectly for me. She helped me rediscover those small yet crucial words and phrases that had been missing from my vocabulary, allowing me to communicate more smoothly. Gradually, I grew more confident, answering questions, asking my own, and even initiating conversations.
What truly impressed me was that Camille didn’t just focus on teaching me during my stay; she equipped me with a personalized self-study method to ensure I could keep improving my French with her French audiobooks even after returning to my life in Shanghai.
Beyond the language lessons, living with Camille was an absolute pleasure. Her cooking? Absolutely divine. Every meal was a masterpiece, simple yet bursting with flavor, made with the freshest ingredients and presented beautifully (yes, Instagram-worthy indeed!). As someone who loves food, I was in heaven. Now, thinking about going back to Shanghai, I’m sure I will find myself craving those dishes and even feeling inspired to cook healthier meals myself!
My private living space, complete with a bedroom, a study, a spacious bathroom and a toilet room, was cozy and comfortable, offering both privacy and homely warmth. The weather was perfect, and I especially loved our afternoon walks along the coast, quick dips in the sea, and the picnics. The guided excursions to nearby towns and local festivals were eye-opening, deepening my appreciation for the region’s rich history. Anne and Zoé, my guides, were incredibly knowledgeable about the culture and traditions. And of course, I had the best galette and crêpe of my life, unforgettable!
As I write this on the train back to Paris, I realize this experience was more than just a language immersion. It was a journey of personal growth, life reset, cultural discovery, and most importantly, the beginning of lasting friendships.