Learning French in Paris: The First “Bonjour”
Learning French is often the very first step for any expat who wants to feel at home in Paris. From ordering a coffee to attending a job interview, the language quickly becomes the bridge between isolation and integration.
Imagine stepping into a Parisian bakery on your first morning in France. You want a croissant, but your tongue freezes. The word is simple, yet saying it feels like crossing a bridge between two worlds. You whisper “bonjour” to the baker, and suddenly, her smile softens. In that small moment, you feel seen, not as an outsider, but as someone making an effort.
For many expats, that first “bonjour” is a milestone. It signals the beginning of integration, the first brick in a foundation of confidence. Language is not only about communication but also about recognition. When you dare to say a single word in French, you are already stepping into the culture and claiming your place in society.
As we often highlight on the Absolutely French blog, integration starts with language. In Back-to-School, Back-to-Work: How to Rebuild Your Social Circle After Summer, we explore how la rentrée is the perfect moment to reconnect and grow your network. The same principle applies to learning French: every “bonjour” is more than a greeting, it is the first step toward building confidence and unlocking professional opportunities.
Living Without the Language
Take Daniel, for example. She moved to Paris from Argentina with her husband’s job assignment. After two years supporting her family, improving her French, and adjusting to a new culture, she was ready to return to work. But in September, while locals rushed back to their offices, she felt left behind, unsure where to begin, how to present her career break, and where to connect with potential employers.
This sense of being “out of sync” with the fast-paced French job market is one of the biggest challenges expat partners face during the rentrée. It reflects a broader reality: the number of job ads for cadres in France dropped by 16% in October 2023 compared to the previous year. For expat partners, this contraction in visible opportunities amplifies the feeling of being disconnected from the market at a critical time.
But the professional world is not the only challenge. Daily life can be equally daunting. According to a survey by Internations, 61% of expats judge it difficult to live in France without speaking the local language. Something as simple as calling the doctor, registering a child at school, or chatting with neighbors can feel like climbing a mountain. This constant struggle erodes self-confidence and can make expat partners feel invisible.
The Turning Point: Deciding to Learn
For Daniel, the turning point came during la rentrée, when her company organized a networking event. Surrounded by French colleagues, she realized that language was more than grammar, it was belonging. While she could understand a little, she struggled to participate fully. That evening, she decided to change. She enrolled in a French class at Absolutely French, determined to take control of her integration.
This decision was the beginning of a transformation. At first, it was about basics: learning how to introduce herself, how to order food, how to manage administrative tasks. But gradually, she discovered that each word gave her new confidence. The more she practiced, the more doors opened.
Language learning, especially for expat partners, isn’t just about communication. It’s about empowerment. Speaking French opens doors to training programs, local certifications, and professional communities that are otherwise inaccessible. It also changes the way others see you, not as someone on the margins, but as someone fully participating in society.
Transformation: From Language to Confidence
Career opportunities expand dramatically when you master French. According to Pôle Emploi, candidates with French proficiency have a significantly higher chance of securing long-term contracts in France. For many employers, language skills are not a bonus but a prerequisite. Mastering French allows expats to apply for a broader range of roles, negotiate salaries, and take part in projects that require strong communication.
Self-esteem grows with every word. Confidence doesn’t arrive overnight. But each successful conversation, whether asking for directions or presenting at work, reinforces the feeling of competence. As one Absolutely French student shared: “When I finally led a meeting in French, I realized I wasn’t just surviving in Paris, I was thriving.”
Integration in daily life is another powerful outcome. Language breaks the invisible wall. Friendships with locals become natural, parent-teacher meetings less intimidating, and professional networking more fruitful. Expats who learn French report higher satisfaction in both their careers and personal lives. A survey by Internations found that only 37% of expats in France find it easy to make local friends, compared to 44% globally. The gap is not cultural alone, it is often linguistic.
Learning French closes that gap. It gives you the tools not only to understand but also to connect, to build relationships, and to feel at home.
Real-Life Inspiration
Take the story of Aisha, an expat partner from Morocco. Moving to Paris, she put her own career on hold to support her husband. At first, her days felt repetitive and lonely. She avoided conversations because she was afraid of making mistakes. But after enrolling in French cooking and conversation classes at Absolutely French, she not only improved her language skills but also regained her self-esteem. Six months later, she launched a small catering business, a dream she had left behind. Learning French gave her the courage to bring it back to life.
Her story illustrates what countless expat partners experience: learning the language is not just about words, it is about identity. It is about reclaiming your confidence, your ambitions, and your ability to create a meaningful life in a new country.
Practical Tips: How to Learn French Faster as an Expat
If you are wondering where to start, the key is consistency rather than perfection. Begin with small daily steps. Greet your neighbors in French, even if your accent is far from perfect. Watch French movies or listen to local radio, allowing your ear to absorb the rhythm of the language.
Join local communities and workshops. Cooking classes, cultural activities, or language cafés are not only educational but also social. They give you the chance to practice in real situations while meeting people who share your journey.
Set realistic goals and celebrate progress. Keep a journal of your “French victories.” Note down when you successfully ordered food, understood a joke, or held your first phone conversation in French. These small wins build momentum and self-esteem.
And most importantly, embrace mistakes. Each mispronunciation is not a failure but a step toward fluency. The French often appreciate the effort more than the perfection.
Absolutely French – Who We Are – Companies Services
Absolutely French is the first French language school entirely dedicated to expat partners and expatriates.
Our mission:
To support dual careers in expat families by helping partners integrate quickly and confidently into French life.
Our method:
Fun, friendly, and innovative French courses that guarantee results — and help build a local network.
Looking for French classes tailored for expat partners? Want to register your employee’s spouse for a high-quality program?
Let’s connect!
Email: contact@absolutely-french.eu
Phone: +33 (0)1 83 73 98 49
Address: 4, rue Faraday, 75017 Paris