Student Interview
Howe
French Studio wouldn’t be where it is today without our great students! So what better way for you to find out more about us, than directly from them.
For our first interview, meet Ng Keng Howe, a student at French Studio since July 2014!
How long have you been learning French at French Studio?
I’ve been at French Studio since July 2014. I started out attending group classes and then moved on to private ones. I loved my group lessons and made some great friends, but after one year decided more personalised lessons might be beneficial for me – my classes are now tailored to my individual goals and the progress I make.
What inspired you to start learning French?
I studied French at secondary school and was really lucky to have a teacher that inspired me. They taught me to get out of my comfort zone and learn a completely new language and that has just stayed with me. I developed a keen interest from that moment on.
What made you choose French Studio?
I actually visited a lot of schools before I chose to register with French Studio! As soon as I walked in I just had a good feeling – the environment was welcoming and I instantly liked the teachers and staff.
Were you apprehensive about starting French before your first class?
Not at all! I was really looking forward to it.
So, how was your first class?!
It was great. I entered with a good attitude and was ready and willing to learn. I enjoyed every minute.
How do you practice the French you’ve learnt between lessons?
I really enjoy learning French, so in between lessons I watch French films, listen to French music, watch YouTube clips…. I also try and converse in French as much as possible, so make a real effort when I meet friends who are either French, or learning French as well.
Do you set yourself goals or just go with the flow?
I think it’s really important to set yourself goals – if you have a goal to work towards, then you have a final objective. So far with the support of my teacher I’ve sat papers A1 and A2 of the DELF exams and I am hoping to complete B1 and B2 this year. Ultimately I want to pass C1. I’ve found taking these exams has really helped me reaffirm what I’ve learnt – and it’s always great to have new qualifications on your CV!
What is the most memorable French Studio event you’ve been to and why?
I can honestly say that all the French Studio events I’ve been to have been memorable! I really can’t pick just one, sorry!
Do you have a particular lesson that sticks in your mind? What happened?
No, I enjoy all my lessons. I really can’t choose just one.
What do you love most about learning French?
My secondary school teacher once told me that ‘language isn’t just about language, it’s about opening a door to a whole new world and culture’. This has always stayed with me and the more I learn French, the more I realize how true it is. For example, as my understanding of French has grown, so has my appreciation of French movies and songs, my love of the French culture etc.
What do you like least about learning French?
The only thing I can say is that you have to be willing to put in the effort – you have to do your homework, you have to try and read French books and magazines… Without putting in any personal effort, you won’t progress quickly at all – and taking the time to put in the extra effort isn’t always easy, especially when you work full time and have other hobbies. However, you can make learning French fun, for example by watching French films, comedy shows etc…
Have you put your new French skills to the test yet?!
Yes! I’ve been to France three times now and every time I visit I feel I’m getting more confident and speaking French more easily. I also try to speak French in Singapore whenever I can with friends.
What advice would you give someone who is thinking about learning French?
If you are truly interested in learning French and are willing to put in the effort, then it is 100% worth your while. I love it.
And Finally – What is your favorite French word or saying?
It has to be – C’est La Vie!
Thank you Howe from everyone at French Studio. It is a true pleasure to teach you – and you are definitely ‘one of the family’ now!
For more information about the classes we run, visit our website.
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