The classes are very welcoming, and it is easy to start learning French with little or no prior knowledge.”
Gonzalo, French student
Originally from Chile, Gonzalo Dominguez is a physician and medical researcher who moved to Vancouver in 2021 to continue his medical training. After trying to learn French through apps and books, he realized he needed a stronger foundation and enrolled in UBC Extended Learning French courses, where he found a welcoming environment to learn and practise.
What led you to seek out French courses?
I have been interested in learning other languages for quite some time, but I didn't have much time to do it in the past, beyond learning English as my second language. French has been an interest for me since high school. I did try learning by myself, using apps and books, but I always missed the fundamentals, including basic grammar, which isn't taught in the apps. Therefore, I felt I needed to start from the beginning with a basic course and decided to take French Beginner 1, then Beginner 2.
What was a highlight for you in the French classes?
The classes are very welcoming, and it is easy to start learning French with little or no prior knowledge. You learn with people from different backgrounds, ages and native languages, which makes it very comfortable for everyone.
The classes are very interactive and welcoming, and they allow you to practice pronunciation from the start. Also, working in small groups with short conversations facilitates practice for everyone, with all the students at the same level.
What surprised you about the classes?
I was surprised by how quickly I could start using French phrases and have short conversations. Every class had opportunities to practice pronunciation and short conversations with your classmates through small-group activities.
How are you applying the French skills you learned in your personal or professional life?
I have started watching shows and movies in French and listening to music in French, with the goal of maintaining my French practice over the long term. So far, I have not had to use French at work, but I am planning to continue taking more advanced courses and maybe apply what I learn in French at work as well.
Who would you recommend UBC Extended Learning French classes to?
I would recommend UBC Extended Learning French classes to everybody who wants to start learning a new language from the very basics. Because no previous knowledge is required, anybody will be comfortable starting in a beginner class as I did.
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