Interview with Vester Smith, Student at the French Civilization Courses of the Sorbonne
My name is Vester Smith and I take language courses at the Cours de civilisation française de la Sorbonne.
Where are you from?
I’m from Arkansas in the United States,
Which reasons led you to learn French?
I have been in France for about two years now, and I didn’t pick up the language like I thought I would
What is your level of French?
Since I have been studying here at the CCFS I have been able to start stringing together sentence; I’m speaking like a “French baby” which is part of the process so I am getting there!
What do you like best about this institution?
What I like the most about the school is Professor Gsell; she has been very patient not only with me but with everyone else in the class. I have classes with her 4 hours a day, five times a week and sh’s never shown a sign of weakness even when we asked questions that might have annoyed her. And I would highly recommend her class to anyone who is afraid to look silly because she is very tactful and I can only assume that the other professors handle the situation in the same way.
What has been the biggest challenge in learning French so far?
I think the most difficult thing about learning French is using it in the street, in “real life”. Obviously not everyone speaks like a book, but we are told in class to keep persistant in speaking French and not swith to English, and its been working so far.
Do you have any strategies for improving your French?
To work on my comprehension – because its been very difficult for me – I’ve been watching Disney films. I grew up up watching Disney films in English, so I switched them to French. This works for me and I find it to be a very entertaining way to practice on my comprehension.
Why would you recommend this institution to a friend who wants to learn French?
I already have! It’s a little pricy but its worth it. Its a great university, the teachers are patient, I’ve had an amazing experience
