Exploring French with Daniel: A Journey Through Language and Culture

For the past two summers, Daniel has set out on a personal mission: to improve his French by immersing himself in French culture. With the support of the Alliance Française and a deep curiosity for the language, he’s taken his learning far beyond the classroom.

“I think French is an interesting language,” Daniel says. “It’s spoken around the world and it is deeply connected to art, literature, music, and so much history.” It was in fourth grade that his passion for the language began to grow, as he started putting in genuine effort. By ninth grade, he began preparing for the DELF exam, and he’s currently at a B1 level.

His first immersion experience took him to Nice for four weeks. There, he lived alone in an apartment provided by the Alliance, which helped him gain a strong sense of independence. “I saw it as a great opportunity to be surrounded by the culture and experience the language in natural situations, whether it was while shopping or speaking with my teachers,” he recalls.

The following summer, Daniel traveled to Strasbourg for six weeks. This time, he stayed with a host family, an older woman who also welcomed students from various countries. “This experience felt more welcoming,” he says. “There were more young people, and it was easier to make friends. Strasbourg is a university city, so the atmosphere was more lively and social.”

While based in Strasbourg, Daniel also had the chance to explore beyond France. He visited cities in Germany, such as Hamburg, as well as Luxembourg and parts of Spain, further expanding his cultural and linguistic experience.

After these two summers abroad, French now feels much more natural to him. “I’m more confident when I speak, and I’ve formed friendships with people from all over the world thanks to these trips,” he says. What started as a school subject has become a personal passion, one that continues to grow with every conversation and every new adventure.

Written by: Maria Alejandra Molino

Edited by: Mar Alzamora