Why You (Still) Can’t Speak French and What to Do About It

People sitting along Canal Saint-Martin at golden hour

Have you been studying French for a while but you struggle to speak the language? Whether you’ve been taking classes or studying on your own, it can be incredibly frustrating to put in the effort and not see the results that you are hoping for. If you still can’t speak French even after years of study, you’re not alone and it’s not too late to do something about it. Here are some things that are holding you back from your goal of French fluency.

Traveling to the United States With Your French Partner

American passport and French passport side by side

If you are an American citizen traveling to the United States of America with your French partner, there are certain considerations that you should keep in mind. Afterall, different nationalities come with different passports which, in turn, come with different restrictions. Here’s a look at what it’s like traveling to the U.S. with your French partner, from applying for an ESTA to passing through customs.

Language Requirements for Immigration to France

girl reading on a Paris café terrace with a coffee, pack of cigarettes, and ashtray on the table

If you’re considering moving to France, you may be wondering if knowing French is required for immigration. That’s a great question to ask, as France only has one official language—French! Different levels of French are required at different stages of the immigration process and for certain residence permits. Let’s take a look at the details of the language requirements in France, from your first visa to your carte de séjour to French nationality.

French Bureaucracy: Tips for Tackling Paperwork in France

stacks of papers in folders lined up in a row

As a seasoned American immigrant who’s been in and of France a number of times, I’ve accumulated plenty of tricks and tools that I can directly attribute to my success dealing with French administration. Here are my top tips for tackling your next French dossier so that you can navigate your paperwork successfully, whether you are applying for a visa or making a permanent move to Cheeseland!