We asked our students to share why they decided to learn French, what goals keep them motivated, and what the journey has looked like so far. Read on to discover their stories — from first classes to newfound confidence. Part II coming soon!
By Melissa Do and Coucou students
1. DANIEL (IN PERSON – NYC)
When did you start learning French at Coucou?
I started at Coucou at the beginning of 2025. I’ve been casually learning French on and off for a few years and have taken classes in the past, but I wanted a chill and social environment to meet people and practice speaking casually.
What levels have you taken and which level are you at now?
I’ve taken level 4 with Angèle and am now taking level 5 with Théo. We just finished learning about the dreaded “subjonctif”, and I’m here to tell you that you can learn it too!
What do you love most about Coucou?
Definitely the energy and the vibe! Everyone you meet is super nice, fun and supportive – whether it’s the teachers, staff, or fellow students.
What do you enjoy most about the events/workshops? Which ones have you attended?
I’ve only attended a mixer, which I cannot recommend enough! You get to meet and connect with Coucou students of all levels, as well as the instructors and staff. Having wine and talking about French, what more could you ask for?
What kind of value have you found from Coucou’s teaching methods?
I think a lot of French classes can be too rigid and formal, which reflects the teaching style often found in France but doesn’t always match your learning preferences or the experience you’re looking for. Coucou is definitely more dynamic, laidback, and conversation-focused. While we learn all the necessary grammar, we go on tangents and talk a lot about colloquialisms, l’argot, and verlan, which is what I’m looking for.
What are your goals with learning French?
My goals have definitely shifted over time. When I first started learning, I just wanted to be able to talk with my French partner. Now that we can hold a conversation, my aspirations are more about one day being able to learn anything I want using this language and to be able to hold my own when I travel to a French-speaking country. My north star is to feel as natural speaking French as I do speaking English when I meet a Francophone.
Do you have a favorite expression in French?
«Avoir un coup de barre» is a good one I use a lot, which means a sudden tiredness. I often get the afternoon slumps, for example, and I’ll say that I have a «coup de barre» !
2. DIVYA (IN PERSON – NYC)
photo: Divya
When did you start learning French at Coucou?
I started learning French at Coucou in Feb 2023. I had spent 5 years learning French before I went to college, but stopped once I went to school and moved to NYC. It wasn’t until I lived in New York for a few years when I realized I really wanted to pick it back up again.
What levels have you taken and which level are you at now?
Writing this out makes me realize just how much time I’ve spent with Coucou – especially considering each class is 8-10 weeks. I’ve taken:
- Grand Debutant x1
- Apprenti x1
- Intermediare x1
- Confirme x1
- Specialiste 3
Time really flies with these classes. I’m now looking to try out an Expert course!
What do you love most about Coucou?
I love Coucou for so many reasons, particularly getting to be back in the small-group learning environment again and connecting with students in the community. But I’d have to say my favorite part is the fact that the teachers are all from France or another francophone country – they have such unique personalities, and the real-world phrases/cultural knowledge/slang they convey to us is so interesting, especially because each teacher has been passionate about something different. I think it can also be intimidating in general to speak French with someone who’s a native speaker, and this is also a really unique way for us to get exposed to that.
What do you enjoy most about the events/workshops? Which ones have you attended?
They’re fun!! I’ve been to the Mardi Gras party. You get to meet the team, hang out with other students and see your past teachers again. Events/Workshops are less of a time commitment than the classes – when I’m not in the city as much and feel like I can’t commit to a class, I sign up for a workshop or an event. I love that I can stay in touch with the Coucou community even when I’m not currently taking classes, and I get to keep my French skills fresh as I’m doing it.
What kind of value have you found from Coucou’s teaching methods?
I’ve found that the small class size really allows you to get individualized attention from the teacher as well as a safe space to feel comfortable getting things wrong or asking questions that feel silly. Also, all classes before the Spécialiste (Conversation) level have such well-crafted workbooks with info and exercises. I actually refer back to previous workbooks when I advance – the content is really memorable and useful. I’ve never taken a class where the notes didn’t just end up collecting dust – so this really surprised me in a good way.
What are your goals with learning French?
Mainly conversational fluency – I’d love to have a job where I can use French-speaking skills or spend some time living in a francophone country – or both!
Do you have a favorite expression in French?
The many different uses of “coup”. I especially love “coup de foudre” ou “coup de coeur”.
Do you have a general tip you want to share with others, language related or culture related?
In France, order a Monaco! My favorite drink.
3. KATIE (ONLINE)
photo: Katie
When did you start learning French at Coucou?
I just started taking classes this spring. I chose to do the bi-weekly online classes so that I could jumpstart and review what I had learned in the past.
What levels have you taken and which level are you at now?
I completed the Grand Debutant level two weeks ago and am in Apprenti right now.
What do you love most about Coucou?
I am thoroughly enjoying the small class sizes so I feel like we can ask questions and get the guidance we need. I love the practical nature and tips we get in class, it adds so much more depth to the class that you miss using an app or textbook.
What do you enjoy most about the events/workshops? Which ones have you attended?
I haven’t had a chance to attend an event or workshop yet, but my husband and I are excited to attend the Spring mixer.
What kind of value have you found from Coucou’s teaching methods?
The teaching methods are geared to give you confidence in your spoken language and practical conversation skills. I have always done better reading and writing in French but freeze up when someone speaks to me, I can already tell a difference after six weeks! The vocabulary and grammar is introduced in an organized way that gives you the tools quickly to start conversing in French, as well as have a comprehensive understanding for the language itself.
What are your goals with learning French?
I have always wanted to speak French and hope to someday move there with my family. We travel there as often as we can so learning to speak on my own without relying on my husband is a big goal of mine. I hope to be able to go there and speak confidently without starting each conversation with an apology.
Do you have a favorite expression in French?
Je ne regrette rien. I love that line from Edith Piaf, it has been a mantra through many chapters of life.
Do you have a general tip you want to share with others, language related or culture related?
My biggest piece of advice or tip is to approach life and these new experiences with an open mind, heart and humble attitude. Anything worth having in life, like the skill of speaking a new language, is challenging. However, the journey is part of what makes it so valuable.
