Online French school

French Classes for NATO staff

French classes for American expats
French classes for NATO staff
French classes in leicester
French teacher

Hi, I'm Chris. Head teacher at OuiCommunicate.

We're home to speakers of English who wish for a step up from traditional French classes by means of bilingual learning.

I believe we have something good to offer NATO staff which is why you landed on this page.

I hope you enjoy the visit!

If your French teacher doesn't quite "get" you

If you need flexible bookings

Try an English-to-French bilingual school

We can make your life easier!

Who are we?

How does it work?

French Classes for NATO staff

Every year, many American families move to Brussels as part of their employment with NATO. Depending on the length of their stay, they have 2 choices: either learn French…or not!

It’s something I have known every since I was a boy. Living in the suburb of Overijse (a few miles from Brussels) many of my friends were from expat backgrounds.

Because of this, I feel I have a good idea of the challenges when facing French but also towards Belgium as a country. As one who now lives in the US married to an American lady, I’m also in an advantageous position to compare the different cultures.

For a start, Europe is much smaller and it’s more of a habit to learn 2 or 3 languages. This can lead Americans to feel at a disadvantage and hesitate to sign up for classes.

Next we have the question of “where would I use French?” – it is a fact that many expats can remain in a hub and have no real need to interact with Belgium. NATO has its own supermarkets and expat community. Why do it?

In my view, learning a foreign language is not just a practical advantage like learning to drive. We learn as much about ourselves as we do about others. It goes both ways. We can now say: “How fascinating! Whereas we do this, they do that!”

It can also be seen as surpassing oneself and doing something outside of our usual comfort zone. I myself learned German at age 34. The journey of self-discovery it brought me can’t be put into words. It’s an experience in personal growth unlike any other.

After all, how many times does it happen in a lifespan that we learn a completely new skill such as a language? It’s no small deed at all!

Among the other obstacles towards learning French, there is the time it takes. Typically, you go to classes twice a week, it’s fun at first, then you ask yourself “How many years is this going to take??”

It is a fact that many “brick and mortar” language schools don’t usually move towards a finishing line. They have to combine several aspects such as “fun”and “good humour” to be sure to please all customers. This can cause the classes to feel like a bit of a knitting club.

The next obstacle is the understanding of what it means to learn a language. Where does it start? Where does it end? Am I OK to just learn a few key sentences?

At OuiCommunicate, we feel we are uniquely equipped to make your learning much less challenging. We are as much native speakers of English as of French and know the US and the UK from the inside. We know your side of the story also!

Become our next "success story"!

The lady in this video is originally from NY and wished for us to help prepare her move to France.

Today, she is fluent and happily lives in France where she meets new people and uses French daily.

The “secret” to her success is nothing more than what we offer you: the same learning material and the same approach.

But don’t take our word for it: read the review she wrote for our Google Business page!

A few common obstacles

1. It feel intimidating

This is very true. It’s all new. But in our online classes, you are in the hands of a teacher who is culturally close to you. We’re as much speakers of English as of French. We are purposely designed to help speakers of English learn French.

2. It takes time

We don’t require of anyone to attend our classes. In fact, we provide you with the learning material and you can learn on your own. You just watch our teaching videos and do the exercises any time you want. Meet up online when you’re ready for a checkup.

3. Too busy!

Because we’re online, you can learn any time you wish. Just log in, complete the exercises your teacher has recommended and fit it in your schedule any time you want. There is absolutely no timeline we impose on anyone.

4. Uncertain results

Who wants to commit to weeks of their time for something that might not work? At OuiCommunicate, we’re terribly old-fashioned. So much so, that we’ve cut up and condensed every French skill into separate exercises. Each one you finish, you gain a new skill.

5. School was long ago!

Fair point. It is a fact that there is learning involved, similar to what we did in school. This being said, we’ve had success with our learning material from learners of all ages. None of which were involved in school or academic learning.

6. Will I ever use it?

Learning French is as much about yourself as it is about a skill. It can be seen as a little voyage into self-discovery and overcoming obstacles. I myself never use German but I’ve never considered it a waste. Languages maintain their value over time.

We have a 40 class plan!

Thanks to the Internet, there is no more need to be present in the same room to conduct a successful language class. There are actually many reasons why in-person classes are less effective, slower and quickly lead to becoming “hobby-classes”. 

Probably not the best approach if you want to learn French with intent.

OuiCommunicate is a coursework-based language school. We have the French language available for you on our website in the form of worksheets, videos and quizzes.

You only pay for the 20-minute meetups with your teacher, in which we assess your understanding of specific parts of French.

Speaking French will gradually be integrated as you develop better tools. French will be taught to you as a speaker of English, with full understanding of your background.

As a result, you can expect to build strong foundations in French to become a confident speaker. You will have all the tools to grow and develop as an independent speaker of French.

Book a free Q&A!

No preparation needed

Wish to know more? Phone Chris now or send a Whatsapp message to +1 860-339-6480.

You can book a trial class with no preparation through the booking calendar.

No French skills needed!

Classes are on Skype for reasons of convenience.

Find us on Skype at:

live:reulandchristopher

French in Leicester