DELF and DALF — Certified Teacher

I have been a certified DELF teacher since 2005 — and I still find it one of the most rewarding parts of my work. Preparing a candidate for the DELF is not just about passing an exam. It is about building the confidence and the precision that make a real difference on the day.

I prepare candidates across the full range — DELF A1, A2, B1, DELF B2, and DALF C1. Each exam demands a different approach, and I always start from an honest assessment of where each student stands — what they have already mastered, what still needs work, and how much time we have before the exam. I take the time to understand what is going on in a student's head: what they find difficult, what holds them back, and what they need most to move forward. From there, I break things down carefully, work at their pace, and keep the exam date in mind at every step so that preparation is both realistic and efficient.

Twenty years of teaching French means I know exactly what is expected at each stage — and I bring that knowledge into every lesson, every correction, and every piece of feedback I give. My students often tell me that this makes the preparation feel focused, purposeful, and genuinely reassuring.

IB French — Ab Initio, Standard Level and Higher Level

I have been preparing students for IB French for many years — at Ab Initio, Standard Level, and Higher Level. My students come from schools across Australia, the UK, and Europe. Having lived in Australia and worked directly with Australian international schools, I have a first-hand understanding of how these schools approach the IB programme, what they expect from their students, and the specific challenges French presents in that context.

I have a thorough mastery of the IB curriculum — the assessment criteria, the weighting of every component, and what distinguishes a good response from an excellent one. I am often in direct contact with students' teachers, which allows me to align my preparation closely with what is being covered in class. Whether a student needs to strengthen their written production, prepare for the individual oral, work through Paper 2 strategies, or tackle the demands of Higher Level literary analysis, I adapt the focus of every session accordingly.

I also understand the reality of what IB students are dealing with. French is one subject among many, deadlines pile up, and the pressure to perform — particularly for the oral exam and for university entry — is very real. I take that seriously. My role is not only to teach French, but to help every student feel genuinely prepared and confident when it matters most.

Many of my IB students come back after their final exams — to maintain their French, prepare for the DELF B2 or DALF C1, or simply to continue learning the language for pleasure and everyday life. The connection that develops over months of working together goes well beyond a few online French lessons — and sometimes extends into real life too. It is genuinely rewarding to watch them flourish after the exam.

French for Immigration and Integration

A significant part of my work supports candidates who need French for immigration, residency, or citizenship purposes — in France and in Switzerland.

In France

I have been preparing candidates for French citizenship for many years. For a long time, the DELF B1 was the required level — it is now the DELF B2, since January 2026. I prepare candidates from all over the world — professionals, spouses of French citizens, and long-term residents. Beyond the exam itself, I genuinely enjoy these lessons. Discussing the differences between French culture and a student's own country of origin is often one of the richest parts of our work together — and frequently one of the funniest. These conversations are rarely just about language.

In Switzerland

Over the years I have built up a deep understanding of the situation faced by expatriates there. I work with candidates preparing for the FIDE test, the Swiss naturalisation interview, and DELF exams at all levels. But I am also very aware of what lies behind the language learning — the cultural adjustment that some experience, the challenges of integration, and sometimes a real sense of isolation. Many expatriates in French-speaking Switzerland have surprisingly few opportunities to actually speak French in their daily lives. I know that reality well, and it shapes how I work with each of these students.

I also accompany students through the administrative steps of their application when needed — helping them understand what is expected at each stage and how to prepare efficiently within their timeline.