How To Continue Learning French After High School
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You just spent years studying French—now is not the time to stop! In fact, learning French after high school can be way more fun.
Now that you’ve got the basics down, you can dive into the good stuff—like binge-watching French shows, making French-speaking friends, and, best of all—traveling! No more boring vocab drills; it's time to experience French in real life.
If you want to keep your French skills sharp (and even take them to the next level), here are the top three ways to stay connected to the language.
1. Consume French Content (Yes, Screen Time Can Be Good for You!)
When it comes to language learning, binge-watching, scrolling, and listening can actually be a good thing—if you do it in French!
Curate a French Social Media Feed
Social media is one of the easiest ways to get daily exposure to real, natural French. Try following French influencers, comedians, vloggers, or news accounts. Even scrolling through captions, memes, and comment sections helps build vocabulary and exposes you to slang and everyday expressions.
Want to level up? Challenge yourself to engage—comment in French, reply to posts, and use French captions when you post!
French Podcasts
French podcasts are a fantastic way to train your ear and improve listening comprehension. Many are available on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts, and you can slow down the speed to make it easier to understand.
For beginners, check out "InnerFrench" or "Coffee Break French." YouTube also has tons of French content—just turn on subtitles and immerse yourself!
French Television
TV shows are a great way to reinforce your French skills while being entertained. Instead of passively watching, turn on French subtitles to match spoken words with text and improve pronunciation. Stay engaged by repeating phrases out loud or writing down new vocabulary. Opt for programs that are easier to understand. Tip—news and comedy can often be the least beginner-friendly, while reality TV, dramas, after-school specials, and kids' shows are more likely to be easy to follow.
2. Speak in French (Find People to Talk To!)
One of the best ways to keep improving your French is to actually speak it—and that means finding people to talk to! Whether online or in person, finding just one French-speaking friend or conversation partner will help you get the speaking practice you need to keep improving.
Find French Speakers in Your Community
Search Facebook or Meetup groups for "Français/ Francophones à [your city name]" — you might be surprised at how many French-speaking communities exist near you. Post that you're looking for a language exchange or a language partner. Many native speakers are also eager to practice English, making it a win-win!
Get a French Tutor
Working with a tutor can be a great way to improve your skills in a structured way. You can find a local tutor or consider online platforms where you can connect with tutors from France or other French-speaking countries. Sometimes, tutors from different regions offer lower rates, making online options more cost-effective.
Attend French Meetups & Events
Check online platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite for French-language events near you. Look for group classes, conversation groups, or cultural events where you can practice with others.
Talk to Yourself!
Try literally thinking out loud in French instead of in your native language. Challenge yourself while driving, taking a walk, or preparing dinner—narrate what you're doing or say your thoughts in French. This builds fluency and confidence over time! The more you practice, the more natural it will feel.
3. Travel to France on a Gap Year Abroad!
There’s no better way to learn French than immersing yourself in a French-speaking country. A French gap year after high school gives you the opportunity to live the language—beyond the classroom.
Why a Gap Year? Because You Chose French for a Reason!
You didn’t just choose to learn French just for the language—you chose it for the culture, the history, and the lifestyle that comes with it. A gap year abroad is a break between high school and college that satisfies your urge to learn French—helping you jump up a language level—while immersing you in everything that makes the language come alive.
CIEE Gap Year Abroad programs are the perfect blend of structure and independence. Spend mornings in intensive French language classes and afternoons and weekends discovering world-famous museums, charming markets, and breathtaking landscapes. In your downtime, you're sipping espressos in Parisian cafes and building lifelong friendships with fellow travelers and locals who share your passion for adventure. Whether buying groceries, asking for directions, or chatting with new friends, you'll constantly be reinforcing your language skills in real-life situations!
How to Make a Gap Year Abroad Happen
Study abroad organizations like CIEE offer structured programs where you can take language courses, explore different regions, and fully integrate into daily life—all the while providing 24/7 support from French CIEE staff. Check out CIEE's French Language & Culture Gap Year Program and apply today!