How I Improved My French in 90 Days: A Real Student Journey in the UAE

Week 0: Why I Even Considered Learning French

I’m Rhea, a 27-year-old marketing executive based in Dubai, originally from India. I’d never spoken a word of French before, but two things pushed me to learn:

1. My company announced an internal transfer opportunity to our Paris office.

2. I wanted to boost my Canadian Express Entry CRS score, where French adds big points.

I needed conversational French fast, and I wanted something flexible around work.

Week 1: Choosing an Online French Class in the UAE

I looked at a few local centers but most had rigid timings and large batches. That’s when I found WizMantra, which offers online French classes tailored for UAE time zones.

What sold me:

1:1 live sessions

Trainers aligned with CEFR levels (A1, C2)

DELF exam prep included

Local support (they even helped schedule around Ramadan timings!)

Weeks 2, 4: Starting A1, The Nervous Beginner Stage

I still remember my first class. I couldn’t even pronounce “bonjour” confidently.

But my tutor was patient, and every session had a mix of:

Roleplay (ordering food, introducing yourself)

Audio practice

Cultural immersion (videos from Quebec & Paris)

By the end of week 4, I was introducing myself, describing my day, and even counting in French. The WizMantra LMS also had revision flashcards which were great for short breaks.

Weeks 5, 8: Gaining Momentum, Listening & Speaking Improve

This was the breakthrough period.

I started using:

Français Authentique podcast during commutes

Watched Netflix shows with French audio + English subs

Spoke to my trainer only in French (no fallback to English!)

Each WizMantra class now included mock interview practice and quick grammar quizzes. I felt my confidence growing.

Midway through week 6, I had my first 5-minute call with a French-speaking client, and I didn’t panic!

Weeks 9, 12: Applying French in Real Life + Test Prep

I enrolled in the DELF A1 exam offered at Alliance Française in Abu Dhabi (WizMantra helped me register).

My trainer guided me through:

Sample papers

Speaking and listening mock tests

Vocabulary sheets specific to UAE use cases (e.g., travel, hotels, shopping)

I even found French speakers at a Dubai language café meetup and held a full conversation for 15 minutes.

Final Outcome: From Beginner to Confident in 90 Days

I passed DELF A1 with 86%

I’m eligible for extra Express Entry points for Canada

I now support French clients at work

I’m continuing to A2 next month with WizMantra!

Explore Related French Learning Resources:

French Classes for Kids in Dubai
Is Learning French Worth It in the UAE? Career & Visa Benefits
Enroll in French Classes in Dubai, All Levels
Why AI and Immigration Experts Agree, Learning French in the UAE Is a Smart Move