French in Washington, D.C

Washington is home to iconic museums and buildings and international performing-arts venues. As a result, it receives hundreds of international tourists every year. In fact, the city’s tourism industry has been rapidly growing in the last few years, with foreign visitors becoming increasingly important. Despite representing just 8 percent of visits to the district, international tourists account for 27 percent of the industry’s spending income, according to a 2018 report published by the Washington Post. For example, the number of visitors from China, who stayed in the city for at least 5 days and stayed in hotels, amounted to 226,000. The most effective way to connect with these foreign tourists and offer them the best possible experience is to learn their language and speak with them directly. Take classes today and make your clients feel so welcome and comfortable that they will want to come back to Washington again and again!

Where to Practice Foreign Languages in Washington, D.C.:

The best way to begin learning a language is to enroll in a professional course. However, lessons with a tutor will only get you so far, so it is crucial that you use the language outside the classroom, too, and is there a better option than practicing with native speakers in a friendly and relaxed environment? If you would like to get to know like-minded people while putting your language skills to use, then why not join the DC Language Exchange? This group gathers people who want to practice and learn new languages. They hold weekly meetings for members to brush up on their foreign languages and share information about another culture. Their members split into smaller practice groups to improve their French, Italian, German, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and many other languages; So, we are sure you will improve your language abilities, too!

Where to Study Foreign Languages in Washington, D.C.:

Those who desire to sit for an internationally recognized language proficiency exam can find many instances for doing so around Washington, D.C. There are several establishments that offer courses in different languages, such as the colleges and universities. For example, consider the American University, which offers courses in Arabic, Chinese, French, Japanese, Portuguese, and more! Lessons are taught in the target language and go into depth about cultural aspects, too. Meanwhile, George Washington University also has a language center that offers fifteen languages through its three foreign language departments: The Department of Classical and Near Eastern Languages and Civilization; the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures; and the Department of Romance, German, and Slavic Languages and Literatures. All of these programs require prospective students to show proof of language proficiency. For example, international students who would like to enroll in a Bachelor of Arts program at George Washington University must first sit a TOEFL or IELTS exam. If you need to prepare for a challenging international exam, Language Trainers has an Exam Preparation course, a tailor-made program suitable to your needs and schedule. Our native, professional instructors will be there every step of your language journey! For example, we can prepare you for taking the DALF, a diploma awarded by the French Ministry of Education to prove the French-language skills of non-French people who want to get an international certificate. You can sit for this exam at the Alliance Française of Washington on Wyoming Avenue.

Language Jobs in Washington, D.C.: Many companies are expanding internationally and, therefore, need employees who can communicate with foreign clients and customers. So, learning a new language will set you apart from other job applicants and help you broaden your professional horizons in Washington, D.C. and beyond. For example, you can apply for a job at an international company with headquarters in the city, such as MedStar Health, Marriott International, Giant Food, and Deloitte. You can also get in contact with the many chambers of commerce based in the city, like the Hispanic, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Portuguese institutions. All these chambers organize events, talks, and conferences to help their members network with other entrepreneurs and business leaders, and to connect with international companies. Take advantage of these opportunities and sign up for a language course today!

Language Culture in Washington, D.C.: DC is a multicultural city with a lot of foreign influence and learning another language will enable you to experience some of the exotic communities without ever leaving the city! If you are studying Chinese, for example, you should visit Chinatown to explore its traditional restaurants and shops, interacting with the locals in their mother tongue. And if you are interested in Brazilian culture, you can attend some of the many events organized by the Brazilian-American Cultural Center, which provides the community with a venue to celebrate the ties between the US and Brazil. Similarly, those learning Italian can join the Italian Cultural Society, an institution established in 1953, and which is devoted to encouraging appreciation of the language and culture of Italy.

Are you ready to expand your opportunities in Washington? Start your language journey with us! Language Trainers specializes in providing language courses suitable for your needs and schedule. Get in contact with us today and we will arrange for a native-speaking, professional instructor to go to your home or office, whatever the language you want to learn. Alternatively, you can take your lessons in a public place, such as the Public Library on K Street, Filter Coffeehouse & Espresso Bar on I Street, or La Colombe Coffee Roasters on Blagden Alley.

And if you live on the outskirts of Washington, D.C., don’t worry: you can still book lessons with us. We have excellent tutors available in nearby locations, such as Alexandria, Arlington, Baltimore, Fairfax, Vienna, Falls Church, Rockville, and Bowie.

What are you waiting for? If you know something of the language you want to learn already, then take one of our language level tests. We will gauge your current ability so that your course is useful from the very first lesson! Either way, send us an inquiry with your details and we will start designing a personalized course for you.