My French Linguistic Biography

I come from the Philippines and have lived there ever since. I am bilingual - I speak Tagalog / Filipino and English.

Tickets to the graduation ceremony, after five years of studying French

In 2009, I decided to pursue a bachelor's degree in European Languages majoring in French and minoring in Speech Communication. It was in 2012 when I had my first trip abroad for an exchange program. It was a six-month full scholarship in Nice, France. Before leaving I had a level B1+ which was validated by a diagnostic test I had to take so I could participate in the summer language program. I continued to improve my level in French from the everyday exchanges I had as well as the supplementary courses I took. I had Filipino friends with me during my stay so I was able to speak in my mother language(s).

In 2013, I had a level B2+ as confirmed by the certification given at the end of my supplementary French course. When I returned to the Philippines, I continued with my last year of undergraduate studies. I only had my French thesis to write along with other subjects. Since I had free time, I decided to work where I can surround myself with French speaking people so that I may not lose my French speaking skills in a country where no one speaks this language. I was the Communication Officer for a French agency and that involved being in contact with native speakers.

Working at the office in Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines

After graduating in 2014, I worked as a French Language Specialist in an international company and it is through this experience that I was able to continue being in touch with native speakers because I was in-charge of contacting clients through phone calls and emails.

Four months later, in 2015, I had the opportunity to be an instructor in two institutions. I was able to review some lessons which we tend to take for granted as we advance further to the learning process. This also permitted me to pursue further studies in France.

In my personal interactions, I speak English and Tagalog, sometimes in French with friends who understand all three languages. However, in my professional life, I would use French more often. As of writing, having a (+/-) C1 level in French, I am in Rouen for the first year of my master's degree.