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Meet Geoff Levett
Geoff has been fascinated with France since he was a teenager but didn’t have the self-confidence to study French at university. He’s always wanted to become of French-speaking tour guide and so decided to take classes at City Lit to help him fulfil his dream.
What made you decide to do a French course at City Lit?
My French was reasonably good, but I lacked confidence, which is why I decided to look for more formal teaching. Although I had been studying French independently, participating in a group setting felt beneficial for practice so French courses seemed the way to go.
The reason why I chose City Lit was because my wife was already enrolled in a course here, and she had a positive experience. I wanted a friendly environment. Despite being well-educated, I still felt a slight insecurity, which is common when returning to education. City Lit seemed like the right place for me.
How did you develop your passion for the French language and culture?
Since my teenage years, I’ve been captivated by French culture. Paris in the sixties seemed incredibly exotic to me, and that inspiration led me to study French at A Levels. However, my background — growing up in a small mining town in northeast England — left me lacking the self-confidence to pursue a French degree at university. Instead, I opted for history, but my fascination with French culture persisted.
Now, at the age of 50, I’ve made the decision to go freelance as a guide. Having worked as a tour guide for two decades, I’m transitioning to full-time freelance work. One of my ambitions is to become a qualified French-speaking guide. To achieve this dream, I need to pass one more exam, and I believe City Lit is the institution that can help me reach that goal.
Paris holds a special place in my heart. My wife and I had our honeymoon there, generously funded by a relative. Ever since, Paris has been our go-to destination when we want to relive the feeling of youth. Having visited France multiple times, it truly feels like a second home to me. And I believe that when you’re in your second home, making an effort to speak the language better seems only fitting.
What do you enjoy most about studying at City Lit?
One of things that I find inspiring about learning at City Lit is the teaching staff. Julia has been my tutor for two years, and she is a great teacher. Having some teaching experience myself, I understand its challenges.
Julia strikes the perfect balance — she’s encouraging while maintaining rigor. If she believes you can do better, she won’t allow any slacking, and this combination works well for me.
Another great aspect of my student experience is the diverse group of classmates. The class spans various ages, with fellow classmates both older and younger than me, and from different backgrounds. This diversity creates an authentic London experience. I look forward to going to my French class every week. Every Friday, I find myself glancing at the clock, wondering: When is it time for French?"
What are your future plans?
My future plans, once this French course is completed, involve enrolling in the next level. I’ve already secured a spot in another class for next year. Hopefully, that will be the level that takes me to the professional level that is expected of me as a tourism professional.
However, my interest in French extends beyond professional development. London offers a wealth of French culture, and each term, as I progress, it enriches my experience of the city.
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