French Smile began with a simple idea
Learning a language should never feel cold, rigid, or disconnected from real life.
When I created French Smile in Hong Kong in 2013, I wanted to offer something more personal — an approach where language learning becomes a space for confidence, dialogue, culture, and genuine human connection.
Over the years, French Smile has grown into an international learning experience supporting students and adults from around the world through personalised coaching, workshops, cultural projects, and creative educational resources.
But at its heart, the philosophy has always remained the same:
learning French should feel meaningful, inspiring, and deeply human.
A journey between creativity, culture, and education
Before founding French Smile, my background was rooted in creative industries including graphic design, communication, and advertising.
This experience shaped the way I approach teaching today:
with attention to emotion, aesthetics, clarity, storytelling, and human experience.
Living and working internationally has also deeply influenced my perspective on language learning and cultural connection.
Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of:
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teaching students and professionals from many countries
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leading workshops and cultural experiences
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creating original pedagogical materials
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publishing books around French language and culture
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building an international community of learners connected by curiosity and love for French culture
My philosophy of learning
I believe people learn best when they feel:
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understood
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encouraged
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intellectually stimulated
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emotionally comfortable
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free to express themselves without fear
Rather than following a rigid one-size-fits-all method, I design each learning journey around the individual.
Some students need structure and methodology.
Others need confidence and conversation.
Many need both.
My role is to listen carefully, adapt thoughtfully, and create an environment where progress feels both effective and enjoyable.
A deeply personalised approach
Every student arrives with a different story, rhythm, and relationship to learning.
Some are preparing for important exams.
Some are beginning French for the first time.
Others already speak French and want to refine fluency, expression, or confidence.
I take time to understand:
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your goals
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your personality
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your learning style
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your strengths and challenges
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what motivates you personally
Because meaningful progress happens when learning feels aligned with who you are.
The values behind French Smile
➤ Personal connection
Learning happens more naturally when students feel genuinely seen and supported.
➤ Confidence before perfection
Progress grows through trust, practice, and encouragement — not pressure.
➤ Simplicity and clarity
Complex ideas become easier when explained calmly and thoughtfully.
➤ Culture and expression
Language is deeply connected to lifestyle, identity, emotion, and human experience.
➤ Lasting progress
The goal is not only short-term results, but long-term confidence and connection to the language.
Words from my students
Lucy Marriott
I have been having bi-weekly French lessons with Emilie for over a year now and I’ve improved beyond all expectations!
Emilie is an extremely engaging teacher and presents interesting topics to discuss which are always of interest to me...
Ellen Loomis
When Emilie and I began working together, I hadn’t used my high school French for 30 years! I was both very rusty and extremely timid. Emilie immediately put me at ease. Her lessons are always dynamic, packed with excellent instruction and really fun. Our lively discussions include...
Eva Tam
For me, learning French as a completely new language sounds like a daunting task, but Emilie was able to make me feel at ease.
She is methodological and innovative in her teaching, and extremely patient. What’s more, Emilie’s French lessons ...
Ella Sarkis
我從小常常會都和家人說法語。但隨著年齡的增長，我意識到我的語法和寫作不是太好的。我的法語不像母語人士那麼好，因為我只是和我的表兄弟和父親說話。我和Emilie上課之前，我試了和幾位老師。 Emilie現在快教我3年了，...
