Moving to a new country is always exciting, but if you don’t speak the language, it can feel a little overwhelming. When I started my semester in Monaco, I didn’t know much French apart from “bonjour” and “merci.” Thankfully, I quickly learned that you don’t need to be fluent to survive. Here are some simple tips for making it work, even if your French is limited!
1. Learn the Basics
Before arriving, take a little time to learn a few key phrases like: Bonjour (hello), Merci (thank you), S’il vous plaît (please), Excusez-moi (excuse me). Even if you can’t say much else, starting with these makes a good impression. The French really appreciate it when you try, even if you don’t get it right.
2. Use Google Translate
Google Translate is a lifesaver. You can use the camera feature to translate signs, menus, and even product labels at the store. It’s not perfect, but it’s enough to get by. Just make sure to download the French language pack so you can use it offline – Wi-Fi isn’t everywhere!
3. Be Polite and Patient
When you need help, start with, “Bonjour, excusez-moi, je ne parle pas français. Parlez-vous anglais?” (Hello, excuse me, I don’t speak French. Do you speak English?). Most people, especially younger ones, know some English and will try to help you. Being polite and patient goes a long way.
4. Take Your Time
I spent a lot of time in supermarkets at the beginning, trying to figure out what to buy. Everything is labeled in French, so shopping became an adventure. I’d stand in the aisles staring at packages, Googling words like “crème fraîche” to figure out if it was sour cream or whipped cream. It was frustrating at first, but honestly, it became a fun challenge. Plus, I discovered some great snacks along the way!
5. Stay Open-Minded
French culture can be different from what you’re used to. For example, people might seem distant at first, but they warm up when you’re friendly and respectful. If someone doesn’t want to switch to English, don’t take it personally—just smile, and keep trying.
What’s It Like Not Speaking French?
Honestly, I thought it would be harder. Most people in Monaco (and even in nearby Nice) were pretty nice about it. Sometimes, people would laugh when I tried to say things in French, but it wasn’t mean—it felt more like encouragement.
There were moments, though, where it got frustrating. For example, when I landed at the airport in Nice, I tried to get an Uber to my new home. I thought it would be simple – just book the ride and wait. But for 1.5 hours, drivers kept canceling on me. They’d call me, hear that I didn’t speak French, and immediately cancel the trip. It wasn’t until I started answering the calls with a rehearsed “Bonjour! Désolé, je ne parle pas français. Parlez-vous anglais?” that one driver finally picked me up.
Even though these situations happens, most people still were understanding and willing to help if you approached them kindly. The key is to stay patient, use basic phrases, and rely on tools like Google Translate when needed. Even when things don’t go smoothly, those little struggles often become the best stories to share later.
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