Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Learn French as an Adult (Yes, Really)

“I should’ve learned it in school.”

“I’m too old now.”

“I’ll never be fluent anyway, so why bother?”

If you’ve said any of these to yourself, or all three on a loop, you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: learning French as an adult isn’t too late, too hard, or too much of a stretch. In fact, if you live in Ottawa, it might be one of the smartest and most rewarding things you can do right now.

At Robertson Tutoring, we’ve designed a new Adult FSL Tutoring Program to make learning French not only accessible, but personal, flexible, and tailored to the life you’re already living. Whether you’re aiming for a bilingual government job, trying to support your child through French immersion, or just looking to feel more connected to your community, now is the perfect time to start.

The Benefits of Being Bilingual in Ottawa

Ottawa isn’t just Canada’s capital, it’s a bilingual hub where French and English aren’t just "nice-to-haves," they’re career-makers. Many roles in the public sector require French proficiency, and even in the private sector, bilingualism can fast-track your promotion, boost your confidence in meetings, and widen your professional network.

But beyond the resume, French can open up doors in everyday life — from navigating local services and healthcare, to attending community events, to connecting with neighbours across linguistic lines. In a city where French is everywhere, being able to speak it just makes life easier.

What Makes Learning as an Adult So Hard… and How We’re Changing That

Let’s be real: adult learners aren’t like kids in a classroom. You’ve got responsibilities, deadlines, families, and a packed schedule. Maybe French class wasn’t your jam back in high school, or maybe you’ve forgotten everything except “croissant”.

We get it! That’s why our Adult FSL Program is built specifically for adults.

Here’s how we make it work for you:

• Flexible Scheduling: Evening, weekend, and even online options that fit your life, not the other way around.

• Goal-Based Lessons: Whether you're prepping for a federal language exam or learning to chat confidently at the bakery, your sessions are built around your goals.

• Personalised Support: No big classes or generic curriculum. Just one-on-one or small group tutoring that meets you where you’re at, beginner or brushing up.

• Safe Learning Environment: We believe the best way to learn is to feel comfortable messing up. You’ll get encouragement, feedback, and time to grow, minus the judgment.

  
  

Structure That Works, Goals That Motivate

Our program follows the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference), a globally recognized language proficiency scale, to help you track progress and celebrate wins along the way.

From absolute beginners (A1) who want to introduce themselves in French, to intermediate speakers (B1) looking to confidently handle work-related conversations, we’ve got a roadmap to help you get from bonjour to bravo.

We focus on:

• Reading & Listening: Understanding signs, menus, podcasts, and real-world conversations

• Speaking: Expressing your ideas in everyday situations and professional settings

• Writing: Building confidence with emails, forms, and short texts

• Cultural Context: Exploring French-Canadian culture, idioms, and history so your French feels real, not robotic

  
  

You’re Not Just Learning a Language — You’re Investing in Yourself

Whether you’re 28 or 68, starting to learn (or relearn) French as an adult is a bold and empowering move. And with the right support, it's completely doable. Our program is designed to help you move forward, whether that means a promotion, a deeper connection with your city, or finally feeling comfortable saying more than “oui” at your kid’s parent-teacher meeting.

Ready to Get Started?

French isn’t just for school kids or diplomats. It’s for anyone in Ottawa who wants to connect, grow, and open up new possibilities, professionally and personally.

Robertson Tutoring’s Adult FSL Program is enrolling soon. We’ll meet you where you are — and help you get to where you want to go.

👉 Learn more and book your consultation today.