French with a touch of Brazilian passion
French with a touch of Brazilian passion
Adriana de Carvalho Andreaza Sena: her language journey in Belgium
Adriana de Carvalho Andreaza Sena comes from Brazil. Five years ago, she settled in Belgium with her Belgian husband, a true globetrotter. With a degree in business management, she now works in logistics. Her passion? Learning French.
Building a new home, word by word
Adriana de Carvalho: “When I arrived in Belgium, I was certain of one thing: I wanted to learn French immediately. Not just to feel at home here, but also to truly become part of society, both personally and professionally.
I took my first classes at IPFC (Institut Provincial de Promotion Sociale) and later at a school in Nivelles. These were good first steps, but I wanted more. When I discovered Crescendo CVO and met Catherine, my teacher, everything changed.
Catherine is full of energy and makes the classes really enjoyable. She uses games, selects current topics, and makes sure we feel comfortable. Her approach works really well for me and gave me the confidence to keep going.”
From click to conversation: learning French online
“Now I take online classes because it fits much better into my busy schedule. I work full-time, so it’s great to be able to learn from home without extra hassle.
Online learning has also helped me feel more confident speaking French, which I often found harder in a classroom. The classes are interactive, and I can work at my own pace. That really helps because I can see myself progressing faster.”
“My online class has about ten motivated students. Some are learning French for work, others for personal reasons. The good atmosphere and shared motivation are inspiring, which makes the lessons even more enjoyable.”
Finding my place
“Learning French was an obvious choice for me. It opens doors for my career and helps me find my place in Belgium. I also wanted to apply for Belgian and French nationality. That process is quite demanding. You need to reach at least B1 level and pass official tests.
But it’s worth it, especially for my son. It gives him more opportunities.”
“Learning the local language contributes to dignity and integration. Besides French, I’m now learning English as well, since it’s useful for traveling. It takes effort, but I’m highly motivated.
To all foreigners living in Belgium, I’d like to say: Go for it! Learn the language. It not only gives you opportunities but also makes you feel truly at home in this beautiful and diverse country.”