L'atelier 9 — Local services in Paris

Not recommended, disappointment, absence of progressive learning plan, rude and unprofessional defensive administrator. Other schools in Paris are way better and very customer-centric as well as experienced in teaching modules.

Summary: • Lack of teaching experience • Teacher changed suddenly • Advanced students kept on joining randomly • Unprofessional, rude, and defensive administration • Business and money oriented and not feedback enhancement approach • Waste of money and no value • Facility is fully equipped for schooling in terms of logistics (have to give them that positive point)

Feedback: • Classes were not progressive from week to another which caused confusion from my end. The teacher didn’t have a solid plan aiming to achieve milestones for upcoming lessons. • The agency has mentioned that by the end of the 12th week I would cover level A1, however I feel that I only covered 10%-15% from A1 French language. • I could not assess my progress in the course. • Had to inform the instructor (along with other students) that I do not know anything in French and if we could start with the very basics, letters, numbers, etc…

Concerns: • New and advanced level students were joining almost every week. • Main: teacher was suddenly changed in the middle of the course without knowing the reason. This has also happened in other classes, but I remain to speak about my experience without any further elaboration about other classes or students.

Unprofessionalism by the Administrative officer: • I accidentally published a review to this website with my feedback and requirements (I emailed the same to L'Atelier 9) • As soon as L’Atelier 9 saw my published review, they replied to my email disregarding my inquiries, requirements, and feedback saying the following (only): "Bonjour XXXX, we would have really appreciated if you let us know your disappointment before we read it on the comments on the agency page for all people to see, which would have been very constructive for you and for us and your progress. Bonne continuation “ • I replied apologizing and mentioning it was a mistake. I followed up to support in answering my inquiries. • I received the following: “It would be super nice to delete this comment because it is very important for us to receive positive reviews. Of course, we understand that not everyone can be completely satisfied, but we prefer to find out before the end of their registration so that we can rectify the situation. We are very flexible and understanding and we can find solutions. Hope this comment goes away.” • I called and explained again to the same lady who was answering my emails. What really didn’t make sense is that she mentioned that maybe we can offer you free couple of weeks if you delete the review. I replied mentioning that I do not appreciate the attitude of IF you do this, we will do that (totally unprofessional and immature) as well as I specified that money was not my concern during that phone call. • The next day I confirmed that the review was deleted, and I followed up regarding my inquiries or at least to mention that I’m not welcomed at there center anymore (as this is the vibe I sensed). • I did receive an apology regarding the “miscommunication” but had no positive feedback towards supporting my inquiries. eventually, they wished me good luck in finding another school: “I am so sorry that your experience at school did not bring you what you expected. I hope you find a school that will meet all your needs.” • A week after I followed up on my inquiries to clarify and mentioned that they did not offer support especially after I confirmed that the review was deleted. • I received a generic email offering their entire list of courses and emphasis on re-offering the evening course that I did not...

I have to admit, I am very excited to write this review since my experience with L'atelier 9 was nothing but excellent.

I started the intensive program in February and my level of French was about A2. As all the other students, I got tested and put in the B1 group that was lead by professor Olga. She is probably the most patient teacher I ever had. The classes were well organized: we had enough time to express ourselves, to talk, to read, to ask questions and Olga was deeply explaining us everything we had troubles with. It's good to know, this school isn't really typical. We didn't have any books, but materials that were given on a daily basis and I found it more interesting cause we were learning thru actual topics and events in the world (for example bushfires in Australia, recycling process in France, vintage fashion etc). It seemed to me that the group was very well integrated, we shared a lot and our French was improving significantly each week spent in the school.

After about 6 weeks I moved to the level B2.1 with Vanessa. Although these two teachers have a different style of teaching I, as well, have nothing but kind words for the way Vanessa was organizing the classes. We focused more on literature and music, French culture, stereotypes etc. We had interesting homework to do, which made us work on our writing skills as well. Vanessa is open minded and curious, so we shared many interesting discussions.

The communication with the administration went smoothly. Annabelle was responsible of the organization and she was very available, replying almost instantly. She was also organizing the workshops that we had couple of times a week and they turned out to be very helpful for me: I visited and learned about many nice spots in Paris, we watched a good movie, played petanque in the park... I'd also like to mention that I was a student at the time of the whole COVID-19 situation and must say they handled it seriously and fairly. Since we had to stop classes due to the general confinement, we were offered by school to come back and take the rest of what we paid for after the confinement or to get a refund in case we can't continue later, which we found to be very nice of them since the whole situation was no ones fault.

I met very nice people in this school from all around the world and I carry amazing memories with me. My family in law, as well as my french friends, can't believe how fast I progressed in only three months. I recommend this school to anyone that seeks for spending good time in France, learning a lot, not only language itself but also about French culture.

Best wishes to all of the employees of...

I studied at Atelier 9 for one month last spring and for 2 months this summer. I could not have made a better choice. The class sizes are kept small, the location is central and comfortable, and in signing up, you not only have access to the classes but to workshops - cultural exploration, wine tastings, pronunciation workshops, Paris fashion, Paris theatrical history, the perfume museum - anything under the sun, all included in the price! I'm kind of astounded how they do it... And my skills in French are AMAZING for a total of 3 months of French. This school is not dry, boring grammar... it is fun and is about getting people up and able to communicate.

Ignacio, the school's owner, is warm and engaging, and Annabelle is very welcoming and will always guide students in any way she can. As to my excellent experience, however, I give the lion's share of the credit to my teacher, Vanessa Darribehaude.

I've studied languages for 2 decades; Vanessa is the best language teacher I've ever had. Teaching language effectively is an under appreciated art form, no question. It requires effort to create a balance of discipline and fun, the prof must also be constantly attuned to the mix of learning styles of the students. And it demands an authentic adoration of the French language and culture - all of this stuff is pretty rare to find in one person. What can I say... pardon the poetry, but Vanessa is a crown jewel for this school. Not sure how else to say it... she has a deep respect for the language, she is constantly engaged with the needs of her students. Her own curiosity and interest drives her to prepare classes with grammar, vocabulary and great games as an ongoing process, she adapts daily to the needs and wishes of her students. Plus, she will inform you of cultural goings-on in Paris, so you know where to go and when to enjoy Paris's many special events, everything.

I specifically requested to be in her class this year, I'm so glad I did. And knowing I will get so much out of my class will keep me returning to L'Atelier 9. And I hope everyone who comes to L'Atelier 9 comes away with the wonderful experience I did. Happy to...