French is a widely spoken language, both in numbers and geography. With over 275 million speakers across five continents, it’s the second most widely learned language globally and the official language in 29 countries. This vast presence makes learning French a valuable skill. Whether you’re looking to open professional doors in fields like diplomacy, international business, or education, or simply aiming to make international travel a lot smoother, speaking French can be a game changer.
So, you may have wondered, what would it take to become fluent in French? Could I do it in three months? The short answer is: maybe. Read on to learn more.
The Appeal of Fast Fluency
At ICLS, we receive countless inquiry forms from potential learners who express their wish for fast fluency. The language may vary, but the goals are often similar:
- “I want to become fluent quickly, I’m retiring to France.”
- “I want to blend in and speak about a variety of topics.”
- “I need to speak French for my job.”
The two recurring elements are a sense of urgency (usually in the form of "quickly, fast, in 3 months") and the desire for fluency. But here’s the thing: fluency is a slightly vague concept. At ICLS, when setting up language goals, we prefer to talk in terms of the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) levels, which offer a more specific and measurable way of assessing language proficiency.
Understanding the ILR Scale
The ILR scale, used by the U.S. government, breaks down language proficiency into specific levels, from 0 (no proficiency) to 5 (functionally native). This scale allows for clearer goal-setting than the nebulous idea of "fluency."
When government employees come to us, they often have the goal of reaching ILR 3. At this level, you can engage in conversations on a wide variety of topics, understand extended discourse, and even navigate professional environments with some ease.
How Long Will It Take to Reach ILR 3?
If you're a complete novice in French, we estimate the time it will take to reach ILR 3 based on the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) numbers. According to FSI, French is a Category I language, meaning it takes approximately 24-30 weeks (600-750 class hours) of full-time study to reach a professional level of proficiency.
Now, bear in mind that this is a range, not a fixed number. Why? Every learner is different. You might be highly motivated, or you might struggle with consistent study. You might have a knack for languages, or you might experience high levels of anxiety. Other factors like your exposure to the language outside of class, prior language learning experience, and cognitive load also play significant roles in determining your speed of acquisition.
To put this into perspective: 750 hours over 13 weeks would require roughly 57 hours of study per week. That’s a full-time job and some! At ICLS, a full-time learner typically studies 20 to 30 hours per week because pushing too much beyond that can lead to cognitive overload.
Can You Reach ILR 2+ in Three Months?
If you’re a fast and highly motivated learner studying with us full-time, and you receive individualized instruction, reaching ILR 2, maybe 2+ in three months could be within reach. At ILR 2+, you’ll be able to handle routine social situations, ask for information, talk about familiar topics, and understand basic conversations in French. You might still struggle with more complex topics or abstract discussions, but you'll be functional in everyday life.
Living in France — Will It Speed Up Learning?
Many people consider moving to France, thinking immersion will magically make them fluent. While living in France can help, it’s not necessarily a guarantee of success. First, it’s important to remember that it’s unrealistic to expect French people to stop what they’re doing to teach you the language. Second, if you arrive with no French skills and little understanding of the culture, it can be challenging to form friendships or engage in the types of conversations that will significantly advance your proficiency.
Final Thoughts: Can You Learn French in 3 Months?
So, can you learn French in three months? The answer is: you can learn a lot of French in three months! We see students make remarkable progress all the time at ICLS. But if you’re urgently seeking fluency in a language, it’s time to ditch Duolingo—it’s not going to cut it. Instead, pick a reputable language training school and be prepared to study full-time with dedicated instructors who can guide you toward your specific goals.
Ready to take the first step?
Contact ICLS today to discuss your French learning goals and create a personalized plan for success.
