Sandrine Calabria is "professeur extraordinaire."It's not just that she has the patience of a saint, is full of good humor, and knows the language inside-and-out, but also that she has a gift for spotting "cognitive bugs" and figuring out how to address them. I have improved dramatically in all aspects of French since I began studying with her, from my pronunciation to my grammar. I recommend her with the greatest enthusiasm.

Professor S. M. Kosslyn" Harvard University

I have been taking lessons with Sandrine Calabria (off and on) for almost 7 years.  She is the rarest and most wonderful kind of teacher---enthusiastic, understanding, energetic, fun, informative, and highly professional.   She knows how to meet every student's individual needs, and how to inspire.  I have never once felt condescended to or judged.  The current class I am taking with her (reading and discussing contemporary and classical novels) is the highlight of my week.

Stephen McCauley, author

"I lived in France for a year but was too inhibited to master the language. Now, working with Sandrine Calabria and French in the City has opened up a new opportunity. From the beginning, Sandrine put me at ease and quickly demonstrated her considerable skills as a teacher. She is demanding, yet supportive; attentive to the smallest details of grammar and pronunciation, yet unfailingly encouraging. Her approach is a perfect match for me." 

 
Margaret Drain, Vice President National Programming WGBH

 My first lesson with Sandrine (conversational French) was scheduled to last an hour.   We ended up extending it to a five-and-a-half hour session.   Simply amazing!

  She provides the most intelligent and sensitive coaching in French language and culture.

  With her spectacular social events in the Ritz, the Four Seasons, and in excellent French restaurants, Sandrine also provides a critical link to French culture in Boston.

  Thanks to my sessions with Sandrine over the past three years, now each time I travel to France, my ease with the French language has been magnified by ten.

  Having studied three foreign languages, I can say that Sandrine is one of the most outstanding language teachers I’ve ever met.    She allows her students to work at their own pace – to enjoy the experience.

Harrison G. Slater, author, musicologist, pianist

The French in the City learning experience as provided by Sandrine, its founder, has been among the highest quality of language instruction I've enjoyed in any of the various institutions in which I've studied. It is not just the formal exercises and lessons, naturally tailored to the student's needs and goals, or the practical application of my studies during class or at one of the social events, all of which I enjoy, but also the genuine joy and love the instructor has for her native tongue and desire to share it that adds richness to the process and makes it a more engaging experience.

Robert D., Marketing and Technology Manager

I studied with two teachers through French in the City for the past year and a half .I had studied French in the past through other organizations and found French in the City to be far and away the best. Sandrine was extremely diligent in finding the appropriate teacher for our group, someone who could cater our sessions to the needs of the group. We have had two teachers, one from last year, Noelle and Xavier now. Both were innovative and constructive in a sincere and non-judgmental manner. Both encouraged our conversations and were sensitive to allowing everyone to have equal time. Both had a strong mastery of not only their native language, but of the grammar and the intricacies of teaching effectively. I would definitely recommend French in the City. Jacqueline Husid

I could not be more pleased with my lessons with Sandrine.  She is extremely professional, rigorous and well-organized, but always supportive, cheerful and kind as well -- a perfect combination.  Her intelligence and curiousity keep
conversation lively and diverse, and make learning even the intricacies of French grammar as painless as it can be.

David Blumenthal, MD    

“Sandrine is able to combine effective and enjoyable language instruction with a wonderful insight into French culture and attitudes.  She is an exceptional teacher and ambassador for France.”

Skip Stearns

"Sandrine Calabria is a gifted professor who is both supportive and challenging.  Because of Sandrine’s excellent instruction my ability to read, write and speak French has improved dramatically.  She enriches our weekly sessions with vivid insights into French culture, history, and politics, which is a bit of heaven for a Francophile like me."
Mary Ann Livingston, writer

I am continuing to learn and progress in my French language skills under Xavier's excellent tutorage.  I have the convenience of learning at home and the benefit of having my classes tailored to my individual needs.

Diane Bourque

"I've been studying with Sandrine for over two years now. Not only are my lessons helpful in building my French vocabulary, grammar knowledge, speaking and listening skills- every class is a joy. Sandrine really invests time getting to know her students so she can personalize the instruction to their level and interests. In addition to getting insider perspectives on French culture, history and current events, I've learned many colloquial phrases that make all the difference in perfecting a language."

-Annaliza Nieve

Senior Writer/Producer
WCVB-TV

I have been meeting regularly with Sandrine since 2001 for practice and instruction in conversational French. She is an excellent teacher, extremely patient and committed to helping her students achieve their goals. Our hour of conversation is one of the highlights of my week.
Kristin LaCroix

Sandrine knows what you need, what you prefer, and that middle ground in what you can tolerate!  She is utterly charming and always perfectly prepared.  This combination makes every lesson both educational and fun.  I intend to continue taking lessons from Sandrine for as long as she plans to keep giving them.
-- BA, an associate dean at Harvard University

I am very fortunate to have Sandrine as my French instructor.  Not only do I consider her a good friend, but a great instructor who gently corrects my strong Boston accented French.  Our lessons seem to fly, learning a new language has never been more fun. And I'm actually speaking French! She's the best.

Sharon Bazarian, Photographer

French in the City is a fantastic company.  The lessons are tailored to meet each individual student's needs and are very thorough.  My French has improved enormously since taking lessons with Sandrine!"

Bonnie.

I have studied with Sandrine for over three years and have vastly improved my French.  You can listen and read on your own, but you need a tutor to practice speaking.  Sandrine makes you feel comfortable and supports all your efforts- we all need that!   John Bonasera, DMD