Innovating is not about adding technology, it is about recreating spaces where people talk

A new English school, My English School, has opened in Nice to help locals improve their oral expression skills, which is a weak point in the region, according to a recent study.

The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region is a major international hub for tourism, luxury commerce, and the Sophia Antipolis technopole. Despite this, the English language proficiency in Nice is ranked 22nd out of 27 major French cities for adults. This is a concern, as France ranks 49th globally, with a notable weakness in oral expression.

To address this issue, a new training center, My English School, opened its doors on March 23 at 21 rue de la Buffa in the heart of the Carré d’Or. The network, already established in several French cities, focuses on an immersive and practice-oriented pedagogy to help learners overcome their language barriers.

The school’s approach emphasizes oral communication to help students gain confidence in speaking English. Classes are conducted in small groups, with debates, thematic workshops, and professional simulations to encourage exchanges in a supportive environment. The goal is to create an environment where learners can practice without fear of judgment, as explained by Deborah Guillotin, the president of My English School France.

The success of this method is evident in testimonials from students like Laura Kadi and Leandro Martin Carrizo, who both praise the immersive learning experience at My English School. The pedagogical quality is overseen by Fabio Grandi, a key figure in the network, who ensures that trainers are native speakers and certified.

The new 200m² center in Nice is designed as a friendly meeting space with six training rooms, iconic red armchairs, and informal discussion areas to foster connections among professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and retirees. The courses, available to individuals and businesses, can be funded through the Personal Training Account (CPF).

The community aspect is a crucial element of the school’s philosophy, creating a supportive environment for learning and building a sense of belonging among students. The project in Nice is led by a team of entrepreneurs who are dedicated to the school’s mission and have plans for further expansion in France.

My English School started in France in 2018, and despite the challenges of the Covid crisis, the network has grown to nine centers across the country. The goal is to open more centers in cities like Montpellier and Strasbourg, with a vision to reach 60 centers nationwide by 2035, emphasizing internal promotion and collective success.