“We don’t see language as an isolated entity — instead, we weave cultural context into the learning process”. Interview with AT Frenchies

Alexandre and Tom, known as AT Frenchies, are two best friends who dared to chase their dreams — and this amazing journey led them to connect people across borders while sharing the magic of the French language and culture. 

We asked Alexandre and Tom about their way to worldwide success, their way of seeing the world, and, of course, about their French learning platform.

Can you tell us more about your journey from Paris to the United States? How has it influenced your perspective on lifestyle and culture?

Alex: As 20-year-olds, moving across the Atlantic was crazy! Paris is amazing, like, everything’s walkable, fresh croissants every morning, and the cafés are buzzing all day. Initially, the transition was filled with excitement and curiosity about the new experiences that awaited us in the US. Here, things are just bigger — the cars, the houses, even the portions at restaurants! It took some getting used to not being able to just pop over to a friend’s place for a quick espresso. But you know what?  It’s also pretty cool. 

Tom: There’s this whole “can-do” attitude here that’s inspiring. People are always hustling, starting new things. Back home, it felt like things were more set in stone.  Here, there’s this sense that anything is possible, if you work hard enough. Also, the pace of life in the US is notably different from Paris. While Parisians are accustomed to a more relaxed pace with extended meal times and a strong emphasis on leisure, life in the US tends to be more fast-paced and driven by productivity. Adapting to this change has taught us the value of efficiency and time management, which are crucial aspects of American culture. So it’s definitely been a culture shock but in a good way. 

Alex: We miss our Parisian life sometimes, but we are also loving exploring this new place. I guess it made us realize that there’s more than one way to live life, and that’s pretty awesome.

AT Frenchies

How did your experience of studying, playing soccer, and immersing yourselves in a new culture shape your outlook on life and your career path?

Tom: Soccer was like the magic key that unlocked this whole American adventure for us! Back in Paris, we were juggling studies with playing competitively. Then, this amazing scholarship opportunity came up for student-athletes in the US. We knew it wouldn’t be easy, moving across the ocean and all, but soccer gave us the chance to chase a dream we wouldn’t have had otherwise. Landing in the US was a whirlwind. New culture, new language, new everything! But it pushed us way outside our comfort zone, which is a good thing, right?

Alex: I guess studying kept us on our toes, and soccer connected us with a whole new group of people. Then, when COVID hit, the world kind of went on hold, including sports. Stuck at home with all this extra time, we decided to share our experiences — the good, the bad, and the hilarious — on social media. That’s how AT Frenchies was born!

Tom: It all goes back to that soccer scholarship. Without it, we wouldn’t have been here, wouldn’t have met all these amazing people, and wouldn’t have had the push to start creating online. Looking back, it’s crazy how studying, soccer, and this whole new culture all came together to shape who we are and what we do. It definitely showed us that taking chances and embracing new experiences can lead to incredible things!

The global pandemic has changed the dynamics of how people connect. How did it impact your blogging journey and the content you create?

Alex: As we’ve said, COVID definitely threw a curveball at our social media journey with AT Frenchies. 

Travel on hold: We originally envisioned @atfrenchies as a platform to share our adventures exploring France and the US. With lockdowns and travel restrictions, those travel posts went on hold.

Shifting focus: We had to get creative! We started focusing more on day-to-day life as French people in America — the culture clashes, funny language mishaps, etc. We also tapped into the online community, collaborating with other creators and sharing tips for learning French.

Building a virtual connection: Honestly, COVID made us realize the power of online connection. Even though we couldn’t physically explore new places, we could still connect with people and share experiences virtually. It opened our eyes to the whole world of remote collaboration and storytelling.

Tom: Overall, the pandemic forced us to adapt our content, but it also opened new doors. We learned to be more creative storytellers and discovered the power of building a virtual community. It wasn’t exactly the blogging journey we planned, but it definitely pushed us to grow in unexpected ways!

AT Frenchies

Your decision to create a French learning platform amidst the pandemic is quite intriguing. What motivated you to delve into education, and how do you believe it fosters connection across borders?

Alex: The pandemic definitely played a big role in the birth of our French learning platform! Stuck at home with limited travel options, we realized the power of online connection more than ever. While @atfrenchies started as a way to share our experiences in the US, we saw a huge demand for French language learning content from our audience. 

Tom: We noticed a lot of existing French learning resources felt impersonal or a little dry. We wanted to create something that felt more fun and engaging, reflecting the real-life French culture we were sharing on AT Frenchies. Also, learning a language is about more than just grammar rules. It’s about connecting with a new culture and building bridges with people from different backgrounds. Our platform is designed to make learning French fun and interactive, hopefully sparking a desire to explore French culture and connect with Francophiles around the world.

Alex: The pandemic might have limited physical travel, but language learning can open so many virtual doors. Imagine connecting with someone in Paris over a shared love of croissants, or discussing a French movie with a classmate from Montreal — all thanks to the power of language! We believe that by making French learning accessible and engaging, we can help people build connections across borders and create a more global community.

French language and culture are rich and diverse. How do you ensure your platform captures the essence of authenticity and offers a genuine French experience to learners?

Alex: Absolutely! The richness and diversity of French language and culture are what drew us in from the start. Capturing that authenticity is our top priority when it comes to our platform. As native speakers, we record our videos and share cultural insights based on our experience. This ensures you’re learning directly from the source, getting the most accurate pronunciation and expressions used in everyday life. Ditching the textbook approach, we focus on real-life scenarios. Imagine yourself ordering a coffee at a Parisian cafe, navigating the bustling metro, or having a friendly chat with a local. By creating content that places you in these situations, you learn practical French you can use right away!

Tom: But French culture goes way beyond baguettes and the Eiffel Tower! We talk about regional variations, slang terms, pop culture references, and even humor. This keeps things interesting and reflects the vibrant tapestry of French language and culture across the country.

Alex: Learning a language is a journey, and it’s more enjoyable with company! Our platform fosters a sense of community where learners can connect, practice their French with each other, and share their experiences with the language.

Tom: Our goal isn’t just to teach grammar rules, but to immerse you in the culture and empower you to have real conversations with real people. It’s a journey, and with ATF, we hope to make it a fun and authentic one!

AT Frenchies

What challenges did you face in bridging the gap between language learning and cultural immersion, and how did you overcome them?

Alex: Bridging the gap between language learning and cultural immersion was a hurdle we had to jump when building our platform. Textbooks often paint a sterile picture of language, filled with grammar drills that feel like memorizing codes instead of the vibrant communication tool it truly is. 

Tom: Yeah, learning a language can feel isolating at times, like studying for a test instead of connecting with real people. We built a community aspect into our platform, allowing learners to connect, practice their French, and share their experiences. This interaction helps bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, fostering a more immersive experience.

Alex: Language is a living thing, and French culture is constantly evolving as well. We actively seek feedback from our followers and native speakers to ensure our videos stay up-to-date and reflect the current landscape. 

Collaboration is key in blogging. How do you complement each other’s strengths and perspectives in your work as a duo?

Tom: Collaboration is the lifeblood of our work at AT Frenchies. We wouldn’t be here without the way we balance each other out.

Alex: Think of me as the planner who dives deep into research and strategizes content. Tom is more the creative spark, overflowing with fresh ideas and unique approaches. It’s a perfect balance — my research brings his wild ideas to reality and his creativity keeps our content engaging.

Tom: Ha-ha, yes, but also creating content is a marathon, not a sprint. Luckily, we have each other as teammates. We brainstorm ideas together, divvy up the workload, and keep each other motivated. There are days when one of us might be feeling drained, and the other can pick up the slack. It’s a true team effort, allowing us to create more high-quality content than we ever could solo.

Alex: But I think most importantly, we both share a deep passion for everything French, and a love for connecting with people worldwide. This passion fuels our creativity and keeps us pushing each other to grow and improve.

Your platform emphasizes not just language acquisition but also delves into traditions and history. How do you curate content to strike a balance between linguistic proficiency and cultural understanding?

Tom: We don’t really see language as an isolated entity. Instead, we weave cultural context into the making of our videos. Imagine learning how to order a croissant at a café. We not only teach the vocabulary but also explain the history of the pastry, the etiquette of ordering, and maybe even a fun fact about a famous French chef. This approach helps learners understand the “why” behind the words, fostering a deeper understanding that goes beyond rote memorization.

Alex: Our platform isn’t just about passive consumption. We encourage interaction to solidify both language skills and cultural knowledge. This active engagement deepens understanding and makes learning more fun. It’s not just about memorizing facts, but about experiencing French culture firsthand.

AT Frenchies

Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring bloggers or entrepreneurs looking to carve their niche in the digital space, especially in the realm of lifestyle and education?

Tom: Carving your niche in the social media space, especially in the realm of lifestyle and education, requires a blend of passion, perseverance, and strategic thinking. 

Alex: The most important is that passion is the fuel. This is what will keep you going when the comments get tough and the views trickle in slowly. What are you genuinely excited to share with the world? For us, it was French language and culture, but it could be anything you light up talking about, from sustainable fashion to the secrets of a thriving vegetable garden. When you’re passionate about your niche, it infuses your content with an authenticity that resonates with your audience.

Tom: Definitely. It’s also key to do your research! Who are the existing voices in your chosen niche? Is there a specific perspective or angle missing from the conversation? We saw a need for French learning that was fun, engaging, and reflected the real, vibrant culture, not just dusty textbooks. Find the white space in your niche and tailor your content to fill it effectively.

Alex: Another thing is The digital world thrives on connection. Build a community around your niche, a place where people come together and feel like they belong. Interact with your followers, answer their questions, and encourage them to connect. This fosters a sense of belonging and keeps people coming back for more than just your content, but for the connections they make.

Tom: Building a successful online presence takes time and dedication. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t go viral overnight. Commit to creating high-quality content consistently, whether that’s daily, weekly, or monthly. This regular engagement keeps your audience hooked and shows them you’re in it for the long haul.

Alex: Be a lifelong learner. The digital world is like a rushing river, constantly evolving. Be open to learning new things, trying different formats, and adapting your approach based on audience feedback. What worked yesterday might need a refresh tomorrow, so stay flexible and keep your finger on the pulse of the latest trends.

Tom: Last but not least, have fun! If you’re not enjoying the process, it will show. Let your enthusiasm shine through your content, and that passion will be contagious. Building a successful online presence takes work, but it should also be a rewarding and enjoyable journey.

Alex: We believe that anyone with a passion and a good idea can carve their niche in the digital space. By following these tips and staying true to yourself, you can create a space that informs, inspires, and connects with a dedicated audience. So, bonne chance (good luck) with your social media adventures!