English (UK) 
Русский (RU) 
简体中文(中国) «Anyone can become better at what they love»
This statement belongs to Celine Annick Sandra Groult, a Frenchwoman who studies the Russian language at the Center of Additional Educational Programs in the field of Russian as a Foreign Language at St Petersburg University. In her interview, Celine shares her passion for the Russian language and talks about how learning the language opens new horizons and shapes an understanding of the culture. Discover what inspired Celine to study Russian and which moments of her learning experience stood out the most!
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am 41 years old, I am French, and I live near Paris. I was born in Normandy, in Mont- Saint-Michel. In Russian, this name translates to "the mountain of Saint Michael." It is a small rocky island with a fortress on the northwest coast of France.
I have been working as a flight attendant since 2007. I have always worked for French airlines. Previously, I worked on long-haul flights—traveling to French islands, such as Réunion in the Indian Ocean. Now I work on medium-haul flights: to other European countries and the Mediterranean.
Currently, studying the Russian language is my hobby. However, I hope that soon more Russian people will travel on our flights, and I will be able to use my knowledge in my work.
How did you come to study the Russian language? What do you find most interesting about learning the Russian language and culture?
I really enjoy studying foreign languages. Besides French and Russian, I speak English and Spanish.
When I was 15 years old and finishing middle school (the second stage of school education in France), we were introduced to the Russian language and asked who would like to study it. I already loved foreign languages at that time, and I found the idea very appealing. Throughout all three years in lyceum (the third stage of school education in France), I studied Russian.
For me, mastering a language means opening up to its people. I admire the character of the Russian people. To me, you, Russians, are disciplined. I appreciate this quality.
Why did you decide to study in St. Petersburg? Why did you choose the Center of Additional Educational Programs in the field of Russian as a Foreign Language at St Petersburg University for learning Russian?
I was in St. Petersburg three years ago. Together with a guide, I visited many attractions: of course, the Hermitage, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, the Vasilievsky Island Spit, the Mariinsky Theatre, the Fabergé Museum… I really enjoyed this trip, and I decided that I would definitely come back.
In France, I study with a Russian language teacher from St. Petersburg. When I mentioned that I wanted to practice Russian during my vacation, she found and recommended your Center.
You are studying in an advanced group. What aspects of Russian language proficiency did you want to improve? Have you reached your goal?
I really like the Russian language. I am interested in everything about it. I would like to master it perfectly.
Sometimes, when Russians speak very quickly, I find it difficult to understand them. The most useful part of the course for me is the speaking practice. I especially remember the exercise about habits. We shared our good and bad habits in small groups, and then we had to tell everyone about each other. We needed to understand and remember who said what… It was quite challenging but very interesting.
We also work on grammar, reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This contributes to a well-rounded progress in language proficiency. Writing exercises are necessary for improving the quality of spoken language. I often write words and sentences, and this helps me. We always try to answer questions immediately: when we think too much, it creates a barrier.
I am very grateful to the teachers and happy to meet other students who love the Russian language as much as I do. It is a true joy for me to be here.
Do you have any advice for foreigners who are just starting their journey in learning the Russian language?
Of course. It is important to remember that anyone can improve in what they love. Sometimes everyone faces difficulties in understanding, writing, and speaking. The main thing is to keep going. I strive for perfection but try not to forget that challenges are an important part of the journey.
For example, yesterday I was in a restaurant, and the waiter offered me the menu in English. I immediately declined. For me, it is important not to use other languages in Russia. Even if this causes difficulties, I am here to overcome them.
Speaking of more practical advice, you should work on the Russian language a little bit every day on your own, find your teacher, and take courses at the Center of Additional Educational Programs in the field of Russian as a Foreign Language at St Petersburg University. I hope that next year I will be able to spend my vacation here again.