Feel Uncomfortable, Learn More: Why My Lessons Are 100% in the Target Language

Why is everything in English or French?

From the very first lesson with me, everything is in the language you're learning. For some students, this can feel shocking—or even scary. I’ve heard many say:

“It’s not possible to do 100% of the class in English or French!”

Or even:

“Wouldn’t it be easier to explain in both languages?”

But here’s the truth: you already speak your native language. You don’t need more French if you’re French. You don’t need more English if you’re American. What you need is maximum exposure to the new language. That’s how our brains absorb and adapt. That’s how we learn.

Discomfort means growth

In language learning, discomfort is not a bug. It’s a feature. If you feel confused, lost, or frustrated, don’t worry—that’s exactly where you’re supposed to be. The real enemy is comfort. Comfort means you’re not growing.

Let me say this clearly:

If you don’t feel uncomfortable, you’re probably not learning enough.

Think about how babies learn to speak. They sound “wrong” all the time. They make weird noises. They fail constantly.

But do they stop? No. They keep going. Because failure and confusion are not bad—they’re signs that learning is happening.

So, go ahead: Feel like a baby. Feel ridiculous. Feel “stupid.” And then keep going anyway.

That’s how you build confidence.

Yes, I switch languages… but only when it helps you

Sometimes a student gets really stuck. A grammar concept just won’t click. Or a vocabulary word is completely unfamiliar. When that happens, yes—I switch to your native language, briefly and intentionally. But I do it because it's pedagogically useful, not because it’s easier.

Learning a language is like going to the gym

Some students I only see once a week. And that’s OK—if they’re active learners the rest of the week. But let’s be honest: if you go to the gym once a week and sit on a machine for 30 minutes, you won’t see progress. Watching other people work out on Instagram doesn’t help either.

What matters is intensity and frequency. You need to use your muscles—your language muscles—again and again. Short, intense, regular workouts are better than long sessions once in a while.

Same with English or French.

Be honest with yourself

I always tell my students:

If now isn’t the right time to learn a language, that’s OK. But don’t start a project you can’t commit to. Language learning requires energy, time, and attention. Doing it “a little” or “when you feel like it” won’t lead to results. It only leads to frustration.

It’s better to say, “Not now,” than to invest time and money into something you’re not truly ready for.

The most important work happens during the lesson

It’s not about me. It’s not about the method. What matters most is what you do with the time we have together. If you show up ready to think, reflect, speak, and try—even if you make mistakes—you’ll improve. If you wait for me to explain everything to you like a school teacher, you won’t.

You have to be an active learner.

Want more support?

I created a free online course called “My English Immersion Journey”  to help learners build habits, stay motivated, and measure their immersion. You can read more and join the course here: 👉 https://www.james-b.com/en/post/take-my-english-immersion-journey-course