Teaching Testimonials
Rachel is such a magnificent teacher. She is very patient, friendly, and well-prepared for each class. I have been taking lessons with Rachel on and off for the past six years, having first met her at Alliance Française. She is by far my favorite teacher and I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking a French tutor.
- Britt Drouet
When I returned home from an immersion school in France in 2013, I wanted to keep my French alive. Rachel has been instrumental in making that happen, both in a group conversation setting and as a private tutor. She makes learning French enjoyable, comfortable (when you make inevitable mistakes!), and multi-dimensional with both cultural and language lessons. You're the best! 😊
- James Antonicic
I studied with Rachel at the Alliance Française at Chicago, at first simply to refresh my knowledge of French and the French culture, but I enjoyed her courses so much that I stayed with her for almost 5 years. Among the many courses I have taken, I especially liked her course, Salon des Arts. It focused on 19th and 20th-century art, but she wove into her lectures the historical and cultural heritage and monuments (such as Chartres Cathedral, the Palace of Versailles, the Arch of Triumph, the life of the artists and the demi-monde in Montmartre, or the legend of “Petites madeleines”) so that the world of art became vivid and meaningful. The course excited my imagination and renewed my love of art and poetry. She is truly an inspiring teacher. In her informal French conversation class, students could freely discuss French society, people, wines, cuisine, market, and other topics, and under her tutelage, we became great conversationalists. Finally, I should add that what I like the most about her class is that it is very French, and Rachel teaches with such style and elegance.
- Nobuko McNeill
Whether Rachel is teaching a class on art history, French culture or Paris, hors des sentiers battus (off the beaten path), you will be assured of an engaging, creative learning experience totalement en français. Rachel has an in-depth knowledge of her course content and methodology. She designs each class with the adult learner in mind; in addition, Rachel fosters a respectful exchange of perspectives between teacher and learner. The in-class activities are fun and the homework assignments (optional) are challenging as well as thought-provoking. High recommendations for this exceptional French instructor.
- Jeanne Lewin
I’ve been working with Rachel in group and individual lessons since 2018. She has a love for the French language and a gift for teaching. She uses this to her advantage to encourage students to think in French and improve their knowledge of French culture, grammar and history. Her classes are interesting, informative and offer a variety of different topics. She has a talent for guiding the conversation and correcting any grammar and/or pronunciation errors without losing the flow of the conversation. She is patient and gives clear explanations to my questions. I highly recommend Rachel if you want to make progress, enjoy learning about French culture all while improving your overall level of French.
- Elizabeth Ehmke
A million thanks for your wonderful patience and boundless enthusiasm and kindness - you made French come alive for me and gave me so much more confidence.
- Janice Baiden
Before I met Rachel, I never knew any French. She taught me how to say words and sentences. She always makes me think that learning French is fun.
I also think that she is kind, patient, and fun. I love having Rachel as my French teacher.
- Victoria, 7 years-old
Tour Testimonials
Wonderful trip. Thoughtfully curated by Rachel our superb tour leader. Culturally rich with delightful surprises would unlikely be experienced on other tours. (September 2018, bilingual tour, A journey through the backroads of the Loire Valley)
- Brian Burrow
Rachel Baker and her French team have put together a movable feast of incredible cultural and historical sites, such as Léonard de Vinci’s chateau at Amboise, as well as memorable explorations of wine and food from the Loire Valley. But even more importantly, French language learners, whether debutants or seasoned veterans, will benefit from the opportunities to practice their French in a supportive environment. I heartily recommend this unique travel experience that features both visits to well-known tourist attractions and meaningful interactions with local artisans, musicians, and writers.
(September 2018, bilingual tour, A journey through the backroads of the Loire Valley)
- Marcia Whitney-Schenck
Rachel, Yopo, and Zurg have put together a wonderful itinerary featuring a fine balance of the history and culture of the Loire Valley. From Neolithic dwellings and sites to modern-day poetry performance accompanied by local musicians, the trip brimmed with unique experiences. Featuring gastronomic adventures, music, dancing and walks among gardens and chateaux, it provides an unequaled insight into life in the valley throughout time. However, what makes this trip outstanding is the charm and personalities of our hosts who welcomed us into their homes and lives and feted us with music, poetry, food and wine and the gracious generosity of French hospitality. Even if your language skills are rusty, there is much to be gained from this excursion, not the least of which is a desire to learn enough to return to France with a deeper appreciation of her people and maybe some better skills the next time!
(September 2018, bilingual tour, A journey through the backroads of the Loire Valley)
- Charlie & Nancy McPike
The historical and cultural and gastronomic attractions of France are all available on these trips organized by Rachel Baker and Sandy Gaynor. Successive trips are always a new experience and there is always great ease of travel through the countryside. And there is nothing "touristy" about the trips. While souvenirs etc. are easily purchased, there are no stops at obvious tourist traps. More than that you can encounter the French in their daily commercial life and even try out your French if you're so inclined! We always return to the US feeling enriched.
(September 2017, Wine to Water: from Burgundy to Amsterdam, and Sept. 2018, 2015, and 2013 tours)
- John & Anne Rollo
