Meet Our French Teachers: Judith Eya-Obame and Cédric Chaudré

L’Alliance New York offers immersive French language classes for every age and aptitude level at both our Manhattan and Montclair campuses, and all our teachers are native speakers. We think they’re pretty great, but we don’t expect you to take our word for it! Which is why we’re kicking off an interview series to tell you a bit more about our educators, so that as you search for your perfect class (Virtual or in-person? Workshop or private lesson? General, cultural, or skill-strengthening?), you can also find just the right instructor. Each Q&A will highlight two French teachers we think you should get to know. For our inaugural feature, read on to learn about Judith Eya-Obame and Cédric Chaudré.

What’s your background with the French language and how did you arrive at teaching French?

Judith: I was born in Paris and studied Economics and Management at Grenoble University of Social Sciences. I graduated with a degree in Personnel Management and Social Relationships in Enterprises. I was working at Grenoble City Hall when I then decided to take a leave of absence to come to New York for a year to improve my English. I ended up staying after finding opportunities to teach French. I obtained the DAEFLE, which led me to teach at L’Alliance New York.

Cédric: I am originally from Nancy, France and I have a master’s degree in Applied Linguistics.

What French classes do you teach at L’Alliance? Do you teach in New York, Montclair, or both?

Judith: I teach all levels, from children to adults, and I work exclusively at L’Alliance New York’s Manhattan Campus.

Cédric: I teach in both New York and Montclair. This session, I’m teaching at the B1 level and C1 levels.

What’s your favorite thing about being a French teacher at L’Alliance? 

Judith: It allows me to interact with a diverse audience coming from all over the world. Additionally, the educational resources available to us and the training we have access to enable us to continually improve and thus provide high-quality teaching. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better place than L’Alliance to practice this profession, a passion that has continued to grow over the years.

Cédric: I think it is the diversity of students and the support we receive from the team at L’Alliance.

What sets L’Alliance apart from other language schools?

Judith: L’Alliance New York offers multi-disciplinary programming compared to other language schools. It’s not just about its longevity and reputation. The location and the environment surrounding L’Alliance New York also contribute to its uniqueness. It is nestled in the heart of an area that represents the cultural, dynamic, and elegant essence of New York. Additionally, L’Alliance offers a variety of learning options to students, advocates for inclusive values, and organizes year-round cultural events dedicated to French culture.

Cédric: I would say L’Alliance is a piece of France in New York City. You have the classes, the library, the art, the cultural events. It is a lot more than just a language institute.

What’s a favorite breakthrough moment you’ve witnessed from a student?

Judith: I had my 7-10-year-old students write and translate their own haïku and illustrate it. I was amazed when each presented; their ideas were full of emotion. Then it was the turn of a student who always says she can’t do it. Although I often encourage her to try, she remains resistant to creative art activities. She struggled to explain her haïku to me and was overwhelmed by the impatience of her classmates. During a snack break, she came to show me the draft of her three lines. I was astonished. She was overjoyed with the result. I didn’t miss the chance to tell her how proud I was of her and, of course, the rest of the class. I was pleased with this collective success, and even more so, with having given them the opportunity to discover their poetic souls.

Cédric: I remember before the pandemic, I had two students who started in my class at the beginner level (A1). They continued their learning journey all the way to advanced classes (B2). And now they speak French so well! It made me proud to have helped them reach their goals and to hear them speak French.  

What’s your favorite French word or phrase, and why?

Judith: “When there’s a will, there’s a way” (Quand on veut, on peut). It’s a phrase that promotes determination and willpower. It’s true that it might make one believe that anything is possible. But when you make an effort, it can prove to be fruitful. In case of failure, it’s not a big deal—that’s life. You have to keep moving forward.

Cédric: Kiffer. It’s slang for “to like” or “to love”. The word is of Arabic origin. I think its sonority expresses its meaning perfectly. 

What’s your favorite French-speaking location to visit, and why?

Judith: It depends on what I am looking for. As someone passionate about literature, my favorite place is Manhattan’s Albertine Books, which offers an impressive collection of French-language books as well as translations from French into English. Its beautiful reading room also hosts literary discussions and other cultural events. My second choice is the Barawine restaurant in Harlem, a place where French speakers and Francophiles meet. You can listen to jazz, enjoy shows, and savor a delicious raclette.

Cédric: I like to go to Buvette in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village because a friend of mine works there. I like to go there for lunch and speak French.

Some rapid-fire favorites—what is your favorite French… Food? Film? Book? Musician? Artist?

Judith: Food: Quiche and salad. Film: Lupin (the series with actor Omar Sy). Books: Les Trois Mousquetaires by Alexandre Dumas and L’Amant by Marguerite Duras. Musician: Charles Gounod. Artist: France Gall.

Cédric: Food: Leek and goat cheese quiche (I am from the Lorraine region). Film: De Battre mon coeur s’est arrêté by Jacques Audiard. Book: King Kong Théorie from Virginie Despentes. Musician: La Femme. Artist: JR (whose interactive work was recently featured at L’Alliance’s 2024 Bastille Day celebration). 

Until our next installment of Meet Our French Teachers, you can learn more about our educators and browse our French classes. Questions? This FAQ page should answer them, or you can call us in Manhattan at 212-355-6100 or Montclair at 973-783-0507.