Meet Our French Teachers: Odin Lardin and Yasmine Hassani

This latest installment of L’Alliance New York’s “Meet Our French Teachers” focuses on two outstanding language educators. As you know from our inaugural feature, this ongoing series will help you learn more about the native speakers leading our Manhattan and Montclair campus French language classes, which cater to all ages and aptitude levels. In this piece, we’re diving into the pop culture loves, French roots, and student breakthroughs of Odin Lardin and Yasmine Hassani. Allons-y!

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

Odin: French is my native language—I pursued a bachelor’s degree in French literature, where I deepened my knowledge of the language and discovered other fascinating fields like dramatic arts and film studies. I then completed a master’s degree to become a French language and literature teacher. After a few years teaching middle and high school in France, I moved to NYC, where I’m now teaching French as a foreign language and am absolutely loving it!

Yasmine: French is my mother tongue, and I’ve always had a passion for its richness and beauty. I arrived at teaching French through a combination of my love for the language and a desire to share it with others. 

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

Odin: In New York, I teach group classes for adults of all levels who want to learn French, and I also offer a special course on Francophone cinema called Netflix & French. Plus, I provide private lessons for all ages and levels.

Yasmine: I teach various French classes at L’Alliance, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. My focus is primarily on adult learners. 

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

Odin: I love so many things about L’Alliance, from the active learning approach for language acquisition to the richness and diversity of interactions with students.

Yasmine: The community! The cultural exchanges and the genuine interest in the language and culture create a vibrant and dynamic learning environment.

What sets L’Alliance apart from other language schools?

Odin: To really master a language, understanding its culture is just as important. L’Alliance is perfect for this, offering an environment where you can learn French while being immersed in its culture. With an impressive array of theater performances, film screenings, and access to a diverse collection of Francophone literature in their library, it’s a fantastic place to enhance your language learning experience!

Yasmine: The commitment to cultural immersion and excellence in language instruction. We provide a comprehensive approach that goes beyond traditional classroom teaching, incorporating cultural events, workshops, and real-life experiences that enrich the learning process. The supportive and passionate community of educators and learners also makes a significant difference! 

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

Odin: It’s always a pleasure to hear back from students after their trip to a Francophone country, especially when they’ve been able to order food or have conversations with the locals. But what I love the most is having a conversation entirely in French with students who started their learning journey with me. I’m so proud of them! 

Yasmine: Just last week, one of my students emailed me from Paris with the most amazing news: he was able to communicate and felt confident enough to speak French with locals. It was a joyous moment knowing that my teaching helped him navigate and connect in a new language, right in the heart of France!

 

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

Odin: The word librairie is a fun example of a “false friend.” In French, it means “bookstore,” but in English, it actually means “library” (bibliothèque). I find it so fascinating how words can change meaning across languages! 

Yasmine: C’est la vie. This simple phrase means “that’s life”—I can teach a lot using these four little words because so many people already know it! 

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

Odin: I cherish my native Normandy, and the region has much to offer. The enchanting medieval city of Rouen with its rich cultural scene, charming seaside villages filled with blooming flowers, and a lot of delicious foods—from fresh oysters to the famous Camembert cheese!

Yasmine: Bordeaux, my hometown! It holds a special place in my heart with its stunning architecture, deep history, food, and world-renowned wine culture.

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

Odin: Food: It may be a bit of a cliché, but honestly, nothing beats the simple pleasure of a really good croissant! Film: Les Parapluies de Cherbourg by Jacques Demy. Book: Les Armoires Vides by Annie Ernaux. Musician: Alex Beaupain. Artist: Agnès Varda.

Yasmine: Food: Le croque monsieur. Film: La Haine. Book: L’arabe du Futur by Riad Sattouf. Musician: Aya Nakamura (featured in a recent L’Alliance Recommends piece). Artist: Camille Claudel.

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.