I completed French 1,2,3 then visited France for two weeks. The CD's helped but I have a long way to go to get a useful command of French. I could read the tourist signs and when I spoke I usually could be understood. But I must point out that I received supplemental instruction in pronunciation while I used the CD's. Comprehending spoken French was very difficult. When I spoke to a French person who teaches English she said that comprehending a spoken language is always the most difficult part of using a new language. It is also difficult to do when you are not living in France. But I have decided to continue using the CD's. The Fluenze CD's are useful because they make learning so convenient. But I will also continue to get supplemental instruction in pronunciation and find something to listen to for increasing my comprehension.