DELF and DALF are prestigious French diplomas, valid for life. Exams value structured ideas and precise expression over fancy vocabulary, often focusing on France, culture, and social issues. Preparation can include courses, books, journals, and AI-assisted writing, but hand-writing remains key. Certificates aren’t just trophies—they prove your skills to employers and institutions. Pursue a diploma to mark progress; communication, not literary genius, is the ultimate goal.

Struggling with unpaid invoices, war anxieties, and the harsh realities of life as an Iranian expat in Italy, I’m fighting to stay afloat—through language exams, job hunts, and bureaucratic battles. Here’s a raw look at my darkest days and the faint light pushing me forward.