[sersi]

In my experience with other languages (can't say for French since that's my native language), it's normal. I'd say that for someone at your level who has extensive vocabulary and good reading comprehension, just staying a month or two in France would be enough for you to get to the point where you wouldn't have issues understanding French speakers speaking normally.

Also, once you do understand French speakers, you might not understand other accents. For example, even as a native French speaker, I struggle with Québécois.

[jgwil2]

As an English speaker who learned French, Spanish, and German I'd say that of the three, French has the biggest gap between written, formal language and spoken language, especially in informal contexts (e.g. conversation among friends and family). I would also say that for all languages, reading comprehension and and listening comprehension are two different but complementary skills.

[908B64B197]

Takes time to get used to any accent.

Americans struggle in Ireland for instance. Or people from the northeast once they get to Louisiana.