I want to go to France to learn French..?

Question

I'm 15, and in the Easter holidays next year I'd like to go on a language course in France for 1 or 2 weeks to learn French. I need somewhere that's reasonably cheap, and I like the idea of Nice, but I'm not fussy about the place. I've been looking around on google, but many places are either 16+ or they're only in the summer.
Do you know of anywhere good?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Frankly you would be best not enrolling for a course. Even at that time of year you will find a bunch of courses in big cities, many for business people and so on but I don't think it would be a good experience. Just go stand outside a commercial language school in London or somewhere and you will see what I mean - cheapo courses for lots of money. These are likely to be commercial courses with a cost to match.

If you don't mind me saying, at 15 it is a big step to spend time alone in France. It is why you aren't allowed to enroll - people are worried about you! Not saying you shouldn't just that it is something to think about and you might want to accept a level of supervision. I went at 17 and it was excellent but retrospectively, it was mind-blowing.

So personally, I would look at some semi-independent travel. Approach a school or college in France and ask to stay with a family or something. Offer to be an "holiday au pair". Say that you will be happy to teach a French kid English if they will teach you English. Some volunteering places (so archeological digs or restoration projects) might take you at 15 but I doubt it. Whatever you do, check it out before you go to make sure you don't get some weirdo at the other end.

In my experience, learning a foreign language is best done by cutting off access to your own language. I am sure that you get plenty of organised grammer at school (or at least you could) so use that. Use your Easter for a holiday where you sit at a cafe, drink a glass of wine and smoke gitanes talking about existentialism. Or whatever.

As to location, Nice is fine. If heat is what you want, at that time of year go to the med. The rest of the south doesn't heat up until summer.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Great advice, thank you very much!