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HOW TO CHOOSE A PROGRAM

Determine your objectives

The key to a successful trip is determining your objectives and finding a good program to match. Here are the basic things to think about before you start looking at schools.

Know what you want to accomplish

Gilles Guéguin, director of CIEL de Brest based in Brittany, says that everything depends on your objective. Do you want to become fluent? If so, it will take more than a few weeks. Do you want to be able to hold your own at a dinner party? Look for conversation courses. Do you want to improve your writing? Make sure there is a focus on grammar. Are you a beginner? Certain schools have specific beginner classes, sometimes on specific dates. Do you want to study different things in addition to French? Many schools offer cooking or art classes, too. Some have business language options. Are you looking for a great way to spend some time in France? If so, then the sky’s the limit.

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Know how much time you have

You’ve decided to take a year off? Then you’ll have plenty of time to learn all those quirky expressions and make French friends along the way. Look to universities or other long-term programs. Or, if you have the travel bug, consider doing a few shorter courses in different locations. But remember, you’ll need a long-term visa if you stay more than three months. You have a few weeks or even a month or two to travel? You’ll be able to improve what you already know and make progress in leaps and bounds. Look for schools with flexible schedules.

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Know how much money you have

You can learn on the cheap or in five-star accommodations. Don’t let cost deter you. Just make sure you know what the costs will be before you start. Scholarships are available for certain types of trips. Check with your university, alma mater or local organizations such as Rotary International.

Know how much guidance you need

If you are a beginner, you will probably want a school that can help you from A to Z. If you have more experience, a little more independence and free time might be in order.

Know what location appeals to you

Are you a beach bum? Look to the coasts. Snow bunny? Grenoble and other locations in the Alps are good destinations. Avid hiker? Try the Pyrénées or the Alps. Wine aficionado? You can go just about anywhere. Play to your strengths and passions. France has something for everyone. It is important to strike the right balance between school programs and possible locations. Paris is a wonderful, cosmopolitan city, where you’re not likely to feel you stand out as a foreigner. But keep in mind that more people speak English there, and many will want to practice it on you. Remember that France has lots of other great cities that offer fascinating cultural events all year long. Consider Lyon, Rennes, Marseille, Toulouse, Montpellier, Nice and Strasbourg, among others. Smaller towns and villages in the countryside also have innumerable charms and wonderful people to help you on your way.

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Know what kind of living situation you want

This is a determining factor in the success of your trip. Staying in a French home is a great way to make connections and speak French all the time. You will truly be immersed. Are you shy? A home-stay will force you to speak French. If you plan to stay for an extended period of time, you might consider roommates or an apartment, giving you more flexibility to have a dinner party with your new French friends, for example. Language programs offer all sorts of solutions.