HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF IT

While You're There

©MonkeyBusiness - Fotolia.com

Conversation Starter

To break the ice, Amy Loth recommends brushing up on politics. The French are very aware of current events and love to talk about it. People will jump at the chance to hear your perspective, and political fluency just might lead to fluency in French as well.

So you've done all your homework and packed your bags! Now you're ready to go. Here are our tips for getting the most out of your stay.

BE PROACTIVE

Raise your hand in class. Chat with your teachers and classmates during coffee breaks in French. Remember that everyone is learning and teachers are there to help. So take advantage of the time to practice. Colette Samwells of ELFCA said that shy students are never left behind. If you are shy, practice a few sentences ahead of class. Seek out the other international students and have French be your common language. It might be comforting to commiserate with your fellow Anglophones, but try and find those who are as committed as you to speaking French.

Outside the classroom, make it a point to speak French. Chat with your waiter. If you are going to cook, go to the local cheese shop and ask the fromager for advice. They are always happy to oblige. When you go to the grocery store or the market, force yourself to talk directly to the butcher rather than quietly taking a pre-packaged product. Invite friends out for a drink. Get a haircut. It's hard to stay mute during those interactions. Run errands during slow periods of the day so that vendors aren't rushed and can spend time with you. If you make an effort, they will, too.

Think about joining a club. It doesn't matter how long you stay, you can still check out the different groups and associations. For example, a hiking club might organize an outing open to everyone. Many will let you sit in on a couple sessions. Ask your program or go to the mairie (town hall) to see what's out there. If you're there for a few months, consider becoming a member, but budget for a possible registration fee. Sharing your interests with others is one of the best ways to break the ice and form lifelong relationships.

BE POLITE, À LA FRANÇAISE

A top tip from Loth: Everyday French life requires more formality than in America. Saying Bonjour, Madame or Bonjour, Monsieur when you enter a store or board a bus will smooth over any interaction. Even if you didn't buy anything, it's polite to say Merci, Madame/ Monsieur. Au revoir to the salesperson. Cultivating these little exchanges will pave the way to cultural fluency.

REPEAT, REPEAT, REPEAT

This is how children do it, and it is the surefire way to remember. When you understand a word or a sentence, repeat it back to yourself. Find a way to use it again. Keep a vocabulary journal.

RELAX

Take it easy on yourself! Learning a language is hard at any age. You'll get tired, but that's because you're learning so much. Rest, eat right and drink plenty of water. You can do this and do it well. Take it all in and enjoy your time in one of the most beautiful countries in the world!