A language residential in France for a middle aged woman!

[Greenfinger555]

Hi,

I'm hoping someone can help me do something worthwhile with a child free week.

I've got a week free in August, so have been looking at budget friendly holidays. I'll be travelling alone and don't want to feel lonely, so came up with the idea of some sort of residential language course in France. I've always wanted to improve my French. Has anyone done anything like this before, or can anyone recommend anywhere? I'm early 40s. Thanks in advance

Following as I was wondering the exact same thing!

Can’t help with France but I did a two week residential course in northern Italy some years ago. All the participants stayed in local people’s homes and lessons took up half the day, with the rest free. Several activities and trips were included - cookery, group meals, trips to Assisi and other places.

Classes were held in a beautiful historic building and you were assigned to a class after a brief test. No pressure, generally fun, international students of every age, from teens to pensioners. And total immersion meant I did learn a lot.

There must be countless similar set ups in France - and I’d say it would be ideal for a solo holiday maker.

That sounds absolutely perfect! I'd love something like that! Thanks😀

That’s a lovely idea OP, a quick online check suggests there are a few options, go for it!

In the 90s I chose mine from a book of international residential language courses.

Now you’ll find an infinite number via Google - so I hope some other posters can offer personal recommendations to narrow the field.

I have a friend who goes to one in Montpellier and says it’s really good

There are so many options out there. I think the ideal one would be a mix of lessons and activities, and staying with a host family. Feeling rather excited about it now...and also slightly doubtful about my linguistic abilities- it's been over 25 years since I studied French!🙈. Thanks for the replies- it's made me think that I can actually do it!😁

My only caution would be that all the decent places will be not only fully booked for August but will have long waiting lists if any places become free at the last minute. (You did mean this year?)

Oh wow this sounds really exciting ! Good luck and keep us updated.

You have inspired me @Greenfinger555I’ve just filled in an online language test for a French school in the Rhone valley!!

Yes- it's all a bit last minute...story of my life! There's a site called Lingoo, I think, that sets you up with individual hosts, but not sure if they are linked to any language school. Mugsandplates, I think I've just sent off for info on the Montpellier one, so that's really helpful 👍

There’s also one in the alps you could try….https://alpinefrenchschool.com

I did one in Montpellier years ago too. It was found/funded by the company that I worked for.

gettingbacktobeingmeagain
I just saw you'd applied! Well done! I'll have a look at that one.

Following as my 17yo DD's French exchange has just fallen through. Wondering if one of these recommendations might work...