Most of us have learned a bit of French at school so we will have some grounding in the language. There are over 75 million native French speakers worldwide and many millions more speak it as their second language. If you would like to improve your French language skills in either France or abroad, view our guide to find your perfect course.
Top Rated Courses
Learn French in Montpellier
• 1-12 weeks
• Prices from €180
Why should I learn French?
French is the official language in France, Luxembourg, Haiti, Vanuatu and over 15 African countries, such as Senegal, Mali, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire and the Seychelles. It is also spoken in parts of Canada, Belgium and Switzerland and is the second language of people in Vietnam, Cambodia, Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria, among others.
French is also the official language of the United Nations, NATO, The International Red Cross, the International Olympic Committee and The European Economic Community.
Where is the best place to go?
With so many French speaking countries to choose from, you don’t just have to cross the channel to learn French, there are plenty of other places to go. It all really depends on what you want from your gap year and how you want to use your new language.
If your main aim is to become absolutely fluent in French and perfect this language of love, then your best bet is probably to head to France, the French part of Belgium or Switzerland or Luxembourg. The best way to learn fast is to immerse yourself completely into the French culture. Stay with a French speaking family in a homestay or get a job as an au-pair and live with a French family. Get yourself enrolled in some French classes as well.
If you are strong willed and promise yourself that you won’t keep reverting to English, then Québec in Canada is a great option as there are so many native French speakers there. You could even combine your language learning here with getting a working holiday visa, now re-named, the International Experience Canada. If you are between the ages of 18 and 35, you are eligible to work in Canada for one year.
If you want to get off the beaten track, why not try Senegal? Senegal is a beautiful country in West Africa with stunning beaches, its culture is vibrant and people are friendly and fun-loving. Combine your language learning with travelling around this stunning country, visiting its cultural towns, deserts and lush tropical forests. Or you could combine it with volunteering in a number of different African countries.
How should I go about it?
Wherever you decide to go you should enrol yourself in some French classes to get a basic grounding in the language first. Your interaction with locals, host families or children will enhance this knowledge. Do some research to find the best French schools in the areas you want to go to.
Here are a few recommendations and suggestions to get you started:
France – There are many schools in France and many places in France to choose from. For the culture, the glitz and the glamour your obvious choice is Paris. Try the Accord Language School. For the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle and natural surroundings, go to Provence. A good language school is the IS Aix-en-Provence. View our tips for visiting France on a budget if you are worried about money being an issue.
Canada – Montréal is a great option if you are heading to Canada, it’s full of culture, great museums, and pumping nightlife as well as International festivals, such as the Montréal International Jazz festival. Try the GEOS Language Academy there. Or you could try the buzzing city of Toronto, the cultural and entertainment capital of Canada. Check out the ILCS – Canada, who offer classes in both Toronto and Montréal.
Africa (Senegal) – Projects Abroad can provide you with information and opportunities to study French and volunteer in several French speaking African countries. Tostan provide volunteer opportunities in West Africa and can also help you find language classes.
Mais qu’est-ce que tu fais alors? Apprends!