I would like to study French in France this February. It looks as though the majority of programs are geared toward twenty-somethings as evidenced by brochure pictures and activities. I am not looking for a Senior program where you learn to cook or something else. I am just trying to find a program where I may not be the only person over 50. Does anyone have any suggestions or, even better, some first hand experience? Thank you so very much.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
I took a week-long "language bath" in Belgium. French wasn't the language I studied, but they offer it, and the same company operates at least one branch in France, somewhere in Provençe. My group varied in ages from early 20s to 50s, with the average age probably being mid-30s. It seems that most customers use this school for business-level fluency (my goal as well). I wrote a long summary of my experience under the "Trip Report" section, and if you're interested, I can bump it up so you can find it easily. If you want to know the name of the company, send me a private message.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10621 posts
How about the Alliance Francaise on Blvd. Raspail in Paris. Being so large and established, it has many levels and serves students of different ages from many countries.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you both for your responses. I am trying to stay away from Paris as it is more expensive for housing. However, that said, I will look into the AF and see what they have available.
Posted by
Boston, MA, USA
250 posts
I did a 2 week course in Aix-en-Provence at IS: enter link description here
There were several people of our age bracket in my group - the age range was roughly 25-65 with several different nationalities represented. You can sign up for as many weeks as you want with as intense a structure as you want: i.e., group classes in the morning and one-on-one sessions, group excursions, cooking classes (sorry), boules, etc. in the pm. Or classes all day - you could basically mix it up any way you wanted. Also, it's in Aix - which is pretty nice for Fevrier en France.
Posted by
Edmonton, Alberta
797 posts
I attended the Institut d'Francais in Villefranche sur mer, right near Nice. A wonderful experience. People of all ages, early 20's to at least,mid seventies. The Town is beautiful, I have returned to the town twice,to stay.for a week,each time.
I also attended IS in Aix this year. I liked it but preferred Villefranche. I went with my university Alumni, so there were many retirees, and a few of us in our 50's still working.
Feel free to pm me if that is possible.
June .
Posted by
OP
3 posts
I have heard great comments about the program in Villefranche. It is a bit pricey for me right now. Has anyone heard of the ISP in Montpellier or the CLE (Centre Linguistique pour etrangers) in Tours?