Traditional classroom learning of French has fallen in recent years. According to the British Council, the number of students taking an A-level in the subject has fallen from 21,300 to 8,300 per year over the past two decades. However, learning French on a homestay is rising in popularity. A recent study revealed that French is now the world’s second favourite language to learn, a statistic that means homestays for French language learning have never been so popular.
Learning French is a great idea for many reasons. This top international language gives greater access to the world, with media, art, culture, and history all able to be viewed and enjoyed authentically through the French lens. With 29 official French native speaking countries, learning the language also gives better access to several interesting travel destinations. Belgium, Guadeloupe, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Monaco, Morocco, Senegal, Togo, Canada, and Martinique are just some of the countries able to be explored more easily with the French language under your belt.
Travelling to study French is on the rise. More and more homestay enthusiasts are looking to learn French and enjoy great experiences in French speaking countries. But where’s the best place to study this fascinating language?
Canada
With a rich history and heritage of original French settlers, Canada has close ties to France. The country offers a multicultural, diverse and interesting environment to start or improve French language learning. Quebec in particular is a great place to learn and practice French.
The French speaking province and its locals are extremely open about embracing outsiders looking to learn the French language. The strong dialect, however, can be off-putting for language learning beginners. As a result, homestays in Quebec tend to be better suited to more experienced French speakers. Quebec’s esteemed language schools, many of which are dedicated solely to teaching French, offer the perfect environments for immersion alongside the homestay experience.
Belgium
Located just a stone’s throw away from France, Belgium is a natural candidate for many French language learners. Its capital city, Brussels, offers plenty of French speaking opportunities and an unforgettable city break. From Brussels you are also well-positioned to explore a long list of beautiful towns and cities in Belgium as The Wandering Linguist describes:
‘There are certain cities that you must definitely visit. These are Brussels, Ghent, Brugge, Dinant, The Ardennes, Huy, and Antwerp. In my opinion, these are the most interesting cities that you must visit to make your stay complete. Don’t forget to eat the Belgian fries, waffles, and chocolates. The special vegetable called ‘Brussels sprout’ the dish ‘waterzooi’ and indeed the Belgian Beer.’
Those looking for an authentic French homestay away from the bright lights of the city can opt for any destination in the south of Belgium. Most of the French speaking population are based in this part of the country.
France
Learning a foreign language in its country of origin is obviously helpful. In France, you can be completely immersed in the French culture. You are also perfectly positioned to put your newfound French skills to the test, with the ability to communicate with people of the same culture in the same country.
Whether you’d prefer a homestay in the happening capital city of Paris or a more relaxed affair along the beautiful French Riviera, there’s plenty of choice for French language learners in France.
Switzerland
People looking to indulge their love of language and their love of the great outdoors will enjoy studying French at a Swiss homestay. In addition to exploring the Alps, stunning pastures and picturesque alpine lakes, the cities of Zurich, Bern, and Geneva provide cosmopolitan bases for your immersion experience.
Thanks to its convenient location, people wanting to learn two languages at once can dip their toes into learning German or Italian too. Both of these languages are widely spoken in Switzerland. Homestays are well known as being great value for money but you may have to put aside some extra spending money to study French in Switzerland. Like fellow French-speaking nation Luxembourg, the cost of living is much higher in Switzerland than in other countries.
Ready to start your French language learning journey? You’re in the right place. Join Lingoo today and discover a range of French homestays around the world.
