Est-ce que tu parles français? Veux-tu apprendre? Why learn French abroad? Because French study abroad programs provide wonderful opportunities for those wanting to take language learning outside of their comfort zone. When you study French abroad, not only are you opening yourself up to improving your language skills, but also to learning about new parts of yourself and your own identity. They do say that with new languages come new personalities, so get ready to meet your French-language alter ego!
*C'est la bonne vie*
Learn French abroad programs can take you all over the world—so don’t limit yourself in options for where to study French abroad! New languages and new cultures and new countries and cities will open your heart and mind and will change your life forever. Think we’re over-exaggerating? Check out these reasons why you should learn French abroad!
Related: Here’s Where to Learn French in France This Year
Why you should study French abroad
1. Immersion is the best language teacher
The best way to learn French, or any language for that matter, is to give yourself no option but to speak, listen, and comprehend the language. And what better way to do that than finding a francophone country, buy a plane ticket, and study French abroad? No matter the structure of learn french abroad programs—intensive, beginner, short-term—living in a place that speaks the language, that lives the language, allows you to see your lessons in real life and also gives you endless opportunities to practice, make mistakes, and learn French!
2. France isn’t your only option…
When people think about wanting to learn French abroad, the first place they think about is France, with daydreams of the Eiffel Tower and charming European streets. Although France is a magnifique option, one of the great reasons why you should learn French abroad is that there are so many places to go for French study abroad programs!
Switzerland is another great European option that will bring you closer to the Alps, as well as Swiss chocolate… YUM. Canada is worth a second glance, especially for those in the United States who don’t want to commit to a bigger price tag of heading overseas. Senegal and Madagascar are great options for French language learners who want to learn more about the diversity of African cultures.
Related: Think Outside La Boite: 4 Countries to Study French Other Than France
3. Make friends that speak French, too!
Immersion French study abroad programs can help you increase your fluency more rapidly
Learn French abroad programs can be a challenging experience, especially when you don’t have friends who can relate to the experience. But, when you study French abroad, you have so many opportunities to befriend fellow French speakers and learners—whether they be classmates or locals of wherever you choose to study French abroad. This means you can practice your new language skills while building new friendships with some pretty amazing people.
Plus, if you fall in love with a French speaker, that’s all the more incentive to learn French quickly! Whether you are looking for French study abroad summer programs, or full semester (or year-long) French study abroad programs, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for nouveaux amis… and maybe some love, too!
4. You’ll expand your horizons
As with English, there are different dialects and accents for French around the world as well. By learning French abroad, you will expose yourself to new phrases and differences in vocabulary, but don’t let that scare your away from choosing to study French abroad!
Learning those differences, and similarities, may help reinforce what you already know, as well as push you to learn more about why French is spoken differently in different places around the world. You can expand your horizons with French study abroad summer programs or semester—or even year long—learn French abroad programs. No matter the length of time you spend abroad practicing French, you will grow through the experience.
Related: 7 Fun Summer Programs in France for High School Students
5. Immerse yourself in a new culture
What is sometimes forgotten in classroom based language learning, is that languages are so closely tied together with culture—you cannot have one without the other. Immersing yourself into a new culture while you learn French abroad may help you feel more connected with French. You will build a relationship with the experience as a whole and it will make French come alive. That is one of the many, many benefits of French study abroad programs—you get to bring your textbook and classroom lessons to life.
Let yourself get swept away <3
6. Find a Home Away From Home
Why learn French abroad? Because when participating on French study abroad programs, you will be able to build a life in a new city in another part of the world. Whether you stay with a host family (a great experience for additional language practice abroad!!) or you become a regular at that chic cafe downtown, you’ll leave a piece of your heart wherever you choose to study French abroad. It’s a very special experience being able to find home in new places, even if they are only temporary!
7. Challenge Yourself
Like we mentioned before, learning a new language can be a challenging experience, but also so, so rewarding. The exhausting of learning a new language + the culture shock of adapting to a new culture + needing to make new friends and build a temporary life somewhere new = the hardest, most amazing experience you will ever be part of.
Don’t let the challenges seem daunting. If you embrace them with open arms, you will learn and grow more than you can imagine is possible while you study French abroad. It’s also important to remember, you won’t go through this experience alone. Fellow classmates and teachers will be there to support you throughout any French study abroad programs.
Related: 8 Important Things to Know About French Language Schools
8. Open Doors for Your Future
When you learn French abroad, you are obviously (well, hopefully…) gaining some pretty incredible language skills. For starters, this is HUGE! Knowing another language will absolutely set you apart from your peers in the workforce. So study on! Not only that, but if you study French abroad, you are also gaining a more global perspective, learning to live and function in a multicultural environment, and testing your ability to adapt to new settings.
All of these are attractive in the job search process, and in life in general. Your perspective will forever be changed if you keep an open mind and heart during French study abroad programs!
Consider more unique destinations to learn French abroad, like Switzerland.
9. Eat, Dream, and Breathe in French
When you go out to eat, you’ll order in French. When you get lost (intentionally or unintentionally), you’ll have to ask for directions in French. When you strike up a conversation with a classmate, teacher, local, or just about any other person you come across, you’ll have the opportunity to flex your French muscles. The more you embrace it, the more you’ll learn. Before you know it you’ll be thinking, dreaming, and even breathing in French—if that is even possible..?
So, why learn French abroad? ...Isn't it obvious yet?
3 recommended French study abroad programs
1. Study French or Arabic in Morocco with Lankey
This language program allows you to study French abroad in Morocco for a three to eight week period. This gives you the flexibility to build the experience you are looking for. You will be able to participate in preplanned daily events, trips, and other activities with your peers that will make learning French fun and your experience in Morocco memorable! Transportation in Morocco, food, housing, and special activities and weekend trips are all included in the program!
- Location: Rabat, Morocco
- Program highlights: Customized based on French proficiency, small class sizes, and a close-knit group vibe
- More info: Read Lankey reviews
2. Intensive French Immersion Programs in Quebec City
This program is an intensive language learning opportunity in Canada that will allow you to immerse yourself in Canadian culture and the French language. Quebec City is an ideal location for an immersive experience since it is fully French speaking city. Courses are offered for participants of all French learning abilities with opportunities for intensive, super-intensive, work and volunteer, and private lesson and exam preparation French course options.
- Location: Quebec City, Canada
- Program highlights: 100% immersive environment, option for homestays, and individualized attention and focus
- More info: Read Edu-inter, International French School in Quebec City reviews
3. Intensive French Courses with ELFI - Ecole de Langue Française et d'Informatique
This program is the perfect option for those looking to explore their language abilities in the heart of Geneva through classroom and computer based French language lessons. Your experience is customized based on your language abilities since courses range from beginner to advanced! These classes are for serious language learners, but are made successful through the family-like atmosphere that makes classes engaging and fun!
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Program highlights: Courses range from four weeks to two years (!!!), daily weekday classes, teachers from renowned universities and schools
- More info: Read ELFI - Ecole de Langue Française et d'Informatique reviews
Not quite right? Get matched with 5 French study abroad programs for FREE
Ooh la la… You’re ready to learn French abroad!
Life won't always be picture perfect while studying French abroad, but it'll be pretty darn close!
Now that we’ve laid out many of the incredible reasons why you should learn French abroad, it is ultimately up to you to make the final decision. This experience will be a worthwhile investment in yourself. You will learn, you will grow, you will thrive. And with a lot of hard work (but hopefully not sweat and tears) you’ll come home more fluent than you left!
French study abroad programs will change your life. That sounds cliched and a bit hyperbolic, but it’s true. You will grow as an individual, as a French speaker, as a global citizen, and as a lifelong learner! Take the chance, say “oui,” and study French abroad, mon ami!
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