French Language Schools in Switzerland

Considering the size of the country, it sure has a lot to offer. Switzerland consists of 26 cantons, where two global economic cities (Geneva and Zurich) are nestled. Sacré bleu, don’t stop your search there! There are lots of smaller, but equally-charming, towns that offer French courses in Switzerland. They all come with generous portions of fondue, so what more do you have to think about?

As the capital of the French cantons, Geneva offers more French vibes than an average Swiss town. Also, it is the base for UN Headquarters, with international delegates coming to Geneva. Major news items will be discussed and analyzed, with potential actions impacting the world- if that’s not pretty epic, then bon, ça va! Order a freshly-baked cinnamon bun while doing your French homework in a local café; you’re guaranteed to overhear political and economic debates. If you understand the few words of French being tossed around the line of fire, you know you’ve now officially made it as a French speaker.

Zurich may be predominantly German-speaking, but don’t let that put you off. As a major economic hub of Europe, it attracts global companies and high individuals from all around the world. As a result, a flurry of numerous languages can be heard everywhere- French being one of the most frequent. If you want to explore career options at the same time as becoming linguistically français, Zurich is the city for you; oui or nein? 

As the fourth largest city in Switzerland, Lausanne is situated by Lake Geneva (especially appealing for water sport enthusiasts). Home to 19 museums and ten galleries, culture nerds can get their fix in Lausanne as well. It’s also a very easy city to get around in, with friendly locals to turn to (and an excellent opportunity to practice your French) at every corner.

So you’ve chosen your location, but not sure on the type of program you want to pursue? It’s akin to choosing between fondue and raclette really - whichever you choose will be as mouth-wateringly ooh la la, your level of French will increase by mountain folds. Parfait!

Depending on the length of time you want to spend abroad, as well as how much you want to get out of the classroom combined with out on the streets, intensive French classes in Switzerland could tick your box. Weaving both formal and informal ways of teaching, the efficient Swiss teachers will make sure your French is up to scratch before they let you leave. Imagine it as candy floss wrapped with educational blackmail, with extra rainbow sprinkles on top.

Perhaps you want to throw in some resume-boosting opportunities while you’re at the economic powerhouse whilst drinking vin chaud on the slopes. Consider an internship, which combines both classroom-based learning and doubles up your work experience. Not only will you be able to practice the lingo you learnt in class, but you will also be exposed to the working Swiss culture ; hearty and long lunchtimes with multicultural colleagues (Switzerland rarely has only one nationality in the office. Considering the country itself speaks four languages, you’re in ultra luck!) is a must and it’s an aspect you won’t be able to see unless you’re part of it.

If you’re a student or miss being in university and want to mingle with delectable Swiss students, you’re covered. There is the option to learn French in Switzerland through university language courses. The University of Fribourg, nestled cozily in western Switzerland, offers students a chance to explore a quieter Swiss town; but let’s face it, for a population of 40,000, 25% are students. If you want an authentic Swiss experience, Fribourg is the one, from its historic buildings and monuments to the vibrant night life, which you’ll find plenty going on in Fribour. La vie en rose!

Italian, French, German and Romansh are the official languages spoken in Switzerland; the Swiss sure know how to wholly use the left side of the brain. A major bonus point of learning French in Switzerland is you’ll pick up quite the few odd words in Italian and German during your stay — tutto bene! You’ll be the cool kid in the block to say “I went to Switzerland to learn one language but came back knowing four.”

By choosing to study French in Switzerland, you are by i perfectly placed to be able to practice the French you learnt in class, out in the street with locals. The fresh baguette et fromage you buy daily from your local boulanger with a cheery arrivederci is one of many examples that you will encounter. They’re free elocution teachers too - the Swiss are so friendly they will gladly correct your words and/or pronunciation (everyone knows that French accent ain’t the easiest). From the rolling r’s to the hand gestures guaranteed to make you look like a native, situating yourself in Switzerland is a fantastic way to learn French.

Be sure to take a steady and consistent pace of learning you can maintain. French grammar is notorious of having endless rules- and just as many exceptions to the rules. The best way to keep up and improve is to take baby steps and revisiting the learning material again and again. Little by little, your fountain of French vocab will rival the nearby Alps peak you hike every weekend. Imagine the success and satisfaction you taste when you leave Switzerland richer in French than when you arrived; as delish as the best of Swiss chocolates.

Food Heaven. Every country has their yum dishes and one-of-a-kind drink. Switzerland has the fortune of being surrounded by world-acknowledged fine food countries, like Italy and France. Couple that with a Swiss twist... chéri(e), what are you waiting for?! Imagine the endless cheese-and-wine tastings and sample delicious homemade polenta and braised beef while conversing with multicultural buddies met on your once-in-a-lifetime journey. Bon appétit!

#MountainLife. There’s also the fact that Switzerland is surrounded by the Alps, one of the coolest mountain ranges. No matter the season, there’s incredible views and activities: hiking and mountain biking in sunny months, and skiing during the colder season. In short, being disappointed by nature in Switzerland is not very likely.

Big Bucks. It’s true: Switzerland is not the cheapest of countries. Don’t let that put you off though; it is centrally-located, meaning you’re literally within touching distance of the rest of Europe! Trains and buses to and from Switzerland are extremely affordable, while renting a car lets you see every crook and cranny of the marvel Switzerland has to offer. Europe is wonderfully easy to fall in love with; if you speak their language they’ll love you back too.

Time to make life-long, multicultural friends whilst whizzing down the Alps after a hot cider-fueled lunch ordered in flawless French. With its rich history and culture, hearty food, and simply insane geography, if you choose to learn French in Switzerland, you’ll be a happy camper. Au revoir et à bientôt.