I am learning French and am going to do a semester abroad somewhere and I need some advice ..?

Question

I'm doing a semester abroad for my first semester of my senior year in high school, and although I am learning French, I keep getting the feeling like I'd rather go to somewhere like Italy or England or somewhere else. Is it stupid to go somewhere that you arent learning the language? and would it be stupid of me to go to England because it's somewhat similar to here? If anyone knows anything about France they could tell me that would be great too. I went to Italy last year and I would sooo much love to spend a semester there, it's just that I don't speak Italian. I could start learning I guess, but I don't have a class I'm taking. Do they have international schools in Italy? Thanks so much for ANY help you can give me on any of this or ANYTHING! Thanksss!!

Answer 1

I think it's GREAT that you want to study abroad!!! I lived in France as an au-pair AND studied there for one year, and I tell you that as a student, I had a wonderful time!!! I made lots of friends and saw so many new places, and the food was great.

However, if you want to go to a new place, by all means, go! Don't let the language issue stop you. You can always learn the language- take one or two classes a week, if possible! I spent 7 years in Italy. In my opinion, the young Italians are the most open students in the world! There are international schools and American schools- just google them.

Also, don't think that since we speak English, the US is similar to the UK. There are so many ways in which we differ from one another. Personally I love the UK, but I was amazed to see ho much Americans are different from the Brits. I hadn't expected it.

Answer 2

International Schools in Italy:

http://italy.english-schools.org/

Learn Italian:

http://italian.about.com/