Semester program in france ?! does it work !?

Question

I am thinking doing a semester program in france and i would like to if it really helps to do a semester. I am really poor in speaking and listening and thats why i want to do a semester instead of summer programs but a year is too expensive and i don't think i can make it to the deadline. I woud like to know if a semester really works in terms of enhancing your ability to speak and listen like converse. Thank you!

Answer 1

Yes, study abroad can help immensely, but don't do a program with all other English speaking students or your tendency will be to only speak French in class and then speak English all the rest of the time with them anyhow.

I would suggest a language school immersion program combined with a homestay, if you really want to learn French.  A school that has other international students, not just English speaking students, is not only more fun - but more conducive to helping you speak French more (even if many non-native English speakers do speak English, it still helps!).

I studied Spanish for six years and couldn't speak it at all.  Since then, I have done a couple of immersion programs  - one for a semester and a couple of shorter ones after that - and I am fluent in Spanish and use it in my job.  I also can converse well in Italian after only a month of immersion there (speaking Spanish helped a little, too).

Some good resources for immersion programs:

The National Registration Center for Study Abroad

http://www.nrcsa.com

WorldWide Classroom

http://www.worldwide.edu

Studyabroad.com

http://www.studyabroad.com

Goabroad.com

http://www.goabroad.com

Answer 2

Aboslutely. I spent a semester in Dijon and learned SOOOO much. Two ways to get the most out of your experience and learn the most french are:

1-NOT study in Paris, everyone speaks English and you aren't forced to understand native-spoken french. Lyon, Dijon, perfect.

2-when you're there, go out a lot, take risks, speak French as much as possible, don't be shy from fear of being laughed at. even though I didn't know the best French among my friends, they always pushed me to the front of the group to speak to natives and i learned so much more that way. it's like learning to swim, if you're pushed in, you'll find a way to stay above water.