Immersion and language stays

Immersion means living in an environment where you hear and speak French all the time. It's one of the most effective ways to improve your speaking.

Options

Option	Description
Language stay	language classes plus accommodation with a host family or in a residence
Au pair	childcare for a family in exchange for accommodation and pocket money
University exchange	a semester or year at a French-speaking university (Erasmus+ in Europe)
Working holiday visa	lets young people from certain countries live and work in France or Canada for a year
Volunteering	projects with organisations in a French-speaking country
Immersion at home	surround yourself with French: radio, TV, social media, devices set to French

Making the most of it

• arrive with at least A2, so you can interact;
• avoid spending all your time with people who speak your language;
• keep a notebook of words and expressions you hear;
• accept the mistakes and discomfort of the first few weeks.

Immersion isn't always enough

Without work on grammar and feedback, some mistakes can "fossilise". Ideally, combine immersion with classes.

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