My language course: Learning the lingo in Antibes!

I took part in a French language course in Antibes, France, a couple of years ago. It was a truly amazing experience! Read on to find out about my time at the school!

To find out more about Antibes in general, check out my other article here 🙂

Charming school environment

The main language school in Antibes is situated just outside of the old town. It is housed in a traditional and charming building, surrounded by a garden full of flowers. There is also a terrace with an amazing view overlooking the town out towards the sea. The classrooms are light and spacious and you can eat there in the on-site cafeteria. In the busier months classes also take place in another building in the old town.

Quickly boost your French

I studied French on an ‘Intensive’ language course, which meant that I had lessons in the morning from Monday to Friday. On the first day all students, except complete beginners, are given a placement test. I had studied French before at senior school, however I soon discovered that I only knew how to have a debate about non-renewable energy sources!! Not very useful for my time in Antibes! My school curriculum had obviously not prepared me for day-to-day life conversations and vocabulary. However, the language school are very good at placing you in the correct class, but also flexible about changing groups if you find it too difficult or even too easy. There is no need to worry about the class/level that the school places you in!

Lovely French teachers and a relaxed atmosphere

The level of teaching in Antibes was impressive. All the teachers I had were really nice and enthusiastic. There was a friendly atmosphere during lessons, so you’re not afraid to participate or make mistakes. Also, the group sizes were nice and small, so I had a lot of personal attention. It was nice that everyone was able to contribute to the lessons. There was a lot of opportunity to practise your speaking in class and I found that I really gained a lot of confidence in just speaking French.

The course was really varied, they taught every aspect of reading, writing, speaking and listening, as well as various different themes and topics. If there was a specific topic students wanted to study in particular (especially tricky aspects of grammar) they were usually happy to accommodate for that.

Taking part in a French language course is really not like being back at school. All the lessons are fun, engaging enough but relaxed. The speed of my progression through the lessons was amazing. Having lessons with native teachers whilst living in France made a massive difference to my learning experience. There can’t be a better way to learn French than being fully immersed in the language and culture. I also know a lot of people who successfully passed the DELF exams at the school, proof of their great teaching! At the end of the course, I received a certificate with my level and a record of the lessons I attended.

Student residences

I stayed in one of the residences, which was a short walk to the school. The accommodation was simple, but with everything you needed. There was a small pool, terrace, TV room, communal kitchen area and table tennis area. A bar also opens during the summer. The best thing about the accommodation was that everyone in the residence became like a giant international family. Most people there were solo travellers. This meant that everybody was in the same boat and it was really easy to make friends. I met some amazing people from all walks of life and from all over the world. I can really recommend the student residence in Antibes! I also know that some students preferred to stay with a host family, for more French practice and a more ‘authentic’ French experience.

A journey of self-discovery!

For younger students who are living alone or abroad for the first time, or for first time solo travellers, I can’t recommend a language course enough. Whilst it may be daunting at first, it really increases your confidence in every way. You will also meet lots of fun and interesting people! Even if you’ve travelled alone before or you’re going with friends, learning a language abroad is an enlightening experience. It unquestionably changes your perspective on the world. There’s no comparing the sense of satisfaction and achievement when you can finally chatter away to someone in a different language!

–Melissa