Learning French abroad: what is it, why should you do it and what is the best place to go?

What is a french language course?

• A french language course is a series of lessons in which you are taught the basics of the French language in a short period of time.
• Most french courses help you toward a language certificate: DILF, DELF or DALF
• Beginners level is DILF and stands for Diplôme Initial de Langue Française; level A1.1
• Advanced level is DELF and stands for Diplôme d'Etudes en Langue Française; levels A1 to B2
• Proof that one masters the French language is DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française); level C1 and C2
• A French language course lasts on average 50 to 100 hours spread over several weeks or months.
• A French language course normally costs an amount that is comparable to other courses.

Why should you learn French and take a French language course abroad?

• Networking: French is, after English and Spanish, one of the most important languages ​​in the world. In many countries and regions, French is the first, second or official language.
• Helpfulness: as soon as you speak a local language to some extent, you are immediately better able to communicate with the person you would like to help, and you can also get help yourself.
• Involvement: as soon as you speak the language of someone else, you become closer to that person. It strengthens your feeling of being involved and being part of the local culture. Experience: going abroad to learn a language is one of the opportunities to step out of your own comfort zone.
• Creativity: learning a language is a way to learn to use your creativity better. For example, when searching for descriptions or using hands and feet.
• Empathy: you train yourself to immerse yourself in a different way of speaking and often a different way of thinking.

What do you need or can you do to learn a language and take a language course abroad?

• Being aware of your surroundings: wherever you are taught, you will always have to take your surroundings into account. Every country has its own rules and customs that you will have to adhere to to a certain extent.
• Being aware of your organization: every school or educational institution also has its own teaching method or vision on education. Also consider the limitations/challenges some schools face due to lack of funding or facilities.
• Communication skills: some prior knowledge of the local language is not a must, but it is a great advantage.

What is the best place to learn French abroad?

• France: You will find a wide range of language schools, especially in cities with a university.
• Belgium: Brussels is the place to learn French and apply it directly in your work or studies.
• Switzerland: A fairly expensive destination for your language lessons, but you get a fantastic environment in return. The most popular is Geneva, but also look at Fribourg for your French language school.
• Haiti: Combine learning or improving your French with a tropical island. French in Haiti overlaps quite nicely with classical French.
• Senegal: Affordable destination for intensive French courses. Dakar has plenty of opportunities for language students. 
• Canada: in all states french language courses are offered, but in Quebec it is easier to immerse yourself in the french language 
• Overseas areas and exotic French-speaking corners of the world: Not always easy to reach, but with a high exotic content, you can also look for language schools in, for example, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, and La Réunion.

What are the risks of a language course or a language year abroad?

• The coverage of your health insurance may be cancelled if, for example, you go and work abroad.
• You may suffer from homesickness and want to go home earlier (but there is a lot you can do about it, and prepare for it!).
• You may have problems with the organization with which you are going abroad (read more about solving problems abroad).
• What are the consequences if, for example, you end up in hospital? If you end up in hospital, you may have to pay the costs yourself if you have not taken out insurance that covers your activities.

Are you insured for a language course abroad?

• A language course abroad will be covered by your current travel and health insurance if you are not going abroad for too long, are not going to do paid work or undertake special activities. In other cases, special insurance is often recommended or sometimes necessary.
• Read more: Travel insurances and insurances for long term abroad - Theme
• Read more: Verzekeren van een taalcursus of schooljaar het buitenland (NL)