Learning French in France
Apr 5th 2002 | 2:36 am
#16
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Learning French in France (long post)
In article <[email protected] om>,
[email protected] says...
<big snip>
> Accent has no control over the Sorbonne program, so that's the nature of it. The
> Sorbonne has the name and prestige to do whatever it wants. Although it was hard
> work, I'm proud to have my certificate in elementary French from the Sorbonne. I
> received the college credit that I expected from my local U.S. University.
> Everything under Accent's control seemed to be well managed and I was surprised
> that so few logistical problems occurred.
>
> I will probably due another course of study in Paris in the future.
Thanks for the long, informative post and the useful links.
Sounds like you enjoyed your stay. I've been leaning towards the Sorbonne because of
the name, but I guess that's a fairly simple way of looking about it.
I presume the $2500-$5000 figure you quoted included accommodation? Please tell
me it did.
Just Joan remove knickers to reply
[email protected] says...
<big snip>
> Accent has no control over the Sorbonne program, so that's the nature of it. The
> Sorbonne has the name and prestige to do whatever it wants. Although it was hard
> work, I'm proud to have my certificate in elementary French from the Sorbonne. I
> received the college credit that I expected from my local U.S. University.
> Everything under Accent's control seemed to be well managed and I was surprised
> that so few logistical problems occurred.
>
> I will probably due another course of study in Paris in the future.
Thanks for the long, informative post and the useful links.
Sounds like you enjoyed your stay. I've been leaning towards the Sorbonne because of
the name, but I guess that's a fairly simple way of looking about it.
I presume the $2500-$5000 figure you quoted included accommodation? Please tell
me it did.
Just Joan remove knickers to reply
Apr 5th 2002 | 4:05 am
#17
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Learning French in France
"Just Joan" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> Thanks for the long, informative post and the useful links.
>
> Sounds like you enjoyed your stay. I've been leaning towards the Sorbonne because
> of the name, but I guess that's a fairly simple way of looking about it.
>
> I presume the $2500-$5000 figure you quoted included accommodation? Please tell
> me it did.
>
Yes, everything but airfare and incidental expenses were included in that estimate.
The programs that were $5,000 and up were typically American university summer
programs taught in Paris, such as those offered by NYU, Duke, etc.
I should note that some of the Sorbonne classes are not held in the Sorbonne
buildings but in nearby classrooms and labs. The only thing that could be recognized
as being from the school was the certificate itself, which has no official
recognition. Official language certificates are available in France, but only for
more advanced levels of instruction and can be used for employment, university
admissions, etc.
Now that I have the Sorbonne certificate, I have no real attachment to continuing
with the Sorbonne program. The AF and ACCORD programs look good too.
Good luck in your search!
news:[email protected]...
>
> Thanks for the long, informative post and the useful links.
>
> Sounds like you enjoyed your stay. I've been leaning towards the Sorbonne because
> of the name, but I guess that's a fairly simple way of looking about it.
>
> I presume the $2500-$5000 figure you quoted included accommodation? Please tell
> me it did.
>
Yes, everything but airfare and incidental expenses were included in that estimate.
The programs that were $5,000 and up were typically American university summer
programs taught in Paris, such as those offered by NYU, Duke, etc.
I should note that some of the Sorbonne classes are not held in the Sorbonne
buildings but in nearby classrooms and labs. The only thing that could be recognized
as being from the school was the certificate itself, which has no official
recognition. Official language certificates are available in France, but only for
more advanced levels of instruction and can be used for employment, university
admissions, etc.
Now that I have the Sorbonne certificate, I have no real attachment to continuing
with the Sorbonne program. The AF and ACCORD programs look good too.
Good luck in your search!
Apr 5th 2002 | 4:51 pm
#18
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Learning French in France
"snail" <[email protected]> a écrit dans le message de news:
[email protected]...
> How does it hold it up for non USA folk ?
As long as one speaks English, it is still a very valuable resource.
[email protected]...
> How does it hold it up for non USA folk ?
As long as one speaks English, it is still a very valuable resource.
Apr 5th 2002 | 4:51 pm
#19
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Learning French in France
Just Joan wrote:
>
> In article <[email protected]>, [email protected] says...
>
> > JQuick, Thanks for the memories. I attended the Alliance Francaise twice and had
> > some parallel experiences. Though the AF is reportedly more informal than the
> > Sorbonne, the AF allowed me to enroll on the spot even before I could say oui.
> > After three weeks of the intensive course I was speaking French. A French girl
> > who acted as mentor/tutor and a tape recorder were great helpers. I would
> > recommend two months if you can manage it.
>
> How about one month this year, and another next year? That is possible. And I'm not
> sure I would want to spend two whole months in Paris, much as I love it. I start to
> feel confined in my own city if I don't hit the road every few weeks.
>
> My French has served me well enough to travel there a few times, but I want to be
> able to have a *conversation* - without resorting to sign language!
>
> > After pounding the pavement I found reasonable hotels nearby and later found a
> > fully furnished studio where I stayed for a few months. I hosted parties in my
> > little pad, and it seemed that someone in our class had a party every weekend.
>
> Oohhh... how very bohemian. That's the sort of experience I'm hoping for. What
> sort of mix of people were there?
>
> > For rooms, register at the AF housing office, and also check the bulletin boards
> > at Shakespeare and Company and the American Church (Metro Alma). But be prepared
> > for a shock; student quarters in Paris are worse than anything you've seen in the
> > movies.
>
> You mean hideous or just downright pricey? I sort of expected to lose a limb paying
> for this dream. Never mind. Maybe I can sell a kidney in Israel (or maybe S.America
> might be safer?) to pay for it. <G>
>
> > One other thing, lunches at the Alliance Francaise were much better than the slop
> > at the Sorbonne where a group of us went, once and never again. Just do it, Just
> > Joan. You'll always have Paris.
>
> And Paris is always a good idea...
>
> Just Joan
JJ,
The students came from around the world. Most were European, but there were plenty
of N&S Americans (especially in June and July), one beautiful girl from Turkey, and
an Aussie. Ages from college to mid-life. All sorts. We had a common love of Paris
and French.
Apartments are sub-standard compared to the USA, in general. Most of the Paris
places I saw were dank with pre-WW-II furnishings; the wall paper would give you a
barf. For one month you are probably better off in a small hotel. There are plenty
on the left bank.
--
__________________________________________________ ____________
* * * Mastering Independent Budget Travel * * *
http://www.enjoy-europe.com
__________________________________________________ ____________
>
> In article <[email protected]>, [email protected] says...
>
> > JQuick, Thanks for the memories. I attended the Alliance Francaise twice and had
> > some parallel experiences. Though the AF is reportedly more informal than the
> > Sorbonne, the AF allowed me to enroll on the spot even before I could say oui.
> > After three weeks of the intensive course I was speaking French. A French girl
> > who acted as mentor/tutor and a tape recorder were great helpers. I would
> > recommend two months if you can manage it.
>
> How about one month this year, and another next year? That is possible. And I'm not
> sure I would want to spend two whole months in Paris, much as I love it. I start to
> feel confined in my own city if I don't hit the road every few weeks.
>
> My French has served me well enough to travel there a few times, but I want to be
> able to have a *conversation* - without resorting to sign language!
>
> > After pounding the pavement I found reasonable hotels nearby and later found a
> > fully furnished studio where I stayed for a few months. I hosted parties in my
> > little pad, and it seemed that someone in our class had a party every weekend.
>
> Oohhh... how very bohemian.
That's the sort of experience I'm hoping for. What> sort of mix of people were there?
>
> > For rooms, register at the AF housing office, and also check the bulletin boards
> > at Shakespeare and Company and the American Church (Metro Alma). But be prepared
> > for a shock; student quarters in Paris are worse than anything you've seen in the
> > movies.
>
> You mean hideous or just downright pricey? I sort of expected to lose a limb paying
> for this dream. Never mind. Maybe I can sell a kidney in Israel (or maybe S.America
> might be safer?) to pay for it. <G>
>
> > One other thing, lunches at the Alliance Francaise were much better than the slop
> > at the Sorbonne where a group of us went, once and never again. Just do it, Just
> > Joan. You'll always have Paris.
>
> And Paris is always a good idea...
>
> Just Joan
JJ,
The students came from around the world. Most were European, but there were plenty
of N&S Americans (especially in June and July), one beautiful girl from Turkey, and
an Aussie. Ages from college to mid-life. All sorts. We had a common love of Paris
and French.
Apartments are sub-standard compared to the USA, in general. Most of the Paris
places I saw were dank with pre-WW-II furnishings; the wall paper would give you a
barf. For one month you are probably better off in a small hotel. There are plenty
on the left bank.
--
__________________________________________________ ____________
* * * Mastering Independent Budget Travel * * *
http://www.enjoy-europe.com
__________________________________________________ ____________
Apr 5th 2002 | 9:51 pm
#20
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Learning French in France
To do it properly what you need is a French lover in Paris! And THEN removal of
knickers will follow
"Just Joan" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> In article <[email protected]>,
> [email protected] says...
> > Alliance Francaise has courses in North America as well as France. You
can
> > check out their website at www.alliance-francase.com
>
> Yeah. They have an outpost here too.
>
> But the romantic in me adores the idea of doing it "properly" in Paris.
>
> Just Joan remove knickers to reply
knickers will follow
"Just Joan" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> In article <[email protected]>,
> [email protected] says...
> > Alliance Francaise has courses in North America as well as France. You
can
> > check out their website at www.alliance-francase.com
>
> Yeah. They have an outpost here too.
>
> But the romantic in me adores the idea of doing it "properly" in Paris.
>
> Just Joan remove knickers to reply
Apr 5th 2002 | 9:51 pm
#21
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Learning French in France (long post)
"John Bermont" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> J Quick wrote:
> >
>
> JQuick, Thanks for the memories. I attended the Alliance Francaise twice and had
> some parallel experiences. Though the AF is reportedly more informal than the
> Sorbonne, the AF allowed me to enroll on the spot even before I could say oui.
> After three weeks of the intensive course I was speaking French. A French girl who
> acted as mentor/tutor and a tape recorder were great helpers. I would recommend two
> months if you can manage it.
Was the tutoring one-on-one? If so, that would be a great way to get up to speed
quickly. Did that cost more than group sessions?
> After pounding the pavement I found reasonable hotels nearby and later found a
> fully furnished studio where I stayed for a few months. I hosted parties in my
> little pad, and it seemed that someone in our class had a party every weekend.
I might do try to find a studio myself the next time I return to Paris, since I'll
probably stay for a while.
> For rooms, register at the AF housing office, and also check the bulletin boards at
> Shakespeare and Company and the American Church (Metro Alma). But be prepared for a
> shock; student quarters in Paris are worse than anything you've seen in the movies.
For hundreds of years, students at the Sorbonne didn't have housing - many lived on
the streets during school. So I guess a dump with a roof is better than a dump
without one!
> One other thing, lunches at the Alliance Francaise were much better than the slop
> at the Sorbonne where a group of us went, once and never again. Just do it, Just
> Joan. You'll always have Paris.
The Sorbonne doesn't serve food or have housing. The cafeteria slop to which you're
referring is for students attending any University, unfortuately for them. At least
the bread is fresh. For about $2 a meal, you can't expect much. There is a wide
variety of smaller student restaurants that are much better than the big cafeterias.
The Centre National des Ouvres Universitaires et Scolaires (CNOUS) is a public civic
organization that runs most of the common student facilities and services.
http://www.cnous.fr
news:[email protected]...
> J Quick wrote:
> >
>
> JQuick, Thanks for the memories. I attended the Alliance Francaise twice and had
> some parallel experiences. Though the AF is reportedly more informal than the
> Sorbonne, the AF allowed me to enroll on the spot even before I could say oui.
> After three weeks of the intensive course I was speaking French. A French girl who
> acted as mentor/tutor and a tape recorder were great helpers. I would recommend two
> months if you can manage it.
Was the tutoring one-on-one? If so, that would be a great way to get up to speed
quickly. Did that cost more than group sessions?
> After pounding the pavement I found reasonable hotels nearby and later found a
> fully furnished studio where I stayed for a few months. I hosted parties in my
> little pad, and it seemed that someone in our class had a party every weekend.
I might do try to find a studio myself the next time I return to Paris, since I'll
probably stay for a while.
> For rooms, register at the AF housing office, and also check the bulletin boards at
> Shakespeare and Company and the American Church (Metro Alma). But be prepared for a
> shock; student quarters in Paris are worse than anything you've seen in the movies.
For hundreds of years, students at the Sorbonne didn't have housing - many lived on
the streets during school. So I guess a dump with a roof is better than a dump
without one!
> One other thing, lunches at the Alliance Francaise were much better than the slop
> at the Sorbonne where a group of us went, once and never again. Just do it, Just
> Joan. You'll always have Paris.
The Sorbonne doesn't serve food or have housing. The cafeteria slop to which you're
referring is for students attending any University, unfortuately for them. At least
the bread is fresh. For about $2 a meal, you can't expect much. There is a wide
variety of smaller student restaurants that are much better than the big cafeterias.
The Centre National des Ouvres Universitaires et Scolaires (CNOUS) is a public civic
organization that runs most of the common student facilities and services.
http://www.cnous.fr
Apr 6th 2002 | 12:50 am
#22
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Learning French in France
Mxsmanic <[email protected]> wrote:
>"snail" <[email protected]> a écrit dans le message de news:
>> How does it hold it up for non USA folk ?
>As long as one speaks English, it is still a very valuable resource.
Thanks.
--
snail @ careless net | Character is what you are in the dark! - Whorfin
>"snail" <[email protected]> a écrit dans le message de news:
>> How does it hold it up for non USA folk ?
>As long as one speaks English, it is still a very valuable resource.
Thanks.
--
snail @ careless net | Character is what you are in the dark! - Whorfin
Apr 6th 2002 | 12:50 am
#23
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Learning French in France
Just Joan <[email protected]> wrote:
>In article <[email protected]>,
>[email protected] says...
>> travel this year but I've worked out that I can do a ten week backpack in 2003 and
>> another ten week backpack when I get my Long Service Leave in 2004.
...alternatively three six week backpacks in three years
>Isn't Long Service Leave a womderful thing? <pause to gloat> Mine is
Abso-fraggin-lutely! Though I'm only eligble under NSW Award changes which means I
can get it after five years (6.5 weeks) not ten (13 weeks). Too much uni and too much
contract means I wouldn't have a hope otherwise.
>due next year, and I'm planning to backpack too. I also considered an even simpler
>holiday: walking across Switzerland or Austria (nice small
Yum. I've been thinking lately that the problem with a ten week trip is that I'm too
tempted to slot in a few more places, whereas on a 4-6 week trip it seems easier to
focus on one or two. I had planned to spend last January in Norway in the hope of
seeing the Northern Lights, but squashed that when I took out a mortgage last year,
thus it's been 18 months since I last went overseas and will be at least 15 before I
go again
>countries, beautiful scenery, skiing).
I've never experienced snow
>> >Pick up a copy of FUSAC; it has tons of sources for both schools and apartments.
>> Hmmm did a quick browse on that through google and found that that stood for
>> "French USA Contacts". How does it hold it up for non USA folk ? Joan is also from
>> Oz, Melbourne IIRC ?
>Perth, but I see you've already figured that out. Teach me for being coy
A combination of the iinet news server and recollections of conversations when I last
hung out in r.t.e a year or so ago
>about my email addy. A .au might help identify my location sometimes. I now have
>an appropriate email addy in my from: field.
I noticed
>I also wondered what it would stand for, but was in too much of a hurry when I saw
>the post to look it up. Thanks.
No prob, on MxsManic's encouragement I plan to check out FUSAC futher
>remove knickers to email me
A nice touch.
--
snail @ careless net | Character is what you are in the dark! - Whorfin
>In article <[email protected]>,
>[email protected] says...
>> travel this year but I've worked out that I can do a ten week backpack in 2003 and
>> another ten week backpack when I get my Long Service Leave in 2004.
...alternatively three six week backpacks in three years
>Isn't Long Service Leave a womderful thing? <pause to gloat> Mine is
Abso-fraggin-lutely! Though I'm only eligble under NSW Award changes which means I
can get it after five years (6.5 weeks) not ten (13 weeks). Too much uni and too much
contract means I wouldn't have a hope otherwise.
>due next year, and I'm planning to backpack too. I also considered an even simpler
>holiday: walking across Switzerland or Austria (nice small
Yum. I've been thinking lately that the problem with a ten week trip is that I'm too
tempted to slot in a few more places, whereas on a 4-6 week trip it seems easier to
focus on one or two. I had planned to spend last January in Norway in the hope of
seeing the Northern Lights, but squashed that when I took out a mortgage last year,
thus it's been 18 months since I last went overseas and will be at least 15 before I
go again
>countries, beautiful scenery, skiing).
I've never experienced snow
>> >Pick up a copy of FUSAC; it has tons of sources for both schools and apartments.
>> Hmmm did a quick browse on that through google and found that that stood for
>> "French USA Contacts". How does it hold it up for non USA folk ? Joan is also from
>> Oz, Melbourne IIRC ?
>Perth, but I see you've already figured that out. Teach me for being coy
A combination of the iinet news server and recollections of conversations when I last
hung out in r.t.e a year or so ago
>about my email addy. A .au might help identify my location sometimes.
I now have>an appropriate email addy in my from: field.
I noticed
>I also wondered what it would stand for, but was in too much of a hurry when I saw
>the post to look it up. Thanks.
No prob, on MxsManic's encouragement I plan to check out FUSAC futher
>remove knickers to email me
A nice touch.
--
snail @ careless net | Character is what you are in the dark! - Whorfin
Apr 6th 2002 | 12:50 pm
#24
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Learning French in France
I just signed up for a month of French language classes this summer with IFALPES
(www.ifalpes.fr) in Chambery in the Alps. They also have a French language school in
Annecy. Both have very reasonable rates. And, they have a service that will arrange a
studio apartment, dorm space in the town for a very reasonable fee. I'm looking
forward to it.
Good luck
"Just Joan" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi all.
>
> After spending a long period mullng over what to do this year for my annual jaunt,
> I have decided to investigate doing a French language course in Paris.
>
> Has anyone had any experience with this, good or bad?
>
> Lonely Planet Paris mentions a couple of schools, Alliance France and the Sorbonne
> Language Instutute (IIRC). These are the two I am mainly considering.
>
> Does anyone have any thoughts? Also, I was wondering about a small one- room
> apartment for the month - are there agencies for such things for foreigners? My
> french is not good enough to organise a tenancy agreement on my own (assuming such
> a thing would be necessary).
>
> Just Joan
(www.ifalpes.fr) in Chambery in the Alps. They also have a French language school in
Annecy. Both have very reasonable rates. And, they have a service that will arrange a
studio apartment, dorm space in the town for a very reasonable fee. I'm looking
forward to it.
Good luck
"Just Joan" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi all.
>
> After spending a long period mullng over what to do this year for my annual jaunt,
> I have decided to investigate doing a French language course in Paris.
>
> Has anyone had any experience with this, good or bad?
>
> Lonely Planet Paris mentions a couple of schools, Alliance France and the Sorbonne
> Language Instutute (IIRC). These are the two I am mainly considering.
>
> Does anyone have any thoughts? Also, I was wondering about a small one- room
> apartment for the month - are there agencies for such things for foreigners? My
> french is not good enough to organise a tenancy agreement on my own (assuming such
> a thing would be necessary).
>
> Just Joan
Apr 6th 2002 | 9:50 pm
#25
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Learning French in France
"Bob Glazer" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I just signed up for a month of French language classes this summer with IFALPES
> (www.ifalpes.fr) in Chambery in the Alps. They also have a French language school
> in Annecy. Both have very reasonable rates. And, they
have
> a service that will arrange a studio apartment, dorm space in the town for
a
> very reasonable fee. I'm looking forward to it.
>
I'd be interested in hearing about your experience when you get back.
news:[email protected]...
> I just signed up for a month of French language classes this summer with IFALPES
> (www.ifalpes.fr) in Chambery in the Alps. They also have a French language school
> in Annecy. Both have very reasonable rates. And, they
have
> a service that will arrange a studio apartment, dorm space in the town for
a
> very reasonable fee. I'm looking forward to it.
>
I'd be interested in hearing about your experience when you get back.
Apr 11th 2002 | 4:50 pm
#26
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Learning French in France
In article <[email protected]>, [email protected] says...
> Hi all.
>
> After spending a long period mullng over what to do this year for my annual jaunt,
> I have decided to investigate doing a French language course in Paris.
>
> Has anyone had any experience with this, good or bad?
>
> Lonely Planet Paris mentions a couple of schools, Alliance France and the Sorbonne
> Language Instutute (IIRC). These are the two I am mainly considering.
{snip]
The Sorbonne might sound impressive but so is the price. There's a
variety of other classes that will serve you well and cost you far less.
Don
Paris Photo Workshops: http://www.parisphotoworkshops/
> Hi all.
>
> After spending a long period mullng over what to do this year for my annual jaunt,
> I have decided to investigate doing a French language course in Paris.
>
> Has anyone had any experience with this, good or bad?
>
> Lonely Planet Paris mentions a couple of schools, Alliance France and the Sorbonne
> Language Instutute (IIRC). These are the two I am mainly considering.
{snip]
The Sorbonne might sound impressive but so is the price. There's a
variety of other classes that will serve you well and cost you far less.
Don
Paris Photo Workshops: http://www.parisphotoworkshops/
Apr 11th 2002 | 9:20 pm
#27
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Learning French in France (long post)
J Quick <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]... In general, a four week
program will
> run from about $2,500 to $6,000, not including airfare
What??!! Who is conning who? Up to £3,500 for 4 weeks grotty accommodation & an
under-grad class leader? I must get into this business!
Surreyman
news:[email protected]... In general, a four week
program will
> run from about $2,500 to $6,000, not including airfare
What??!! Who is conning who? Up to £3,500 for 4 weeks grotty accommodation & an
under-grad class leader? I must get into this business!
Surreyman
Apr 12th 2002 | 8:20 am
#28
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Learning French in France (long post)
"a.spencer3" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> J Quick <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]... In general, a four week
> program will
> > run from about $2,500 to $6,000, not including airfare
>
> What??!! Who is conning who? Up to £3,500 for 4 weeks grotty accommodation & an
> under-grad class
leader?
> I must get into this business!
>
The more expensive programs are run by college professors who teach at expensive
private universities. They have the advantage of being able to directly issue college
credit for their programs, and because of the small group size, they can't get much
in the way of group discounts like the larger programs. Most students are on very
tight budgets, so finding a large number of students at $5,000 each would be rather
difficult if you don't have the right "connections."
The Accent program is closer to $2,500 and includes room & board, 4 to 6 hours each
week-day of language instruction and laboratory access, monthly zone 1-2 carte orange
and all airport transfers, official student ID cards/visas, and private coaches for
weekend journeys, a local student center with free internet access, and some cash
leftover for spending money. If the exchange rate is good, a student may receive a
partial refund, as I
did. These programs don't generate the huge profits that you might expect, given the
relatively large amount of services that they offer. But if you think you can
make a go of it, I think it would be great to see more of these programs
available.
news:[email protected]...
>
> J Quick <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]... In general, a four week
> program will
> > run from about $2,500 to $6,000, not including airfare
>
> What??!! Who is conning who? Up to £3,500 for 4 weeks grotty accommodation & an
> under-grad class
leader?
> I must get into this business!
>
The more expensive programs are run by college professors who teach at expensive
private universities. They have the advantage of being able to directly issue college
credit for their programs, and because of the small group size, they can't get much
in the way of group discounts like the larger programs. Most students are on very
tight budgets, so finding a large number of students at $5,000 each would be rather
difficult if you don't have the right "connections."
The Accent program is closer to $2,500 and includes room & board, 4 to 6 hours each
week-day of language instruction and laboratory access, monthly zone 1-2 carte orange
and all airport transfers, official student ID cards/visas, and private coaches for
weekend journeys, a local student center with free internet access, and some cash
leftover for spending money. If the exchange rate is good, a student may receive a
partial refund, as I
did. These programs don't generate the huge profits that you might expect, given the
relatively large amount of services that they offer. But if you think you can
make a go of it, I think it would be great to see more of these programs
available.
Apr 12th 2002 | 9:20 pm
#29
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Learning French in France
I'm currently a student at Alliance Francais in Paris and while it's not a bad
program (I'm very happy with the progress I'm making), it is a very overcrowded one,
at least at the beginning levels. The professor's were out "en greive" two weeks ago
for improved facilities and smaller classes (avg was around 20 ppl)...
My $0.02
Mike Y.
"Mark Fagan" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Alliance Francaise has courses in North America as well as France. You
can
> check out their website at www.alliance-francase.com
>
> "Just Joan" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Hi all.
> >
> > After spending a long period mullng over what to do this year for my annual
> > jaunt, I have decided to investigate doing a French language course in Paris.
> >
> > Has anyone had any experience with this, good or bad?
> >
> > Lonely Planet Paris mentions a couple of schools, Alliance France and
the
> > Sorbonne Language Instutute (IIRC). These are the two I am mainly considering.
> >
> > Does anyone have any thoughts? Also, I was wondering about a small one- room
> > apartment for the month - are there agencies for such things for foreigners? My
> > french is not good enough to organise a tenancy
agreement
> > on my own (assuming such a thing would be necessary).
> >
> > Just Joan
program (I'm very happy with the progress I'm making), it is a very overcrowded one,
at least at the beginning levels. The professor's were out "en greive" two weeks ago
for improved facilities and smaller classes (avg was around 20 ppl)...
My $0.02
Mike Y.
"Mark Fagan" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Alliance Francaise has courses in North America as well as France. You
can
> check out their website at www.alliance-francase.com
>
> "Just Joan" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Hi all.
> >
> > After spending a long period mullng over what to do this year for my annual
> > jaunt, I have decided to investigate doing a French language course in Paris.
> >
> > Has anyone had any experience with this, good or bad?
> >
> > Lonely Planet Paris mentions a couple of schools, Alliance France and
the
> > Sorbonne Language Instutute (IIRC). These are the two I am mainly considering.
> >
> > Does anyone have any thoughts? Also, I was wondering about a small one- room
> > apartment for the month - are there agencies for such things for foreigners? My
> > french is not good enough to organise a tenancy
agreement
> > on my own (assuming such a thing would be necessary).
> >
> > Just Joan
Apr 13th 2002 | 8:50 pm
#30
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Learning French in France
In article <[email protected]>, [email protected] says...
> I'm currently a student at Alliance Francais in Paris and while it's not a bad
> program (I'm very happy with the progress I'm making), it is a very overcrowded
> one, at least at the beginning levels. The professor's were out "en greive" two
> weeks ago for improved facilities and smaller classes (avg was around 20 ppl)...
Trust the French. They are always on strike about something LOL!
I think 20 ppl in a class is not too big. But then, I have done a number of evening
classes with about that many in them and had no problems getting enough attention.
But then, I am pushy!
Seeing as you are there ATM, can you tell me more about it? The building, your
accomodation, teaching, any unexpected problems or benefits (such as student
cards/museum passes or trips)?
--
Just Joan remove knickers to reply
> I'm currently a student at Alliance Francais in Paris and while it's not a bad
> program (I'm very happy with the progress I'm making), it is a very overcrowded
> one, at least at the beginning levels. The professor's were out "en greive" two
> weeks ago for improved facilities and smaller classes (avg was around 20 ppl)...
Trust the French. They are always on strike about something LOL!
I think 20 ppl in a class is not too big. But then, I have done a number of evening
classes with about that many in them and had no problems getting enough attention.
But then, I am pushy!
Seeing as you are there ATM, can you tell me more about it? The building, your
accomodation, teaching, any unexpected problems or benefits (such as student
cards/museum passes or trips)?
--
Just Joan remove knickers to reply
