FRENCH STUDY GUIDE 2019


need is a solid internet connection and, of course, an appetite for learning! www.fasttrackfrench.com


For some, location is important. Choosing a school like Millefeuille Provence means you will study in a beautiful part of France


lodging with a French family or staying in a hotel or apartment. www.lyon-bleu.fr


Millefeuille Provence This is la France profonde in a nutshell. Most of us could only ever dream of attending school in a château with sun-kissed vineyards on our doorstep. Millefeuille Provence makes that dream a reality – and has, in fact, been doing so since 1995. A stone’s throw from Avignon, the attractive 18th-century Château Correnson is a sublime backdrop for studying, and acts both as a school and a home away from home with a number of bedrooms on site, a dining room, living room and swimming pool on the garden’s upper terrace. Besides plenty of opportunities to mingle with your classmates, teaching staff are also available for a chat during breaks. www.millefeuille-provence.com


STUDY AT HOME Dog-eared textbooks are little more than relics these days. In our tech-obsessed world, it’s easier than ever to hop online and access a wealth of information within seconds – as long as you’re looking in the right places. That’s why we’ve rounded up a list of the essential French-learning websites and apps for buckling down chez soi. Alternatively, head to our


144 ❘ FRANCE TODAY Dec/Jan 2019


directory (page 146) for more and browse our pick of US-based schools specialising in French language courses.


Babbel


Babbling, ironically, is the last thing Babbel’s users set out to do. Millions of people worldwide use this app and website to put a stop to awkward conversations by sharpening their foreign language skills. Lasting roughly 15 minutes each, exercises are refreshingly clean and simple, mixing imagery with audio based on real dialogue. For a paid-for service, its price tag is attractive at just $6.45 for six months, with the amount dropping per month for larger bundles. www.babbel.com


Duolingo


Language-learning platform Duolingo seems to be on the tip of everyone’s tongues at the moment. Whether you opt to use the website or download the free app to your smartphone, it’s a savvy way to cram five minutes of studying into your day. And it’s fun! In this era of frenzied mobile gaming – think Angry Birds and Candy Crush – Duolingo’s success is largely down to its presentation: lessons masquerading as games, with a nifty points system, unlockable levels and ‘lives’ (you lose one with every wrong answer). It’s


not the quickest way to learn French, but it’s an enjoyable slow-burner. If you’d rather do away with the rewards system, just use the web version for a no- frills learning experience. www.duolingo.com


FastTrackFrench


Born and raised in southern France, Françoise Giordano is passionate about sharing her native tongue with the world. If you’re an avid France Today reader, chances are she’s already imparted some wisdom unto you (see page 130)! For the stay-at-home learner, FastTrackFrench is essential, offering tailored one-to-one Skype lessons built around your requirements. If you’re undecided, don’t fret: a free 30-minute session is available to give you a taster, with no obligation to continue. All you


Rocket French


The hottest new thing in the world of language apps, Rocket French is a fast way to master everyday French without cutting corners. Not only does this hip platform cover all the basic pillars of language, such as vocabulary and grammar, but it also touches on those parts of day-to-day life that other learning platforms totally overlook – such as dating. (Yes, there is an entire lesson on how to flirt in French!) It’s well worth downloading the free trial. www.rocketlanguages.com


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French Word-a-Day We’ll let you into a little secret: the France Today team loves nothing better than to start le matin with a cup of coffee, a warm croissant and a visit to french-word-a-day.com. Run by American author and self- described “desert rat from Phoenix” Kristin Espinasse, this slice-of-life blog documents her daily adventures in La Ciotat with husband Jean-Marc, golden retriever Smokey and the rest of the flock, with charming anecdotes and handy phrases. As much worth following for the sage observations on life as the brilliant language pointers, make sure to sign up to the newsletter so you never miss out. For Kristin’s latest on la génération sandwich, turn to page 162! www.french-word-a-day.com


Many schools these days take advantage of modern technology to assist learning


IMAGES © MILLEFEUILLE PROVENCE, FOTOLIA


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