Report - Tours, France!
By Scott, October 2005

Languages Abroad made my French immersion adventure to Tours, France very easy. The arrangements were straight forward and I was very pleased that I was able to pick up travel health coverage with the program - very convenient! I flew into Paris and arrived on a Saturday. I saw a couple of sites and took the TGV into Tours the next day where my host family Annick and Johnny picked me up. The train only takes 1.5 hours. Tours is located in the Loire valley and is a great place to learn French and to learn about the culture. There are lots of small villages, châteaux, and very good wine.

My host family's home was located in the old city and was a five-minute walk to the school and the old city square. The old square is full of cafés, outside tables, and is great for people watching. My family was very nice and we got along very well, even though I could barely speak a word of French when I arrived. Language Abroad's school in Tours opened in 1985 and is family operated. The staff at the school are great.

The maximum number of students per class is seven, so each student is guaranteed to receive a lot of personal attention. Students from all over the world shared classes with me - Americans, Europeans and Japanese. The teachers were very nice and well qualified for this environment. I spent two weeks in a beginner class and the teachers were a great help. The immersion environment is the best way to learn. I improved more in two weeks compared to a year in a weekly class back home.

The school is great for adults of all ages and experience levels. During the summer, a lot of college students and teachers attend. I have visited Paris and Nice, and for someone who never experienced this adventure before, Tours is a great place to go. I hope to return this year. The longer you stay the more you get out of the program.

Thanks Languages Abroad!