Taking French

Although this program does not require you to take any French courses, because all of the classes are taught in English (except French, of course), and all of the administration are english speakers and mandatory trips are administered in english, I would insist that everyone take a French class while here, or even better, start taking french before you come for the semester. This program is offered every year so if you decide you want to come, I would urge you to spend another year at your university and use that time to develop your french. You will enjoy your time so much more if you have the ability to communicate with the locals. My best times here in Pontlevoy are spending time with french friends at the local bar, which everyone will get to know. Not only that, french will help you get around when you take trips into Paris (such as for Paris week) or any other part of France. You wont have to waste your precious time, which you did pay for, trying to figure out how to communicate using hand gestures and misunderstood english. It is true, the majority of the Parisians do speak english, to an extent, but there are plenty that do not. Not to mention, if you are a language lover like me, it is super fun and a wonderful skill to obtain. There's no other better way to learn than being stuck in the country where the language is spoken and being forced to use it.