“We have to go to school in the summer? Noooo!” whined my daughters after I presented my plan for the family to attend a French-language school. I thought my idea was “fantastique”, but my daughters disagreed. If you have ever considered learning a second language at an immersion program, I would say, “C’est une bonne idée!” (No matter what you kids say!)
Why learn a second language ?
My plan was hatched after I read an article about the benefits of learning a second language, both for children and older adults. Children who learn a second language show improved problem-solving, critical thinking and listening skills (Lead with Languages).
Data suggests that speaking two or more languages influences the onset and severity of dementia (MayoClinic). I wanted to discuss this with my husband but could not remember where I put my phone. Note to self, I thought, start learning a second language immediately.
Which immersion school to choose?
After much research, I decided on “Coeur de France École de Langues Cultural Immersion program” in Sancerre, France. If you want:
- a private family class,
- afternoon excursions and activities,
- a school in a small, medieval fairy-tale like village,
- to drink some French wine
then Coeur de France could be the right program for you and your family.
The fairy-tale beauty of Sancerre
Sancerre is a little over 2 hours south of Paris by train. Taxies and rental cars are also options. Do not do what we did. We chose a rental car from the airport but driving through Paris almost stopped our vacation before it even got started (not to mention what it did for our marriage!).
As our car approached the walled city of Sancerre, our eyes opened in awe and we fell in love at first sight. Sancerre rests atop a hill with 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside. Houses from the 15th and 16th centuries still dot the twisting, narrow streets.
Immersion school structure
Eight professionals teach the various classes offered: group, 1:1, children’s classes, combination, and family. We chose the family program which made my children feel more secure and not so much like actual school.
We attended classes in the mornings with a few breaks given for coffee or tea. Our teacher separated our family into two groups: adults and children. First, she worked directly with my husband and me, then she assigned us an activity. While we worked, she taught our kids.
But I am a total beginner!
English is not spoken in the school. As beginners, it was difficult but not impossible. Our teacher displayed saint-like levels of patience and never once sighed in frustration or made us feel bad for our inexperience. Occasionally, I would be SO confused that she had to resort to English. Each time that happened, she whispered, which made me feel like our ignorance was getting her in trouble!
The whole town is in on it
The immersion instruction paired with the small town of Sancerre strengthened the appeal of the program. Since the Sancerre shops benefit from the students who attend the school, the shopkeepers support language learning. The school directors said that the shopkeepers would not speak English but would help us with our French.
I experienced the town support on my first visit to a boulangerie. I said, “Bonjour! Je voudrais un baguette, s’il vous plait.” Without hesitation, the shopkeeper replied, “Une. Pas un. Une baguette. Une.” Her method was effective because I have never used the incorrect article again!
Time for dinner and some wine
Sancerre provides wonderful dining opportunities to experience French food and practice speaking. Every person we met in the restaurants greeted us warmly and assisted us patiently with our orders.
My husband and I sampled the Sancerre wines. Sancerre is a well-known wine region producing Sauvignon Blanc wines. I am not normally a white wine drinker, but this wine was worth a trip to France!
When to go to Sancerre
Our family traveled to Sancerre early in the summer with few other tourists sharing the town with us. With the limited number of people, we felt comfortable allowing the children to go to shops on their own. Their favorite place of course was the boulangerie. Each day, the children took a few Euros and bought either a croissant or pain au chocolate. Remembering their joyful faces as they ate their treasures always brings a smile to my face.
C’est la vie!
Since that trip, our family has journeyed back to France three times and continued to practice speaking French. We talk fondly about Sancerre and the Coeur de France and hope to return there someday. Until then, we will practice our French at home while drinking Sancerre wine bought in the United States. It is not perfect, but c’est la vie!
If your family is considering an immersion program, Coeur de France is worth researching and could create a lifetime of stories and experiences for your family. And some of the stories, like when the kids played “Marco Polo” in the house and broke a lamp, will have to wait for another blog post.
Check out more about the immersion program in my France Notes.
Visit the Coeur de France website for all the fabulous details. Merci!
Amy! I was inspired by your post! I have always dreamed of learning another language — and French has always been the language I most wanted to learn. I may have to wait until retirement to find the time. But it’s on my bucket list now. Thank you. I so enjoyed vicariously riding along with you and your family on your immersion adventure in Sancerre, France. How magical!
Amy, your article is so well written and it was quite entertaining. I laughed out loud several times. It almost made me wish I had a couple of kids to go traveling with (please note the almost!) I have been working on learning German and would love to find a similar kind of situation. I just love that the whole town is in on the “game”. What a great experience you and your family had and I hope you do get to return.
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