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Six things you need to know before studying in France

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France is without a doubt a beautiful country, a major tourist destination and studying French in France is one of those amazing and unforgettable experiences. Naturally as with everything new in life, studying in France won’t go without some serious planning and possibly minor hiccups. Luckily, we are here to share with you some insight on what sort of things you can prepare and look forward to and some challenges you may come across when you decide to study in France.

Arrange your accommodation asap

Since France is a major destination not just for university students from all over the world, but also for those that want to study short-term French courses and of course tourists, finding good and affordable accommodation can be a big headache. When you decide that you want to study French in Normandy, we recommend that you start searching for a place to live right away. Even if the start of your course is months away. The best deals get sold out really fast and you need to be one of them.

Alternatively, you can ask our staff at French in Normandy for assistance regarding accommodation. You can choose between staying with a host family, at a residence or hotels/gites. We personally recommend host families because then you will have someone to practice with, outside the classroom.

Prepare for paperwork

Even though French are well known for their cuisine, perfumes and a lot of other good things, you may be confronted with shameless bureaucracy and too much paperwork. This is without a doubt frustrating, especially if you need something urgently done. We recommend that you always be prepared, have extra copies of documents (ie birth certificate, passport, proof of vaccination) just in case you need them. Furthermore, you can always contact our staff at the school via phone, email, social media or our website in case you have questions.

Soak up the local culture 

France is a beautiful country, and when you decide to study French in Rouen, you’ll get the chance to appreciate the rich French history and culture every single day. There are great museums and sites that you can visit in Rouen so make good use of your spare time.  Grab some of your classmates and visit a few of them. Immerse yourself in French culture, develop a new perspective, use the language in new ways and learn new plenty of new things.

Open a local bank account

If you plan on staying in Normandy for a long time we highly recommend that you open a local bank account as soon as possible. Actually, this should be one of the first things you do when you arrive in Rouen. Stacking up foreign transaction fees, paying ATM withdrawal costs is something you can avoid. That said, you can’t just walk into a local bank and open an account. Opening a bank account will require you to schedule an appointment and prepare numerous documents. So set this up ahead of time in order to avoid long waits.

Plan weekend excursions

Aside from learning one of the most spoken languages in the world, studying French in Normandy comes with other perks and benefits too. One of them is being able to explore the region of Normandy. Prepare yourself to visit Mont St Michel, Monet’s Gardens, the D-Day beaches and the Alabaster Coast. French people love public holidays so you’ll have plenty of chances to scope out other places outside of Rouen.

Go easy on yourself

Learning any new language, especially if it’s very different from your native language, is a process that can take some time. You might experience frustration or shyness because you may not be able to speak or understand the language, but that will pass as you progress with your French course. Remember, being fluent in another language requires both time and practice. Aside from your lessons, you’ll have every day, there are also various other activities at our French school in France that you can choose from and where you can get additional French conversation practice.

Studying in French, whether that is a General French course, cooking course or DELF DALF exam preparation, your experience at French in Normandy will be one you will never forget. Aside from learning from skilled and qualified native French speakers, you will also experience French culture (language, history, cuisine, customs etc.) first hand and make friends not just with locals but with students from other parts of the world, who came to France for the same reason as  you – to study French and experience the French language in a different way.

French in Normandy uses antimicrobial protective spray in school against COVID

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Recently French in Normandy engaged the services of Novacel, a Rouen-based company, to protect the school with a new chemical technology that actively kills all germs and microorganisms for a minimum of three months!  Have a listen to the interviews with Novacel staff in English and French!

Récemment, French in Normandy a fait appel aux services de Novacel, une société basée à Rouen, pour protéger l’école avec une nouvelle technologie chimique qui tue activement tous les germes et micro-organismes pendant un minimum de trois mois !

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What’s the best way to learn French online?

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Top 10 Virtual Visits in Normandy, France

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Your urge to travel is probably even greater now that you can’t go anywhere.

While confined to your home for the greater good, you can still satisfy your curiosity by armchair travelling to Normandy, one of the most popular regions in France. Discover the capital, Rouen, the infamous Normandy beaches, the monuments, the food and the museums of the region with our list of favourite virtual visits.

Delve even deeper into your French desires with an online French language course offered by none other than, French in Normandy!

On y va! Let’s go!

 

#1. Rouen in Motion

A glimpse into the economic and cultural capital of Normandy and home to our school French in Normandy. Rouen is a bustling, historic city of 112,000+ inhabitants, just waiting for your arrival. Roam the streets, explore the treasures of the old town and view the timbered houses with this fabulous time lapse video of Rouen

#2. Dieppe Kite Festival

The Dieppe Kite Festival was established in 1980. This is one of the largest festivals of this kind in the world and every year it gathers thousands on the Alabaster Coast of Normandy. Attendance to the Festival is free. Activities are very diverse, which ensures that everyone will find something according to his / her liking. Some of you might wander around exhibitions, some will attend various workshops or watch kites in action. And if you’re a fan of traditional music, theatre and dancing, you’ll find plenty of entertainment.

#3. D-Day Landing Beaches as never seen before from above

On June 6, 1944 Allied forces landed on Normandy’s beaches in order to launch the larges invasion and liberate the German-occupied French territory. D-Day Landing Beaches include Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, Gold Beach, Juno Beach and Sword Beach. You can get a really good (virtual) look of the D-Day beaches in this video. And once travel resumes, feel free to go there in person. You won’t regret it.

#4. Time lapse: Mont Saint Michel

Mont Saint Michel is Europe’s most unforgettable sights. It is set where Normandy and Brittany meet and its location inspired the imagination of many. This is a video that has toured Mont Saint Michel and the world. If you haven’t seen it  yet or want to relive a day of high tide around the most visited site in Normandy, then check it out.

#5. Chateau de Caen

Built around 1060 by William the Conqueror, what was once the ducal castle of Caen, now is home to the Normandy Museum and Museum of Fine Arts. As of 2004 the town of Caen has gone through some major restoration which finally provided a better view of the 12th century walls, discovered a private cellar and so on.

#6. Rouen: Musée des Beaux Arts

This museum was founded by Napoleon I, back in 1801. The Museum of Fine Arts in Rouen holds some of the most prestigious French collections of paintings, sculptures, objects and drawings. It houses some of the greatest works from Perugino. Veronese, Velazquez, Poussin, Delacroix and many more. This is a place of one of the largest impressionist collection in France.

#7. The Great Eats of Normandy Food Tour

These food tours will take you into a whole new place…into the heart of Normandy. Follow a magnificent trip to Caen and Bayeux with your host and see what type of Norman delicacies can you discover. Take your pick from famous cheeses and dairy products, fresh baked goods, wine and ciders.

#8. Rouen: Notre Dame Cathedral

As the name suggests, this is not the same as the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, but it doesn’t mean that it’s less stunning. The Notre Dame Cathedral in Rouen was established in the 4th century, enlarged in 650 and unfortunately perished during the Viking raids in the 9th century. But the same Vikings and their descendants restored it and further enlarged it in 950. Over the course of history the Rouen Cathedral was severely damaged and restored several times. Some of its paintings were done by Claude Monet, a famous Impressionists. Monet created several paintings picturing the Cathedral in different weather and in different times of the day.

#9. Monet’s house & gardens

If you stop by at Monet’s house in Giverny, you can still see the Japanese bridge in his garden. Furthermore, the weeping willow, which one the subject to some of his most famous pieces, is still there. This house of one of the most famous French Impressionists was fully restored to their original condition from back in the 19th century. Even Monet’s studios are made complete with the reproductions of his most famous paintings.

#10. A weekend at Étretat, a virtual trip

Étretat is a small commune in Normandy. This charming tourist town is best know for its chalk cliffs especially those three natural arches and a formation called L’Aiguille (“Needle” in French). The cliffs have been an inspiration to many artists include Boudin, Courbet and of course…Monet.

BONUS VIRTUAL VISIT

#11. Rouen: French in Normandy

Take a tour of our international award-winning French language school, French in Normandy. Consider taking a DELF online exam preparation course while you keep yourself safe and at home!

 

French in Normandy Supports Professional Development

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Dialoge is an IALC sister school of French in Normandy. Based in Germany, at the beautiful Lake of Constance, it offers a range of German classes at all levels. Dialoge has 14 Erasmus+ mobility courses, providing professional development opportunities for teachers and administration from around Europe. French in Normandy supports the continuous training and professional development of its staff and teachers and Christian Gaujac has been the first to participate in this programme, choosing Dialoge for 1 week of intensive German course in Lindau. As you can see from the photos, Christian enjoyed and benefited from a week of training and professional exchange.

French in Normandy also provides a variety of Erasmus+ courses for teachers and staff who want to either improve their French language skills or refine their teaching techniques.

Christian and Christina Rüger in charge of marketing and sales at Dialoge

how to teach a foreign language

Essential tips for teaching a foreign language effectively

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How to teach a foreign language effectively: 4 essential tips

What’s your preferred teaching method when it comes to languages? What can you do to make lessons more engaging and productive for your students? 

Let’s face it, being a language teacher is highly rewarding. Not only do you get to travel and further your passion for a language and its culture, but as a language teacher, you can also give these special gifts to your students.  

You might say that being any kind of teacher has similar benefits. However, there’s something especially remarkable about imparting language. In doing so, you open up perspectives and broaden horizons so your students can travel the world, explore different cultures and open dialogues with people from completely different backgrounds. For your students, it can turn into a lifelong passion, a career, or a relationship. 

So what are the fundamental pillars of language teaching? How can you improve your teaching so your students develop their language skills better?

Here at French in Normandy you can take a range of different French teacher training courses – find more information here or contact us for more information. 

Read on for our essential tips for effective language teaching. 

how to teach a foreign language

Tip 1. Learn about different approaches, methodologies and techniques

Do you tend to teach French by focusing on grammar and vocabulary acquisition? Do you place an emphasis on spoken communication? Or do you provide task-based learning exercises? 

One size doesn’t fit all and over the years our understanding of language education has evolved. Being a teacher is a continual learning journey – there are always new things to discover and put into practice in classroom situations. 

For instance, here at the French in Normandy school, we offer courses that cover different methods. Some of the most popular ones include: 

Approche neurolinguistique (ANL) – The Neurolinguistic Approach 

The Neurolinguistic Approach has been developed based on an understanding of the parts of the brain associated with language acquisition. You can read more about it here. 

You can see what this teacher had to say about it: 

Technologies de l’information et de la communication à l’école (TICE) – Using new technology in the classroom 

This method incorporates the use of new technology in teaching. The classrooms here at French in Normandy are almost completely paper-free these days, and teachers can learn how to introduce different kinds of technology into their lessons effectively with this course. 

Discipline Non Linguistique (DNL) – Non-linguistic discipline

As well as providing exposure to the language, teaching another specialist subject through language provides a specific focus for language learning that can be very effective.  

Tip 2: Go beyond textbooks and embrace modern media

Almost anyone learning a language today spends a significant amount of their time looking at screens – especially the screens of their smartphones – and using apps. Making use of this and other new technology to aid language teaching means your students can use media they’re familiar with and increase their immersion in the language in different contexts. 

This can take many forms. It could mean posting, sharing and encouraging conversations in the language on social media platforms, or using their favourite boxsets as the basis of an exercise. It could also mean using tools like quiz and competition apps to ‘gamify’ learning and further motivate your students. 

Tip 3: Find a variety of ways for students to immerse themselves in the language

We can all agree that immersion in the target language is essential for language learning. However, this doesn’t have to mean a conversation with a native speaker. While opportunities to have those conversations should be available to students on as regular a basis as possible, why not encourage your students to immerse themselves in other ways that match their interests? 

While literature can work for some, others prefer music and listening to lyrics, others films and boxsets, and others may prefer to learn vocabulary while cooking. Help your students use their hobbies to maximise their exposure to the language outside the classroom.  

Tip 4: Create a safe and positive learning environment

Having the confidence to make mistakes – and the opportunity to discuss and learn from them – is absolutely key to language learning. 

How you structure your lessons and how you provide feedback has an enormous impact on your students’ sense of security, and whatever your preferred methods are, if your students are to improve, they need a space that’s free from judgment and safe enough to make any mistakes, knowing they’ll be seen only as an opportunity to improve.  

Explore our resources and improve your language teaching

We all remember good teachers of any subjects, but language teachers are perhaps on another level. Through language learning, you gain the satisfaction of mastering grammar and the ability to recall the
right word or phrase for a given situation. But you also open the door to new culture – through film, literature, etc. – and new relationships too. 

The buzz and increased confidence you feel when you can speak a language fluently with a native
speaker is hard to beat. Whether it’s the teachers who help you unleash the joy of uncoding and discovering books by great authors in their original language or the ones who help you make sense of
using the subjunctive, the language teachers who really help you stay with you for life. 

While every teacher brings something of themselves and their own experience to teaching, these tips can hopefully help you provide an even higher quality learning experience for your students. 

If you’d like to explore the subject in more detail and read other articles on teaching foreign languages, you can browse all our related articles. 

Our French teacher training courses are designed for teachers from around the world as well as for teachers in Europe who wish to take part in either a French language programme or a methodology programme via the Erasmus grant.

In addition to the different methodologies, all our courses help teachers develop skills and confidence in a number of essential areas, including how to motivate students and keep their attention, how to establish a class dynamic and make the most of interactions in the classroom, and how to respond to specific learning needs within groups. 

If you’re looking to develop your teaching skills and would like to find out more about the teacher training courses on offer here in Rouen, Normandy, you can get more information here.  

 

Study Science in France: French + Sciences Pathway

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french sciencesFrench in Normandy is proud to have been chosen by Campus France as one of the participating schools in this new and exciting French and Science short course programme for students planning to study science in France.

French in Normandy provides full French language instruction while partner school ESIGELEC takes the lead role in the science elements of the programme along with CESI NORMANDIE and local companies. Together these three excellent Normandy institutions will receive students from around the world for this new three-week programme that offers first-class language training as well as a hands-on scientific experience for students planning to study science in France. Students will visit companies specialised in motor research, transport and energy solutions.

French + Sciences is designed for international English-speaking students in Sciences, who may be complete beginners in French: the scientific content is 100% taught in English.

Learn more about the programme in our brochure and contact us for details.

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characteristics of a good teacher

Characteristics of a Good Language Teacher

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Knowledge of a language with good command in speaking doesn’t make you a good language teacher. Do you think, mere knowledge and teacher training are enough to switch on to the language teaching profession? There are plenty of characteristics that a teacher must possess to be a good language teacher; along with proficiency in a language, extraordinary reading, speaking and listening skills the teacher must, of course, demonstrate good use of vocabulary and command over the words.

characteristics of a good teacher

Do you want to know what are the characteristics of a good teacher? If yes, then go on to confirm the following traits along with checking his or her expertise in French.

French language teaching 

Learning the language of France is just like learning any other new language but a bit earlier acquaintance through movies, multimedia aids, video tutorials, semi-easy reads can be highly advantageous for students in addition to having a good French teacher with the knowledge of the language. 

Important characteristics of a good teacher

Let us check out the good characteristics of a teacher that can make him/her stay in the memory of students for a longer and longer span. This guide is not only for students but also for teachers who aspire to become a good language teacher.  

 

Personalize the Learning Environment

Check out whether the teacher can offer personalized teaching to every class depending upon the specific needs of the class. You cannot teach students of a distinct age with the same teaching style and matter. The best method of teaching students under age 6 plays way method however; the need of students beyond 6 years is different. Therefore, the teacher must be able to connect with the student and execute personalized as well as customized teaching.  A teacher able to establish emotional as well as mental connect with the students is best to go for.  

 

 

Spread optimism

Learning a language may not be as tough as learning mathematics, but it is also not easy. Most of the students often leave the courses in midterm due to the complexity involved in the language. But a hopeful and encouraging teacher can promote students to learn French and attain proficiency.

 

 

Passionate teacher potent in generating passion in students  

A teacher needs to be passionate about the language along with being able to infuse passion in the students as well. Passion eradicates boredom and irritation which is very common while studying a new language. A spark of interest generates passion and thereby enlists the teacher amongst the good teachers.   

 

 

Connection 

A teacher capable of establishing a connection with the students and between the subject and student easily gets her name in the list of good language teachers. Creating friendliness for the subject amongst students through teaching aids like stories, videos, pictures, snaps, etc. is important for learning.  

 

 

Encourages students to chime in

The participation of students leads to effective or successful learning. Teachers executing distinct means to involve student’s participation are more likely to get the tang of success. Actively involved students learn more easily than those who abstain from participating.

 

 

 Accountability

A good teacher allows the student to face the blame and be accountable for any carelessness and lack of devotion towards the study of language.  

 

Stays attuned with the student’s development

Language learning classes are different in every learning phase. A good language teacher should be able to understand the different development phases and teach students with a fine idea of bespoke teaching best for the mental caliber of distinct students. 

 

French in Normandy team consists of some of the best French language teachers, all who embody the characteristics of a good teacher, who can help you to achieve your language learning goals! Contact us for details about our teachers and French language courses.

french language careers

Five Careers Where the French Language Will Take You Far

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French, which used to be the world’s language of diplomacy, is considered as a very expressive language and one that is very suitable to several jobs. Although there are many jobs available where your knowledge of French will get you far, it is vital to find a job that interests you and where your French language skills will be fully utilized.

Finding a French language career may be challenging but if you look in the right industries, you’ll be sure to find an industry which is rewarding and allows you to converse in French regularly.

 

French is the 16th most spoken language in the world. It is still spoken in 54 countries, with 29 countries using it as their official or one of their official languages. About 77.2 million people are using it as their mother tongue. Around 60.4 million L1 (first language) speakers are located in France. Worldwide, more than 279.0 million are French speakers. 

French is a vital language in commercial and administrative contexts in many countries such as Brazil, Poland, Greece, Lebanon, Egypt and India. French is used a business language in the African Union and a working language in important international organizations like Amnesty International, the United Nations and the Médecins sans frontières. 

5 Careers Where You Will Use Your French Language Skills

According to studies and surveys of language learners and language schools, French is an easy language for an English speaker to learn. Whether French is your mother tongue, you’re bilingual or you’ve studied French, several opportunities for employment are available for you. We have compiled some of the most interesting jobs where your fluency in the French language will take you far. 

1. French teacher

If teaching is your vocation and you are fluent in the language, this is a good position for many of you. French is one of the most studied languages today, so several language schools and mainstream schools need good French teachers.

There are different opportunities for teaching and the professional requirements differ. One of the things you have to decide is the age group. You can either teach early childhood, kindergarten up to 6th grade or you may want to teach children in the 7th to 12th grades. If you have the right qualification, several colleges and universities have French language programs. You can also try institutions that provide continuing education and language classes for adults. 

Your teaching credential is the most important requirement for any teaching job. Find out the credentialing process for the age group you want to teach, as this varies between countries, provinces and states. You must at least have a Bachelor of Arts degree. 

In all of the age group categories mentioned above, the requirements for teaching adults are the easiest to meet. Depending on where you are located, some adult education centers do not require their language teachers to have credentials, although the wages would be lower. In most cases, it is financially beneficial if you have the right credentials to teach. 

2. Interpreter or translator

These language services are highly specialized and require more than being fluent in two languages. However, if you are qualified, offering French translation opens many opportunities for you to work from home or anywhere. A translator deals with the written word, so you can accept jobs for translating manuals, instructions, poetry, articles, books or manuscripts. 

An interpreter does oral translation and requires expertise. Most interpreters work for large organizations. They can also be connected to language services providers. Still you may find freelance interpreting work in the tourism and travel sector. 

If you are interested in interpreting or translation work, it is better to have a degree in interpreting or translation, credentials from industry organizations such as the American Translators Association (ATA) and membership in an industry organization. Many language services providers offer specialized services in the legal, medical, scientific or financial fields where knowledge of particular terminology is required.  

3. Tourism, travel and hospitality

If you are into traveling and you speak French and other languages, the travel industry is one of your options to find work. You can consider a job as a flight attendant or even a ground crew for an airline. You can try finding work as a local tour guide for foreign tour groups to go around museums and other tourist destinations. Many tour companies offer tour guides who speak French and other languages. The hospitality field likewise needs French speakers. You can work at ski resorts, camps, hotels and even restaurants. 

4. Foreign service

If have the right qualification, you could have an amazing French language career in diplomatic services. You can apply for a job as a foreign service staff in consulates and embassies around the world. The requirements vary from country to country, so it is vital to search for information from the government website of your country. There could also be a waiting list once you pass the exams, so this type of work is not for someone who wants to work in a hurry.

5. Multilingual proofreader

If you have an excellent understanding of French spelling and grammar and you love reading, you can try applying as a proofreader in the publishing industry. Publishing houses and magazines are possible employers. They need people who can edit and proofread materials before publication. You can also edit/proofread French language websites for translation errors, typos and mistakes in spelling. 

See to it that you have the right qualifications aside from being a fluent French speaker when you want to work in any of the positions we’ve suggested. A French language career can be challenging and rewarding and help you keep your language skills current.

 

If you need to improve your French for professional purposes then trust our highly qualified instructor to help you reach your language goals either with an online French course or in-class at our school in Rouen.