StCirq

Nobody said, that I can recall, that she can "learn" two languages. Read more carefully. People suggested she has enough time to get some French and Italian under her belt.

And since you asked, I didn't comment on this thread, but yes, I do speak several languages, well more than two, spent decades learning and perfecting them. And that's just the ones I actually really learned. The Russian, Danish, Arabic, and Greek I just dabbled in, but have enough for simple travel purposes.

Thanks for asking.

nytraveler

I'm not suggesting that she pick up two languages - just get the basics of one. And I'm not talking about fluency - but just enough to be able to cope on a daily basis with transport, shops etc - not necessarily discuss nuclear physics - or even politics.

And no - I'm not fluent. But I find that my college French (35 years old and only 2nd year then) comes back in a rush when faced with the need. My grammar is poor - and I'm sure I sond like a not bright 3 year old - but I can understand what people say to me in restaurants and stores (even small local ones) and can bumble along well enough to buy and order what I want.

Young people can pick up a lot of conversation through an audio program (or conversation course) and repetition with a little effort. (And we don't know what language the OP studied in school - and may have a leg up on.)

DanielleLillis

Thank you everyone for your replies. The family I am staying with is fluent in English. They are moving from Nice to the states and want their children to become more familiar with the language. I will not be alone with the children without a parent present until everyone is comfortable.

Someone mentioned that I cannot be in Europe without a visa for over 90 days and I am aware of that, I will only be there for 88.

Also, yes I do have a contract with the family. I believe someone asked that as well.

I will start looking up information for the language aspect. I plan to focus mainly on French. I know basic Spanish from 3 years of classes in high school so I should be alright if I venture into spain over a long weekend. Someone posted asking what I was struggling most with. I think I am more overwhelmed than I am struggling. I don't really know where to begin. I need to learn day to day phrases...such as knowing how to order a glass of water at dinner or a specific meal....how to ask for directions...how to introduce myself, ask someone if they speak english, ask someone their name, etc. On the other hand however, I need to also start from the very beginning.

I plan to travel on the weekends. Nice to Paris, Nice to Barcelona, Nice to Rome, Nice to Cinque Terre. Would it be cheapest to buy a eurail pass? I believe a 2 month 10 day traveling is 558$. Would that be my best bet over buying those tickets in advance?

As for traveling to towns near Nice and torre lapillo I would not use the eurail pass.

Someone mentioned to be sure not to pick up merchandise while in a store or market. Is this the same etiquette throughout Europe? Any other advice similar to that? I would have not known that.

While in train stations are there signs in English? And in Paris where the metro is located are there signs in English?

Any specific safety precautions or advice? I am not naive but I have never traveled alone and I am a tad nervous.
Sorry my questions are so scattered! I'm just typing as questions come to mind.

Tulips

Hi Danielle, maybe start by exploring towns nearby; visit other places along the coast (Cannes, Antibes, Villefranche, Monaco) as daytrips first. Take a bus to St Paul de Vence, explore inland.

Don't buy an expensive railpass; you will not know exactly how many weekends you will be travelling until you get there. Check out the round trip train prices to the places you want to visit.
See how it goes, start with the easy daytrips.

Rome, Barcelona, Paris - are quite long train rides for a weekend trip. And it may be cheaper/faster to get a budget ticket from Easyjet for some trips. Don't forget you will need to find hotels in these places too; what is your budget?

In France, signs will be in French. Start on a basic French course now!

bilboburgler

Well the Spanish may come in useful, Mrs Bilbo speaks Spanish and finds that whe can understand Italian pretty well, just cannot speak it.

Touching stuff. Well it varies all over Europe but in Italy or France you don't touch the vegtables. In market stalls the merchant picks them for you, in supermarkets in Italy you use the gloves provided, in France in it varies. (just look what others do).

Rail announcements are in the language of the country, signage is in Roman script, but mainly 95%+ in the local language but often with icons, so often you will find "Gare" and a picture of a train (newer signs mainly).

Cheepo airlines would make sense, have a look at skyscanner website for Europe

MissPrism

Even a simple phrase book will help and you could listen to tapes. It's a pity that you have to speak English to the children. Children, especially young ones are great teachers and won't hesitate when it comes to correcting you.

I'm reasonably fluent in Italian. I once spoke French quite well but haven't been to France for years, so it's very rusty.
I have very basic Spanish and school German, just enough to get by.

spaarne

It is difficult to determine whether a rail pass is a good deal, notably in France. The high speed long distance trains in France are normally TGV class. These require a seat reservation. If you buy tickets early enough you get really good deals. They are also priced according to demand. Off-peak periods are considerably less expensive. For an illustrated introduction to trains see http://tinyurl.com/eym5b.

With your Spanish training French should come somewhat easier. A class would really help. Avoid the temptation to slide into English when your French is answered in English. It is spoken slower in southern France than in Paris. That helps a lot.

topeater

I've used Rosetta Stone, but Fluenz is so much better. Fluenz actually teaches you the phrases you will need while in France. I've never had the need to say, "the boy is wearing a blue shirt" which is the kind of thing I found with RS.

StCirq

DON'T buy a railpass! Get yourself familiar with the national railroads (SNCF for France, Trenitalia for Italy, Renfe for Spain) and their rules for obtaining discounted tickets (usually buying online 3-4 months in advance). Knowing a bit of the languages will help with this. If you want to do a combo-study of language and current events, sign up for the free "News in Slow (fill in the language)" streaming programs. You can listen to them as you go about your daily business and learn a lot. My husband's French has improved considerably listening to these.