Hi. I see many interesting questions about learning french and finding the right school. I would like to send my 13 year old to France in Oct 2005 for 2 months for immersion. He has learnt the basics from Alliance Francaise in our hometown. I read that BLS is good. How about Alliance Franciase Bordeaux? Which one is more central in terms of location? My plan is to rent a house near the school (within walking distance) and our whole family can stay there. Any recommendation on how to start looking for the right place to stay? Is Bordeaux nice to stay for 2 months? Where can we go on weekends? I don't drive so I hope to find a place where it is close to shops, cafes, restaurants, etc to stay.

Thanks so much for your help

I haven't been to either language school, but Bordeaux is a great city. As for where you can go on weekends, well, to start with, the Dordogne! Also all the neighboring wine regions, Basque country, Gascony, the coast at Arcachon and Cap Ferrat and the Dune du Pyla - the possibilities are endless.

I have studied French in France at several different places, but all in Paris. So, I cannot comment on the quality of those particular schools.

However, this is very unusual given the age of your child. Have you checked with these schools to see if this is even possible? Most schools will not allow children to enroll less than age 17 or 18 (except in special summer programs, perhaps). On top of that, he would probably be in a class with adults, of course. And classes during the regular year, not summer, have even more specialized students attending. Does he want to do this? How can he miss his regular schooling?

I don't have a suggestion but wanted to tell you what a wonderful parent you are for doing such a thing. I took french all through junior high and high school and told my parents that I wanted to be a french major; but I was still not allowed to go to Europe until I had to as a part of my college requirment as a french major - it was the best time of my entire life (other than getting married). Your child will always love you for it.

You could look up a website called www.languagesabroad.co.uk. This organisation runs French Courses in various parts of France, and does Summer Courses for Young Students in several locations. My 15 year old daughter went to Paris last year and enjoyed it very much.The courses are residential, and seemed well supervised, and they met her flight at the airport, and then put her on the plane home.It's worth a look.

Thanks radiofanatic. I do not indulge my son in expensive toys and designer clothes but spending money for him to experience another culture is something I would do. He spent a month in Beijing last year attending a primary school with the local children. It was an unforgettable experience for both of us. Where I am from the long school break starts from October to January. His summer break is only 2 weeks hence I can't send him to France for the teen program. I would appreciate if anyone can suggest a website for me to start searching for houses to rent in Bordeaux.
Thanks