Written by Mona
As the program specialist for the teen French programs, one of the questions that I’m asked most often by French learners is: should I go to Paris or Nice? The answer really depends on what you’re looking for…
Our standard Paris program is a great choice for the student that’s never been abroad before. You’ll get to see all the big sights – Mona Lisa’s smile at the Louvre, the majestic Eiffel Tower and the prestigious Champs-Élysées. This residence-based program offers a high level of supervision, and students share quadruple rooms with other program participants, aged 13-17. Shared bathrooms are located on each floor.
The intensive Paris program offers a similar level of supervision, but students get single rooms. The bonus is that students share one bathroom between the two rooms. The schedule is a bit more intense, in terms of classes and activities. But this program also offers options for golf or tennis for those that want to keep up with their practice in the summer! This program costs a little more than the standard Paris program, but it also offers smaller class sizes. The intensive Paris program is offered for two age groups: 10-14 and 15-18.
If you’re a more experienced traveller and looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, Nice is a great choice! This program offers both residence and homestay options, but it is only available to those between 15 and 17 years old. Since students are older, the supervision is at a medium level, which means students are free to explore all that the city has to offer – countless museums, shops and beaches – but only in groups of 3 or more, until 8pm. Anyone looking into this program should also be comfortable taking public transit, since this is likely how you’ll be getting to school if you’re staying with a local family. On that note, the homestay option is a great way to really pick up French quickly, as well as learn more about the local culture (and it’s also a bit lighter on the budget too!).
But remember, there are more places to learn French! Montpellier is another youthful beach town in France with amazing 16th-century monuments, cathedrals and universities. Like Nice, Montpellier offers both residence and homestay options. You can also learn French in Canada. We offer both a Montreal residence program and a homestay program in Quebec City. Can’t decide? You might want to take a look at the overview of all of our French programs for teens.
Have more questions about where to go pour améliorer votre Français? Ask me!