Written by: Jodi
If you are thinking about or are already committed to attending a language immersion program, at some point you are going to have to set a budget.
If you’re like me you have limited funds. But don’t let that discourage you; here are some tips to help you plan a language immersion program that delivers the best possible bang for your buck.
- Avoid big cities: Both tuition and accommodation costs are higher in larger cities than in smaller cities and towns. You may have your heart set to learn French in Paris, but if you want to stay as long as possible, consider a smaller centre such as the charming university town of Montpellier or the culturally-rich region of Normandy.
- Know how you learn: if you thrive in intensive learning environments then a short-term but highly intensive language program (30+ lessons per week) will allow to you maximize your learning without having to stay for an extended period of time. If you are more of a slow and steady learner, enroll in a less expensive standard or part-time course (10, 15 or 20 lessons per week) and stay for as long as possible.
- Self-cater and share: The most cost-effective accommodation options are shared student apartments where you prepare your own meals. If you really want to experience the benefits of staying with a local host family, why not choose homestay for the first two to four weeks of the program and then change to a shared student apartment for the remainder of your stay.
Flexibility, creativity and self-knowledge will go a long way to ensuring a rich and rewarding but very affordable experience!