I've already graduated from college, but I would like to learn French before applying to Graduate School.?

Question

I would really like to spend some time in France or Switzerland learning French. Since I've already graduated college, what's the best way to fund something like this? Could I stay with a local family? Would it be difficult to find a job?

Answer 1

I am French and I speak English. I majored in both subjects, eons ago, and studied further after that.
Perhaps, decide, if you are fit, to find a job like Grape-picking in the Summer. Sometimes, it can turn out much more fun than you think.
There are many 'immersing' courses I am sure you can find, but getting an introduction first in the Countryside has its merits. You can study the Language for the rest of your Life, but... the sticatas' songs and other marvels: they have a language of their own too. AND there is the Food !
Observing the French is quite an education...
Of course, try enrolling for a beginner's course at the Alliance Francaise before going - depending on the Staff, you may get to know where the 'Action' might be over the Summer. French are temper-prone, maybe ask the same Person the same question, but on different days: you may get 2 different answers !
This is the time to look for Summer Jobs: there are available and you need to plan it before all the other Students do !
Edit: another thing which is ...sort of guaranteed: if you apply yourself correctly at picking the Grapes, you'll earn the Respect of the Countryside. You'll get showered with Country style charm: laughter, food and more food, wine, and friends. The French make THE best of Friends. They die for each other. Truly. While you're gathering the Harvest, thinking you are alone, you'll be observed...and maybe by the Eyes of a Young Beau. They are not Wolves - particularly when they are so young and unbelievingly mysterious. I think - and I stake all my Academic Knowledge on this - Romancing in any 'language', is quite an asset in improving one's command in any 'speech', French is very Poetic - especially in an Azure countryside !
Try it: at least, you'll know about Summers in France !

Answer 2

Simple...
Sign-up for classes locally at home, then spend some time in hostels in the area (assuming you are 25 and under) "polishing" your skill.

Otherwise, work your tail off for a year or so, and apply to several schools.

As for working in Europe...good luck with that. France's unemployment rate among non-Europeans is somewhere near 80%. In anycase, you would need to talk to the country's local embassy/mission.

Oh, and keep your nose scrupulously clean while you are over there. Some countries in Europe have a "Guilty until proven otherwise" premise in their legal system. If someone accuses, YOU have to work to prove you didn't...the state just has to put you in front of a judge and say you did it. Switzerland, I believe, is one of them.

Answer 3

I did a summer semester abroad in Spain and I know many people who have done what are called "language tours". Research foreign language immersion programs via Google. I guarantee you there are quite a few out there. Most allow you to interact with locals and live with a native speaker.

Alternatively, you can simply get the Rosetta Stone CD sets.

Answer 4

hello i additionally used to be an global pupil to the USA. I implemented to UCLA from my dwelling nation, however used to be no longer capable to get in. Instead of losing time ready, I implemented to visit a group university within the town in which my uncle lives. I went to the group university and took the primary 2 years of university after which transferred to ucla. Please realize it may be very, very tricky for any person (even any one in the usa) to get into UCLA and even Berkeley. But should you cross to a group university in California, they've agreements with the ones faculties to train you the primary 2 years and then you definitely conclude the final 2 while you switch. You nonetheless get your Bachelor measure in 4 years.