Top 5 language and activity courses in Latin America

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1. Spanish & surfing in Jaco Beach, Costa Rica

Jaco is one of the best places you can go to for a real language holiday. In addition to Spanish language classes, the school offers first-rate facilities for students, including a plunge pool, zen garden and tropical plant garden, and a range of fantastic activities after class. Surfing is one of the most popular and it’s easy to see why, with Jaco’s warm water, consistent clean waves and excellent instruction. Yoga and digital photography are also available.

Spanish & surfing in Jaco Beach

2. Spanish & volunteering in Leticia, Colombia

A new location for Cactus in 2011, Leticia is gateway to once-in-a-lifetime Amazonian adventures. A hot and humid frontier town on the Amazon river, it is the perfect place to learn Spanish and take part in a volunteering project. Placements are available in social work, with children, and in education, teaching English to the locals. Knowledge of Spanish is invaluable in getting more out of your placement and for the volunteer organisations to get more out of you, too. This is a wonderful opportunity to discover the incredible natural world of the Amazon, learn the language and mix with the local community all at the same time.

Spanish & volunteering in Leticia



3. Spanish & tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina

There is probably nowhere more iconic to learn tango than in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires. And the tango classes that are included in this popular course take place in an elegant old dance salon that is run by some of the city’s best-renowned dancers. Outside class, there are plenty of tango-related activities to enjoy, from impromptu tango displays in the street to special tango restaurants, shows and museums. And with all that dancing there’s no better excuse to do as the locals and enjoy a steak and glass of red wine at the end of the day.

Spanish & tango in Buenos Aires

4. Spanish & diving in Sosua, Dominican Republic

The warm Caribbean waters on the Dominican Republic’s northern coast are the perfect setting for diving, no matter what your level. If you’re a beginner you can take a beginners PADI course, and if you’re already a certified diver you will be able to take a 5-tank dive package off the magnificent coastline. On top of your diving and language classes, you will have the opportunity to make the most of the island’s beautiful scenery and landscape through activities such as river rafting, mountain biking, horse riding, tennis, golf, hiking and surfing.

Spanish & diving in Sosua

5. Flavors of the Andes, Cusco, Peruimage

A little different to all the dance and sports activities on offer, this unique course in Cusco is a wonderful introduction to Peruvian culture and cuisine. In addition to Spanish classes you will have lunch with your own tutor at traditional restaurants in Cusco, enjoying conversation and interaction with others at the table as you sample delicious dishes typical to the Andean region. Needless to say this is a great way to practise the language and chat to the locals about their customs, folklore, music, history and art.

Flavors of the Andes in Cusco

Cactus offers language courses in over 30 languages, in 60 countries and 500 destinations worldwide, including specialist courses such as language and activity courses and volunteer programs.https://www.cactuslanguagetraining.com/images/uploads/cusco-weaving.jpg

A great reason to go to Lyon this December - la Fête des Lumières

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The origins of this spectacular festival date back to 1643 when plague descended on Lyon. According to legend, the town councillors promised to pay tribute to Mary if the town was spared, which it was, and ever since, a procession made its way to the Basilica of Fourvière on this day to light candles and give offerings in the name of Mary.

It wasn’t until mid way through the 19th century though, that this morphed into a recognised and popular festival. Church leaders launched a competition for a statue to be realized as religious symbol at the top of the Fourvière hill. One year later Lyonnais sculptor Fabisch won the competition, and after a couple of prior setbacks, the entire city was illuminated on the 12th December. Celebrations took place in the streets and the Chapel of Fourvière was lit up against the night sky.

As part of this tradition so unique to Lyon, every house place candles along the outsides of all the windows to produce a spectacular effect throughout the streets. The four-day festival attracts 4 million visitors each year and sees Lyon’s finest buildings illuminated with fantastic lights, shows and music; the two main focal points of activity are typically the Basilica of Fourvière which is lit up in different colours, and the Place des Terreaux, which hosts a different light show each year.

Cactus’ Neil Stawarz spent a year in Lyon as part of his degree, and says of this fantastic festival:

“After being brought up on shoddy light shows in the form of watching damp fireworks limp their way into the freezing night sky on a wet November 5th somewhere near Chesterfield, the Fête des Lumières really opened my eyes to what a light show should be like. Throughout all the many squares of Lyon different, and sometimes disorientating, light shows draw you in and keep you transfixed throughout the evening and the main performance at the Place des Terreaux was literally amazing. I spent many hours wandering through the streets of the Presqu-Ile and vieux Lyon, glass of wine in my hand watching the fantastic entertainment laid on by the Lyonnais…it is just a shame they didn’t have any bonfire toffee.”

This event is a truly unique and spectacular one to witness, and will show you a side of France’s ‘Gastronomic Capital’ that you have never seen before. As with any festival in France, there will be food and drink a –plenty, so you will also have ample chance to test out the city’s reputation for this too…

Cactus offers General, Intensive and Individual French courses in Lyon at a variety of levels, and with a range of accommodation options. Visit the Cactus Language site to find out more.

Top 5 Spanish course destinations this Fall

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With this in mind, here’s our pick of the best places to jet off to this Fall if you want to learn Spanish…

1. Nerja, Spain

This small, attractive town on Spain’s south coast is full of Andalucian charm with its white-washed buildings, flower-laden balconies and decorative ‘azulejo’ tiles. Go in the fall and you’ll miss the summer influx of visitors but still be able to sit outside to enjoy a plate of sizzling paella under some warm Mediterranean sunshine.

Spanish courses in Nerja, Spain

2. Morelia, Mexico

Mexico is a memorable place to be when Day of the Dead falls on 2nd November. Contrary to how it sounds, this is an uplifting and rather heart-warming fiesta whereby people remember and pay tribute to friends and relatives who have died. Morelia, just 60km from Pátzcuaro, which is renowned for its traditional music, dancing and feasting at this time, is a great place to base yourself.

Spanish courses in Morelia, Mexico

3. Sámara, Costa Rica

Those coming to learn Spanish in Costa Rica may think they have died and gone to linguistic heaven when arriving in Sámara. 5km of soft white sand fringed by palm trees, in a protected coral reef bay, is a setting worthy of a few postcards home. If you need an excuse to stay a while, our 12-week Spanish & Volunteering course is your answer: the perfect way to immerse yourself in the culture and help on genuine projects in the local community.

Spanish courses in Samara, Costa Rica

4. Quito, Ecuador

Surrounded by the impressive snow-capped peaks of the Andes, at nearly 3,000m, Ecuador’s historic capital is celebrating the country’s Bicentenary of Independence from Spain. Heritage buildings such as the Presidential Palace, the Wax Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art will help you trace the struggle for independence from the beginning of the 19th century, whilst you can be sure the locals will be toasting the victory with their own fiestas…

Spanish courses in Quito, Ecuador

5. Salamanca, Spain

With the new school year upon us, the university city of Salamanca is the perfect place to head if you want to improve your Spanish. Doing for Spain what Oxford does for England, and Bologna for Italy, this is a prestigious, historical and lively centre of learning – a place where students flock as much to study as to soak up the atmosphere and have fun.

Spanish courses in Salamanca, Spain

Cactus offers Spanish courses in over 20 countries worldwide. We also run evening and part-time courses in Spanish in the US & Canada.

Top 5 Spanish course destinations this autumn

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With this in mind, here’s our pick of the best places to jet off to this autumn if you want to learn Spanish…

1. Nerja, Spain

This small, attractive town on Spain’s south coast is full of Andalucian charm with its white-washed buildings, flower-laden balconies and decorative ‘azulejo’ tiles. Go in the autumn and you’ll miss the summer influx of visitors but still be able to sit outside to enjoy a plate of sizzling paella under some warm Mediterranean sunshine.

Spanish courses in Nerja, Spain

2. Morelia, Mexico

Mexico is a memorable place to be when Day of the Dead falls on 2nd November. Contrary to how it sounds, this is an uplifting and rather heart-warming fiesta whereby people remember and pay tribute to friends and relatives who have died. Morelia, just 60km from Pátzcuaro, which is renowned for its traditional music, dancing and feasting at this time, is a great place to base yourself.

Spanish courses in Morelia, Mexico

3. Sámara, Costa Rica

Those coming to learn Spanish in Costa Rica may think they have died and gone to linguistic heaven when arriving in Sámara. 5km of soft white sand fringed by palm trees, in a protected coral reef bay, is a setting worthy of a few postcards home. If you need an excuse to stay a while, our 12-week Spanish & Volunteering course is your answer: the perfect way to immerse yourself in the culture and help on genuine projects in the local community.

Spanish courses in Samara, Costa Rica

4. Quito, Ecuador

Surrounded by the impressive snow-capped peaks of the Andes, at nearly 3,000m, Ecuador’s historic capital is celebrating the country’s Bicentenary of Independence from Spain. Heritage buildings such as the Presidential Palace, the Wax Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art will help you trace the struggle for independence from the beginning of the 19th century, whilst you can be sure the locals will be toasting the victory with their own fiestas…

Spanish courses in Quito, Ecuador

5. Salamanca, Spain

With the new school year upon us, the university city of Salamanca is the perfect place to head if you want to improve your Spanish. Doing for Spain what Oxford does for England, and Bologna for Italy, this is a prestigious, historical and lively centre of learning – a place where students flock as much to study as to soak up the atmosphere and have fun. The GCSE / A Level Revision course in October half term is perfect motivation for younger learners.

Spanish courses in Salamanca, Spain

Cactus offers Spanish courses in over 20 countries worldwide. We also run daytime, evening and weekend courses in Spanish in the UK and the US & Canada.

Top 5 French course destinations this autumn

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1. Montreal

Montreal is a fascinating city with a cosmopolitan feel and a wide range of cultural offerings. Summer in the city can be very hot, and winter extremely cold. For this reason, September-November is an ideal time to go and experience what the city has to offer. As well as the usual sights and attractions, there are also an array of festivals and events to enjoy during the autumn-time, including: the Escales Improbables Festival, POP Montreal (21st-25th September), the OFF Jazz Festival (7th-15th October) and the Festival of New Cinema (12th – 23rd October).

2. Paris

To be honest, Paris is a city that is buzzing with activity all year round. If you visit in autumn though, you will probably find fewer tourists, shorter queues, and less expensive accommodation. It’s also one of the prettiest times to visit, as the trees change colour and the fallen leaves dance at your feet – it’ll really indulge your image of Paris at its romantic best. Festival and event wise, Paris is jam-packed with options throughout September, October and November, but some of the highlights include the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days), held from 17-18th September and introduced to allow visitors a peek behind the doors of the 14,000 buildings that are usually closed to the public and the self-explanatory ‘Fête des Jardins’ (24th-25th September). Visit the Whatsonwhen website for full Paris events listings.

3. Guadeloupe

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If you’re not quite ready to get the winter coat out and contemplate turning the heating back on, why not extend your summer by heading to Guadeloupe this autumn. Guadeloupe is a beautiful country located in the French West Indies, with stunning scenery and average temperatures of more than 24 degrees centigrade all year round. The hurricane season in this part of the world can sometimes extend to mid October, so late October and November are good times to go.

4. Bordeaux

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Anyone heading to Bordeaux this autumn will have a huge range of activities to choose from. This vibrant university city is at the heart of one of France’s most prestigious wine-growing regions, and September and October events include the Fête Du Vin Nouveau, when inhabitants celebrate the new vintage, and the Marathon du Medoc, a sporting event with a twist! Also to be recommended are the Journées du Patrimoine, when Bordeaux opens its wealth of historical sites to the public, the Foire aux Plaisirs Funfair (October-November), a long-standing fair in the city’s Place des Quinconces, and also the Bordeaux Opera Season, with scores of performances by the acclaimed National Opera of Bordeaux.

5. Lyon

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Lyon is often known as the gastronomic capital of France, but the huge range of events being held in the city this autumn shows that its talents don’t stop here. Throughout September and October visitors can attend, amongst other things, the Tupiniers Pottery Fair, the Dance Biennial, Les Musicades music festival, les Salons des Plaisirs Créatifs Art Expo, the Red Carpet Antiques Festival, the International New Generation Film Festival and the Equita Horse Fair, one of Europe’s premier riding events.

Please visit the Cactus Language website for full listings of French courses in France, Martinique and Canada.

Top 10 tips to make your language course abroad more affordable

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It’s true that times are tight, but here are some tips on how to make taking a course abroad a viable prospect financially.

1. Ask for advice regarding the more cheaply priced courses

Cactus works with a large range of schools in a variety of destinations. Whilst all of our partner schools offer high quality courses and accommodation, the prices can vary from centre to centre. Often this relates to the city they’re in – for example, courses in very popular and affluent cities like Nice may be more highly priced than those in cities such as Brest and Tours, which are not as expensive and not as commonly frequented by tourists. Lower prices can also sometimes relate to the size of the school and the standard and range of facilities available for students.  If you are specifically looking for an affordably priced course, you can ask our course advisors to recommend some suitable options.

2. Look for special offers

There are always special offers to be had when it comes to language courses abroad – even in the more popular and expensively priced locations. Often, schools will offer three weeks for the price of two, or knock money off the cost of accommodation. If you’re flexible about which particular location you choose to study in within a country, you can definitely take advantage of these. Our special offers are updated regularly on our website. 

3. Go off-peak

Taking a language course during the peak tourist season can be popular – after all, language students want to benefit from good weather and lively free time pursuits, just as any other visitor! Whilst course fees may not vary that much throughout the year though, the price of accommodation and of travel there and back can be very different during peak season. If you can take your course during the low season you will benefit from cheaper prices when it comes to these things. Whilst high season runs from May-September in most European countries, it can vary more from country to country in areas like South America. We can give you more detailed information on this if you’re interested in finding out.

4. Change any currency up before you leave

If you need to change some money before you go on your language holiday, try to do so in advance. If you leave it until you get the airport, you’ll probably be charged more in commission, and if you wait until you get abroad to draw money out of the bank you’ll probably also find that you lose out. Ordering foreign currency online can be a good way of assuring a good rate of exchange.

5. Choose somewhere with a variety of transport links

The vast majority of our language course locations abroad are easily reached via plane or train, but there may be some – possibly smaller – locations that are served by fewer airlines, and/or only by rail. If there are only one or two travel companies serving a particular destination it may be more likely that they can charge higher prices. Choosing a destination that is served by low cost airlines also helps keep the cost down.

6. Use Skyscanner.net or other travel comparison websites

When you look into booking your travel to your language course, it’s definitely worth using travel comparison sites such as Skyscanner.net. These ensure that you have access to all travel options and can select the one which offers best value for money.

7. Propose it as a training option to get funding from your employer

It’s true that times are tight, for companies and organisations as well as for individuals, but some places do still have some training budget allocated. If learning or revising a new language is going to be beneficial to your professional life, it might be worth trying to get a contribution towards your language course. See our article on top tips for getting your company to pay for your training.

8. Stay with a host family

At Cactus, we are very keen that students stay with host families wherever possible. This is largely because they can experience a much higher degree of cultural integration, and get the chance 24-7 to practise their language skills. Another benefit though, is that staying with a host family and eating your meals with them tends to work out cheaper than staying in self-catering accommodation and buying your own food. If you do choose this option though, buying your food at local markets can be the cheapest way to stock up.

9. Choose a compact city, or somewhere with accommodation close to the school

Whilst the cost of travel from accommodation to the school isn’t always expensive, everything adds up when you’re away. For this reason, you might want to consider opting for a destination where you’re guaranteed to be able to walk from where you’re staying to the school. Speak to your language course advisor for recommendations of such locations.

10. Read our top 10 free things to do articles – or download travel apps like Time Out

Although the main focus of any language course abroad is the lessons, taking in the local sights and sounds outside of classes is also part of the experience. Whilst some of these may involve paying an entrance fee, there are usually plenty that don’t. You can read our articles on the top 10 free things to do in Rome, Berlin, Brussels and Malaga, and can also find more information in guide books, on tourist websites and via iPhone Apps offered by companies such as Time Out.

Why there’s more to foreign relocation than practicalities and logistics

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Whilst relocating to another country can be exciting and rewarding, you need to be fully prepared before you go to ensure the best possible experience.

By ‘preparation’, most people would assume that you mean packing up your belongings, booking your travel, arranging or confirming accommodation arrangements, organising school enrolments if you have a family in tow…in short, the practicalities of a move like that. And of course, it’s essential that these things are sorted before you depart.

Equally as important preparation-wise, though, is some thorough research into the language and culture of the country that you are headed to.

There are varying degrees of integration when in comes to foreign living, and often relocation can involve living in blocks or areas that are home largely to expats. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t make an effort to learn some of the local language, and read up on the culture, though. Even if you are living in an expat environment, living your life in a foreign country and working in an office with domestic employees will demand that you have some understanding of how they live, and of their cultural practices and values.

If you are relocating through work, companies will normally pay for language lessons prior to your departure, which can be tailor-made to your needs and level. In larger organisations especially, you may find that you’re learning in a small group with other employees who are relocating. Anyone who has chosen to relocate independently of their work has lots of options for getting some basic language training, although one to one lessons or evening courses are the most common way to learn.

The learning doesn’t have to stop when you move either – of course, your linguistic ability will improve when you’re immersed in the foreign country, but you can continue to learn via one to one lessons. Often companies like Cactus can arrange for tutors living in your new country to teach you, although it is also possible to continue with UK, or US-based tutors via Skype and other distance learning means.

It’s also possible to combine your language training with cultural training sessions, which can be priceless when it comes to settling in to your new environment. On top of this though, it’s also important to do some research yourself into laws and regulations that may exist in your destination country. There have been several incidents that have attracted international attention of late whereby expats living in foreign (particularly Middle Eastern) countries have ended up in jail, or deported, because of not adhering to local law. Sometimes there can be a mentality amongst ex-pat communities that some local laws don’t apply to them – especially where drinking alcohol and showing public ‘displays of affection’ are concerned.

At the end of the day, ending up in a situation like this would not only end your foreign experience, but it may also cost you your job, so it’s worth finding out about the ‘dos and don’ts’ as soon as you arrive, if not before. The UK foreign office website and the US Department of State website are particularly good resources for this kind of information, as are guide books like Rough Guides and Lonely Planet.

More about evening courses in the UK and North America

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A winter wonderland…on the beautiful island of Sicily!

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My language holiday in Sicily has provided me a new definition for the word ‘winter’. It would seem a winter wonderland doesn’t necessarily need to be snow-covered rolling hills, woolly hats and reindeer.  Not that we have reindeer in the UK, but you see where I am going with this…

Although I only had one week for my trip, I wanted to make the most of it. I decided to fly to Palermo as Ryanair were offering some outrageously competitive ticket fares (another advantage of winter!).  Palermo is the capital of the island, not often considered the most beautiful city but worth a visit none the less. It was my mission for my two-day stop over to explore and discover for myself what this city had to offer.

A basic hotel about a 10 minute walk from the main bus and train station was perfect and offered more than enough luxury as I spent very little time there. There are of course many hotels around for a variety of budgets. I however had bigger, rounder and more tomato-sauce-covered plans for my budget: PIZZA!  Having never set foot in Italy before, I felt it was my prerogative to sample the local cuisine. I needn’t comment so much on this as the food throughout the entire trip was phenomenal!

Next stop Taormina; a city famous for medieval beauty, stunning views over Mount Etna, and sensational sunsets worthy of a proposal every evening. Just 4 and a half hours by bus to Catania and a 45 minute bus journey from there, I’d arrived.

imageI shall refrain from excessively commenting on this extremely pretty town and hop straight to the reason behind my visit (besides the warm sunshine in December) – the Italian language school where I would spend the remainder of my week. I must mention another advantage of this winter time escapade: as there are fewer people roaming the streets it is a lot more peaceful than the summer months. I felt calm and relaxed and free to explore without bumping into another tourist.

imageThe school is located right in the heart of the town and just down the street from a very impressive and well-preserved Greek Theatre. Down some orange-tree-lined steps and through a wall you will find the school which exploits a renovated villa to stage its Italian classes. The large patio and garden which was once public is now a sanctuary, a botanical and exotic wilderness of citrus trees, plants and flowers that presents the perfect backdrop for learning the very romantic language.

The school organises town tours, trips to the beach, visits to the Greek theatre, lectures in the gardens, cookery lessons and a whole array of other activities in which to lose yourself. One week was most certainly not enough time to explore this place. I did manage a day visit to the ancient Greek founded town of Syracuse in the south of the island. This city houses a great variety of UNESCO protected, ancient and awe-inspiring monuments which I consider ‘must-sees’.

A reasonably long bus journey brought me back to Palermo for my return flight to London, were I have been raving about this Island of Sicily ever since!

imageNB. Please note that my route to Palermo was not conventional and did take a very long time. Although the bus journeys presented the opportunity to see much more of the island, it is not advised if you are limited by time. It is possible to fly to Catania where the school in Taormina can arrange a short transfer to the school.

Cactus runs Italian language courses in both Taormina and Palermo in Sicily, and in many other locations across Italy.

Those wishing to learn some of the language before they head to Italy may want to consider an evening or part-time course in Italian in the UK or the US/Canada.

Fiesta, Fiesta!

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Spain is often hailed as the party capital of the world – with its laid back lifestyle, vibrant traditions and customs, and the endless energy and enthusiasm of its people it’s not hard to see why…

The summer is home to many a festival and event, including both the weird and the wonderful, but the pick of the bunch this August include:

1. The Tomatina festival, Buñol

Held in Buñol, a small village near Valencia, the Tomatina festival happens every year on the last Wednesday in August. As the name suggests, the main focus of the event is a giant tomato fight that lasts just over an hour.

The most plausible explanation of the origins of La Tomatina centres around a carnival procession in 1945 in the town square of Buñol. It is said that many of the town’s young people tried to join those at the head of the procession and in their haste someone fell. This sparked a mass brawl which culminated in the use of an open crate of tomatoes (which lay close by) as objects for catapult!

The festival attracts around 20,000 visitors each year.

2. Horse racing on the beach at Sanlucar de Barrameda, Andalucia

Every year the beaches of Sanlucar de Barameda play host to this famous horse racing event, which attracts people from far and wide. It officially dates back to the year 1845 when the the Sociedad de Carreras de Caballos de Sanlucar de Barrameda was formed. However, it is widely maintained that the event had been in existence for years – amongst locals who raced the horses used for transporting fish from local ports.

Now the Sanlucar de Barrameda races attract riders from all over Europe, hardly surprising given that the total prize monies are usually between 2 and 3 million Euros!

3. Fiestas de la Virgen Blanca, Vitoria, Basque Country

Held in Vitoria-Gasteiz, this six-day festival August is a non-stop party that encapsulates the whole (normally tranquil!) town.

Included in the festivities are music concerts, processions, street performers, dancing, and bullfights.

The fiesta officially begins when the mayor fires el chupinazo (“the bang”, using rocket fireworks). This signals the release of Celedón, an effigy holding an umbrella, which descends on wires from a church tower high above the main square, Plaza de la Virgen Blanca.

4. New Year’s Eve in August, Bérchules, Granada

On the first Saturday of every August something somewhat out of the ordinary happens in Berchules, a small Andalucian village in the province of Granada.

After the locals decided they did not want a repeat of a disappointing New Year’s Eve in 1994 (when a power cut left the entire village in the dark and unable to mark the countdown to midnight) they decided to move that year’s celebration to the beginning of August, and have been celebrating two New Year’s Eves ever since.

For maximum authenticity the village is decked out in all the normal festive paraphernalia inlcuding nativity scenes, decorated trees and fairy lights.

The celebrations take place throughout the day, when the village’s inhabitants are joined by thousands of visitors for the New Year’s Eve fireworks, the procession of the Three Kings, and thousands of kilos of grapes.

5. Semana Grande or Aste Nagusia, Bilbao

Bilbao celebrates its Basque heritage with this fiesta in the third week of August. Over 100,000 people attend the Bilbao Semana Grande (Big Week or Aste Nagusia) celebrations, which include firework displays hosted by a different nation each evening.

Music is an integral part of the celebrations and there are free live performances on stages in squares and churches throughout the city.

The festival runs right through the night for nine days, when the streets are lined with marquees from various bars and societies.

More about language courses in Spain

Learning French in Normandy: won over by Rouen

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I have a confession to make. After many trips to France and quite a few extended summers visiting family in various cities and little towns, I have never been to Normandy.

Honestly, I had been told it was boring. They said it wasn’t as pretty as Provence, and certainly not as fun as Biarritz, and nowhere near as historical as Paris, So when Cactus decided it would be worthwhile to send me and my co-worker Stephanie to Rouen to visit the region and spend a weekend with our partner school there, I was excited for the trip, but honestly not expecting much. It’s Normandy. Nothing happens in Normandy.

I could not have been more wrong. Normandy as a region is actually quite spectacular and Rouen couldn’t be a more ideal place to spend a week, a semester, or even a year learning the French language and the many facets of its amazing culture and complex history.

(Below image from left: Eleri, from our partner school in Rouen, with Adrienne & Stephanie from Cactus)

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imageRouen alone carries a large weight of France’s history. Want to see where Joan of Arc was tried? Go to Rouen. Or care to experience a tour offered by the school and follow Joan of Arc’s path from where she was being held to where she was burned at the stake? Again, go to Rouen. Or perhaps you’d like to sit exactly where Monet sat when he painted the Rouen cathedral? No problem. Or sit at the same café where Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir were known to, shall we say, canoodle? Yes, that’s right. Rouen again.

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Combine the amazing history of Rouen where the school is based with the numerous tours available that can be organized during your stay – Normandy landing beaches, Monet’s garden at Giveny, a visit to a Calvados distillery – and you’ve got a perfect language holiday or study abroad experience. We had an amazing weekend with our hosts Eleri and Tom from our partner school, went to some amazing French markets, saw everything that Rouen had to offer and we even created a French Normandy cocktail! Book a course and we’ll send you the recipe so you can get a taste of Normandy before you start your travels!