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Bastille Day: The best places to celebrate in France

Former Cactus intern Cécile Sargueux gives us a bit of history and top tips for celebrating ‘le quatorze juillet’ in her home country…in English / en français!

FRENCH / EN FRANCAIS

Le 14 juillet est le jour de la fête républicaine française symbolisant la Liberté et l’Egalité, et commémorant le passage de la monarchie à la République.

Histoire:
A Paris, le mardi 14 juillet 1789, des émeutiers prennent d’assaut la prison de la Bastille qui est le symbole du pouvoir absolutiste. Leur objectif est de s’emparer des armes pour pouvoir affronter les troupes du Roi. Ce jour marque le début de la Révolution française, la constitution de nouvelles règles de fonctionnement et l’instauration de nouvelles valeurs, définies dans la Déclaration des droits de l’homme. Comme ce jour a été très sanglant pour le peuple français, c’est le jour de la Fédération du 14 juillet 1790 qui est officiellement célébré, et non pas la prise de la Bastille.

Jour de fête nationale: feux, bals et défilés
Partout en France et pour tous c’est jour de fête nationale. De somptueux défilés militaires sont organisés, avec défilés motorisés, aériens et à pied, sauts de parachutistes et fanfares militaires. D’innombrables feux d’artifice sont tirés les 13 et 14 juillet, et des bals populaires et des concerts animent les villes en effervescence jusqu’au bout de la nuit ! Chaque année, flonflons, pétards, cocardes tricolores, danse et musette accompagnent l’ambiance festive, bon enfant et féérique du 14 juillet. C’est une expérience unique à vivre !

Voici 3 des villes qui offrent un spectacle fabuleux à cette occasion:

Paris:
La plus importante parade militaire se déroule à Paris. Les principaux corps d’armées sont présents, et les militaires défilent en grande tenue sous les yeux du président de la république et de la foule. Brandissant fièrement le drapeau de la nation, le cortège descend le long des Champs Elysées, de la Place de l’Étoile jusqu’à la Concorde.
L’impressionnant feu d’artifice de Paris est un de ceux qui nécessitent le plus de moyens financiers et humains en France. Tiré au pied de la tour Eiffel, on peut l’admirer depuis le Champ de Mars ou la Place du Trocadéro.

Lyon:
Un bal des pompiers est généralement organisé dans toutes les villes de France. A Lyon, les sapeurs pompiers de Gerland transformeront leur caserne en un club géant, avec une plage de sable à l’extérieur. Sur la Place de la Croix Rousse, une véritable station balnéaire prendra place, où danse, musique, transats, boissons et pétanque seront au programme. Sur les quais de Saône, 3 scènes différentes constitueront le grand bal populaire. Le feu d’artifice grandiose de Lyon partira depuis la colline de Fourvière.

Carcassonne, à une heure de Toulouse:
Chaque année, un exceptionnel et époustouflant feu d’artifice de renommée internationale embrase les légendaires remparts de la cité médiévale. Pendant 25 minutes, plus de 700 000 personnes assistent à ce spectacle inouï de lumières et de couleurs qui enflamment le ciel. C’est un des meilleurs feux d’artifices au monde !

ENGLISH / EN ANGLAIS

On the 14th of July, French Republican day is celebrated to commemorate the transition from the monarchy to the First Republic, and to symbolize la Liberté et l’Egalité (Liberty and Equality) won by the people.

History:
In Paris, on Tuesday, the 14th of July 1789, rioters stormed the prison of Bastille, a symbol of the absolutist power. Their objective was to take possession of the weapons to be able to face the King’s troops. This day marked the beginning of the French Revolution, the constitution of new rules of functioning, and the establishment of new values defined in the Déclaration des droits de l’homme (Human rights statement). Given that this day was very bloody for the French people, we officially celebrate the 14 July 1790 Fête de la Fédération, and not the storming of the Bastille.

Bastille Day: pyrotechnics, balls and parades
Everywhere in France and for everyone, this is a national day of celebration. Sumptuous march-pasts are organized with flypasts, motorised and walking parades, parachute jumps and military bands. There are many firework displays on 13th and 14th July, and cities across France celebrate with balls and concerts throughout the night! Every year, brass bands, firecrackers, dance and accordion music go with the festive, friendly and enchanting atmosphere of the Bastille Day. It is a unique event to experience!

Here are 3 cities offering a fabulous show for this occasion:

Paris:
The greatest march-past takes place in Paris. The main army corps are present, and impeccably uniformed servicemen parade before both the President of the Republic and the crowd. Whilst proudly brandishing the national flag, the procession goes down Les Champs Elysées, from La Place de l’Etoile to La Concorde. The impressive fireworks display of Paris requires the utmost financial and human resources. Fired at the bottom of the Eiffel tower, it can be watched from Le Champ de Mars or La Place du Trocadéro.

Lyon:
A Firemen’s ball (Bal des pompiers) is generally organised in every French town. In Lyon, the fire-fighters of Gerland will turn their fire station into a giant club, with a sandy beach outside. On La Place de la Croix Rousse, a real seaside resort will take place, where dance, music, deckchairs, drinks and petanque are planned. On the quays at Saône, 3 different stages will host the big popular ball. The spectacular fireworks of Lyon will be fired from the Fourvière Hill.

Carcassonne, only one hour from Toulouse:
Every year, an outstanding fireworks display, well-known all over the world, sets ablaze the ancient ramparts of the medieval city. For 25 minutes, more than 700,000 people attend this extraordinary show of lights and colors setting fire to the sky. This is one of the best firework displays in the world!

Cactus offers French courses in Paris, Lyon and many other fantastic locations in France.

We also offer evening language courses in French in London, Manchester, Bristol and other major UK locations. This is the perfect way to learn the basics or brush up on existing skills prior to visiting France!

Tour de France: Essential cycling vocabulary this July

Shift your language up a gear with our French cycling vocabulary for this year’s Tour de France

Kicking off on 4th July 2015, top cyclists and cycling enthusiasts from all over the world will congregate on French soil for 21 days of gruelling, thigh-burning action that will cover over 3,500 km of mountains, valleys, remote countryside and busy cities. Although the course route changes each year, the race always finishes in Paris, with riders cruising to the finishing line, cheered on by thousands of supporters, along the famous Champs-Elysées.

It’s hard not to get into the spirit of things – even if you’re not a huge cycling fan – if you happen to be in a part of France where the race passes through. For the French the Tour can be an excuse for a great party, and the sense of anticipation is contagious. Families set up picnic tables at the side of the road to wine and dine, the adults sipping wine patiently in the shade whilst the children play around them, waiting for the riders to pass through. When the drone of the helicopter finally announces the arrival of the front riders, everyone jumps to their feet and prepares to applaud the multi-coloured lycra-clad bodies flying past – a true spectacle in itself, to say nothing of the countless publicity vans, police bikes, camera bikes and support cars that follow. You can support the race anywhere along the way by checking out the Tour map online.

Whether you’re watching the race live in France or on television at home – or even planning a cycling holiday yourself to France – you’ll impress your friends by picking up a few cycling terms to shout out at opportune moments.

Here’s our list of essential Tour de France vocabulary:

Le cyclisme Cycling
Un cycliste Cyclist
Un domestique Support rider
Un échappé Breakaway rider
Le peloton Pack / bunch of riders
La tête de course Leader of the race
Une équipe Team
Une étape Stage / leg of the race
Contre la montre Time trial
Le parcours Route
La course Race
Une montée Uphill slope
Une descente Downhill slope
Changer de vitesse Change gear
Ralentir Slow down
Dépasser Overtake
Un vélo de course Racing bike
Un vélo tout terrain Mountain bike
Une crevaison Puncture
Un bidon Water bottle
Un casque Helmet
Le maillot jaune Yellow jersey (worn by the overall leader)

Get up close to the action by taking a language course in France this July! Cactus runs French language courses in 15 locations across France, including Paris and other locations near to the Tour route.

If you can’t make it to France this year, why not learn the language closer to home? Cactus also runs French evening courses in London, Brighton, Manchester and other major UK locations.

Learning French in Lyon: language course review

Cactus Office Manager Claudia Ohde tells us about her French course in Lyon in April 2015

Usually a big fan of any city near the seaside, I had never really considered to visit Lyon – but a tango festival near Lyon at the weekend inspired me to take a language holiday in Lyon the week before the festival.

I was positively surprised by the city. The first two days there was an icy wind but the rest of the time we had the most beautiful weather and I enjoyed discovering the city by bicycle (many French cities have bicycle schemes that allow you to use a bike for free for up to 30 minutes of every ride).

lyon_waterfrontI spent a lot of my time at the Rhône and Saône, sunbathing on stone sunbeds next to river, walking along the river or taking a boat trip. There are also houseboats and restaurants and clubs on boats so I really didn’t get to miss the sea after all.

The language school was not far from the Rhône in a very central and relaxed area of Lyon. The school was small with a very personal touch. We were welcomed by the Director of the school who talked to everyone in the group of newcomers to informally assess our oral level (we had taken a written test beforehand online). We all were given little notebooks with a pen and some chocolate Easter eggs (it was the week after Easter)!

I was placed in the C1 level class and felt that the other students were at a very similar level and that the group worked well together. The teacher was very experienced and made learning easy and fun, but also encouraged everyone to study additionally at home.  The lessons  concentrated on vocabulary, listening comprehension, speaking and of course grammar. For those who had booked an intensive course this was then followed by a writing workshop.

I had a really good time and I can highly recommend a language trip to Lyon!

Claudia took a General French course of 15 lessons per week in Lyon. Prices start at £107 for a one week course.

Cactus also offers French courses in other locations across France and Canada, as well as 10-week French evening courses in the UK.

Cactus case study – the story behind 13 courses in 8 years

Cactus talks to Naomi Sharp about her impressive history of 13 courses in 2 languages over 8 years with us

It’s not often that we get a client who has taken more than a handful of courses, so to find one who has taken 13 courses, in not just Spanish but also French, is an exciting rarity. I was keen to chat to Naomi to find out her motivation behind studying two languages and where it was all taking her.

The inspiration behind Spanish

For Naomi it all began after a holiday to Costa Rica back in 2004. Inspired to take up Spanish, she enrolled on an Open University course and decided to supplement this with immersion trips abroad through Cactus. Her first trip was to Alicante and since then there has been no stopping her, with Spanish courses now taken in Cuba, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina and even Bristol, to keep up the language on home soil.

In this time Naomi has progressed through the levels from elementary to intermediate and even thrown dancing into the mix, taking a Spanish & Salsa course in Havana, a Spanish & Salsa course in Malaga and a Spanish and Tango course in Cordoba, Argentina. She admits that this is what first attracted her to Cactus – the ability to learn a language and enjoy the local culture at the same time. She has thoroughly enjoyed her dance classes as many were on a one-to-one or small group basis with dance professionals – and of course they provide a perfect excuse to practise the language further.

A change of career paths with French

So where does French come in? Naomi’s long term goal is to teach English overseas with the voluntary service, and for this it is useful to have knowledge of French. Naomi used to be in the Air Force and as part of her resettlement package, in 2012, she enrolled on a 3-week French course with Cactus in La Rochelle. Subsequent courses in Antibes and Vichy last year took her up to intermediate level, equivalent B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Naomi has clearly had a wonderful few years visiting different parts of the world and working towards her long-term goal of teaching abroad. Language-wise, her sights are on the DELE and DELF diplomas in Spanish and French, while work-wise her next step is to teach English in Sri Lanka before heading to Spain or Latin America.

Tips for other language learners

Given all her experience learning languages over the years, I asked Naomi if she had any tips or advice for anyone else learning a language. First and foremost she recommended spending time in the country where your target language is spoken, and taking every opportunity you can to speak with the locals. People are always friendly and willing to chat, and it doesn’t matter if you make mistakes as this is all part of the learning process. Having said this, Naomi found her evening classes in Bristol to be a good complement to her overseas courses, as the class size was small and the teacher a native speaker, making it not too dissimilar to her overseas experience.

One other factor that is likely to have helped Naomi’s immersion into the many cultures she has experienced has been her preference to stay with local families where possible. For her, living with a host family gives an extra opportunity to chat in the language, coming together at mealtimes for example. Some people may shy away from this option, believing their language isn’t good enough to stay with a family, but Naomi pointed out that families are used to receiving students of all levels and as such they know how to speak to you.

If there was ever a way to combine your love of languages with work and travel then surely Naomi has found it. The great thing is that there is never really an end to language learning and there are many different ways to make it work for you, wherever you are – of which Naomi is a perfect example. Many thanks to Naomi for taking to time to talk to us and we wish her all the best with her future globetrotting and linguistic adventures!

Cactus offers language courses in over 20 languages in destinations all over the globe. We also offer 10-week evening language courses in London and across the UK which are great preparation for an overseas trip and ideal for long-term learning.

10 great European cities in which to learn a language

A little while ago we gave you our top locations in Europe for 2014, the places that you, our language learners, flock to year after year to attend some of our best partner schools and enjoy world class culture, entertainment and activities. Impossible to limit our pick to four, we’re now bringing you 10 more European cities that guarantee top quality language tuition and endless opportunities for leisure and entertainment outside class.

Jet off in the next few months and you won’t regret it: spring is in the air, flowers are starting to bloom, you can expect pleasant but not stifling temperatures and, above all, you’ll avoid the busy crowds and over-inflated prices of traditional holiday periods.

Let us get the ball rolling with our top locations in Spain, Germany, France and Italy…

1. Barcelona

barcelona

Barcelona has earned itself the status of Spain’s most visited destination for reasons too long to list. Tourists and students flock here year after year to enjoy the city’s cosmopolitan vibe, Gothic architecture, surreal creations of Gaudí, passion for sport, world class nightlife, great beaches and sublime food. Come to learn Spanish in Barcelona and you can also savour the region’s distinct Catalan history and identity. No matter your age or level, you’re spoilt for choice with Spanish courses in Barcelona: from a standard General Spanish course to Business Spanish courses and activity courses combining Spanish and salsa or culture, there is something for everyone.

Spanish courses Barcelona

2. San Sebastian

san_sebastian

Much lesser known than the popular hubs of Barcelona and Valencia, it’s exactly this that makes San Sebastian such a find. You will do without the crowds of Spain’s resorts yet be treated to a warm welcome, a magnificent golden beach – a mecca for surfers – and have no end of choice when it comes to going out, traditional tapas bars and first class restaurants at every turn. As a place to learn Spanish, San Sebastian offers a range of Spanish courses for adults as well as exhilarating Spanish and surfing courses and summer camps for Under 18s.

Spanish courses San Sebastian

3. Madrid

madrid

The beating heart of the hot-blooded country that is Spain, Madrid cannot fail to impress. Energetic, alive, brimming with culture and with no shortage of bars, cafés and clubs, this is an exciting and inspiring place to learn Spanish. Our partner Spanish school in Madrid is small and friendly and boasts a great location within walking distance of both Puerta del Sol and the famous Prado Museum. The size and set-up of the school make it really easy to meet new friends and feel at home, perfect for encouraging you to practise your Spanish whilst taking a Spanish course in Madrid.

Spanish courses Madrid

4. Munich

Munich_mountains

A city of contrasts, Munich offers all the culture and class of a European capital whilst remaining loyal to its traditions and centuries-old customs. Take your German course in Munich and you might visit a world class art gallery one day after class, dine on typical Bavarian sausage the next, and finish up in one of the city’s old beer halls by night. Students learning German in Munich are spoilt for choice with things to do – and the real icing on the cake is the stunning scenery that surrounds Munich, as a short journey out of the city will take you to some fantastic hiking and biking trails, and ski resorts in winter.

German courses Munich

5. Cologne

cologne_waterfront

It’s a special place that inspires couples to fix padlocks to the railings of a bridge and, to ensure everlasting love, throw the key into the river below. Yet Cologne, with all its charm, does just this, and as the river Rhine collects keys of all sizes, so its visitors fall in love with the city too. Oozing with history, magnificent architecture, a stunning Cathedral, cobbled streets, boutique shops and traditional bierkellers, this is an unforgettable place to learn German. Why not immerse yourself in the culture fully by combining your German course in Cologne with accommodation in a local host family.

German courses Cologne

6. Lyon

lyon5

One thing you can be sure of in Lyon is that you won’t go hungry. Hailed as ‘the stomach of France’, France’s second city is famed for its gastronomy. Obviously requiring energy to learn French in Lyon and navigate its attractive hilly streets, you can happily work your way through sweet, meringue-like ‘macarons’, mountains of cheese and a very un-salad-like but delicious ‘salade lyonnaise’, all in the name of education. Don’t forget to stop off in one of the city’s traditional ‘bouchons’, convivial and relaxed eateries for the seriously hungry and carnivorous. Real foodies, this is for you: French & Cooking Course in Lyon.

French courses Lyon

The top 5 places to eat in Lyon

7. Montpellier

montpellier_square

Whether you’re a school or university student or one coming later in life to study French, you can’t go wrong with Montpellier. Home to a 12th century university, bubbling with a young and cosmopolitan vibe and less than half an hour from the glistening Mediterranean, this a place where it’s easy to stop and spend a while. French courses in Montpellier include A-Level Revision and Cookery courses, while teenagers can happily spend the summer attending one of Montpellier’s popular all-inclusive language and activity programmes.

French courses Montepellier

8. Nice

Nice_export

Easy to get to, basking in the sunshine of the Côte d’Azur and with the sparkling Mediterranean lapping at its shores, Nice has long been known as a playground for the rich and famous. Yet you’re just as likely to spot a celeb as you are all kinds of travellers and students who come to enjoy the city’s many charms. Away from the palm trees and the cocktail bars of the legendary Promenade des Anglais, Nice retains its French character and is home to a beautiful Old Town, fine museums, traditional markets, colourful festivals and world-class cuisine. As such this is a wonderful place to learn French, and Cactus works with two language schools in Nice to offer a number of French course and accommodation options to suit everyone.

French courses Nice

9. Rome

rome2

The beautiful thing about Italian is that most people learn it for the sheer love of the language and Italian lifestyle. If you fall into this category then learning Italian in Rome is a must. Italy’s historic, lively capital is Italian to the core, brimming with centuries-old art, buzzing with Vespas and bustling with cafe life and top class food at every corner. Cactus works with one of Italy’s most prestigious and long-established schools to offer a vast range of Italian courses in Rome, from Business and Academic Year programmes to culturally-themed Theatre and Cookery courses.

Italian courses Rome

10. Florence

florence_view

People come from the world over to learn Italian in Florence and it’s easy to see why. An Aladdin’s cave of basilicas, frescoes and piazzas, it oozes history and artistic grandeur at every turn, almost unlike any other city on Earth. To take an Italian course in Florence is to tread in the footsteps of the great masters Dante, da Vinci and Donatello, their influence as alive now as it was back in the Renaissance. If you can tear yourself away from the breathtaking architecture you won’t regret venturing into the specatacular rolling countryside of Tuscany, just on Florence’s doorstep. There are few places more inspiring to learn a language, with our partner school in Florence overlooking the river Arno and boasting views of the stunning Ponte Vecchio.

Italian courses Florence

Cactus offers language courses in locations all over the world, for all ages and levels.

Cactus Worldwide Blog: April 2014 – Focus on Spring Ideas

Focus On: Spring Ideas

ollie_small

Hello, and welcome to the April 2014 edition of the Cactus Worldwide blog for our foreign language courses abroad! My name is Ollie, and I am the Product Manager for our agency – Cactus Worldwide. Our team of experienced course advisors are here every day to discuss options with you and help set up a varied range of unique language-learning experiences, all over the globe, throughout the year, for all of our wonderful students.

This month’s blog offers a quick update on some of the great special offers currently available to book via the Cactus website, and also offers some European destination ideas for brushing up your language skills over the next few months.

If you have any questions about anything you read here, please feel free to contact me directly via oliver.donovan@cactusworldwide.com and I’d be happy to answer any questions.

1. Get twice as much for your money on selected dates in Ibiza!

ibiza

Special offer Spanish Course in Ibiza with Cactus Worldwide & Instituto de Idiomas Ibiza

Beyond her globally recognised reputation as a hedonistic ‘party island’, the destination of Ibiza has far more to offer a visitor than nightlife and club culture alone. Stunning beaches, beautiful green spaces and laid-back, friendly people make this a great choice for anyone looking to brush up their Spanish somewhere away from the mainland.

Affordable accommodation and flights from most international airports make this choice an easier one on the wallet as well, not to mention that fantastic new special offer we have for you on selected dates! If you book 2, 4, 6 or 8 weeks of Spanish in Ibiza Town, for a start either on May 12th, or September 29th 2014, then you will receive twice as much for your money – that’s 2 weeks for the price of 1; 4 weeks for the price of 2; 6 weeks for the price of 3; or 8 weeks for the price of 4! The offer applies to the school’s essential General Course of 20 lessons per week (4 lessons per day) in international groups with a maximum of 8 students – all course materials and registration fees are included in the prices you see on our website, and classes are available for students of all levels. There are also huge savings to be had for the same start dates on the school’s Intensive Course of 30 lessons per week, for any students who want to push themselves that bit harder, and spend a bit more time in the classroom – you can see the info here!

ibiza_school

Independent, family-run, Instituto de Idiomas Ibiza is fully air-conditioned and equipped with computers, learning materials and free Wi-Fi, and is centrally located just moments from the coast on Avinguda D’Ignasi Wallis (https://goo.gl/maps/6J4ZC). Its medium size gives the school a welcoming and intimate atmosphere where all students quickly get to know one another, and there is always a great mix of ages, nationalities, and abilities in attendance – so a perfect choice for groups, couples, or solo travellers alike!

2. 5 weeks of French classes for the price of 4 on the French Riviera!

nice

5 weeks of French for the price of 4 in Nice with Cactus Worldwide & France Langue

This is a ‘Happy Birthday’ offer for our partners in Nice, on the French Riviera. This city centre school, owned and operated by quality small chain France Langue, turns 20 years of age this year – and to celebrate they are offering a free week of French classes for any students who are able to attend the school for a month or more, any time in 2014!

The offer applies to both the General Course (20 lessons per week), offering a saving of almost £200; and the Intensive Course (30 lessons per week), with a huge saving of £275 on the course fees, which are inclusive of all registration fees and course materials. Classes here take place in groups with an average size of 10, and occur in the morning or afternoon dependent on your level, and the time of year (outside of the summer season, most classes take place in the morning, when the school is quieter). The lessons focus on improving comprehension, grammar awareness, and all four vital skillsets of speaking, listening, reading and writing; and for students opting for the intensive course option, additional classes take place in the afternoons which focus on conversation skills, writing skills and understanding phonetics.

The best thing about this school is the huge range of activities and excursions available to students throughout the year, and this makes it a superb choice for solo or first-time travellers. Many students combine their French studies with sports sessions, cookery or culture classes, as well as taking advantage of the extensive social programme scheduled by their experienced team (20 years’ experience that is!). You can view the programme here, and check out the special offers on our website here. Profitez-en!

nice_students_beach

3. Great value German courses all year round at the Fremdsprachenforum in historic Cologne

cologne_students

Learn German in Cologne with Cactus Worldwide & Fremdsprachenforum

Have you ever been to Cologne (Köln)? If not, perhaps now is the time as this is another historic, must-visit European destination that is increasingly well served by affordable flights from a range of international airports. The medieval city spreads out on either side of the River Rhine in North-West Germany, and hosts some of the most incredible modern architecture in the country, as well as the famous Kölner Dom, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The cathedral is Germany’s most-visited cultural attraction, with approximately 20,000 visitors every single day! Plenty of quality shopping opportunities and a vibrant nightlife (more than 70 nightclubs and late-night bars) neatly round the city off as one of the key places to visit in order to discover Germany’s past, present and future.

Our colleagues at the Fremdsprachenforum on Lindenstrasse (Claudia & Chantal) run a true family-feel school close to the city centre, completely independent, and incredibly welcoming to students of all ages, abilities and nationalities. The school prides itself on providing the highest quality teaching possible, and at affordable prices, meaning you can take a General Course of 20 lessons per week here for as little as £88! A Combined Course which provides 20 group lessons per week, plus 5 private lessons, is also a bargain at £193 for one week; or a full-on crash course of 25 private lessons in one week is just £483 – a perfect solution for any student who needs to learn as much as they can, as quickly as possible. Long-term students, for example, can spend a month in Cologne, take 20 lessons per week, and stay with a host family in the city for a total of £820, which is excellent value. All the course listings are available to view on our website here.

cologne_cathedral

I hope this selection has been of interest, and may have given you some money-saving ideas for the summer months up ahead…

Any Qs at all, as always, please feel free to contact me directly and I’d be happy to help.

Happy planning 😉

Best Wishes,

Ollie

Oliver Donovan

Agency Product Manager

Email: oliver.donovan@cactusworldwide.com

French course in Antibes: Cactus staff review

Operations Manager at Cactus, Leticia Artiles Gracia, tells us her reasons for learning French and how much she enjoyed immersing herself in the language in Antibes

I love and enjoy doing many things. But if I had to choose two, they would definitely be: travelling and learning languages.

What if you are given the choice to combine both? That is exactly what I have been doing once a year since I joined the Cactus team, almost 4 years ago. This time I took a 1-week holiday and went to do a French course in Antibes.

antibes_leticia2

I must admit that this was a bit of a risk as French is not really my favourite language. I have tried to study it many times without success and not because I find it difficult: I am Spanish and that helps a lot when it comes to understanding the language, its structures, its spelling, etc. The real  reason behind my lack of interest in French is that I have never had a real motivation to learn this particular language.

Now I do have one: I am learning Arabic in Morocco and the Moroccan dialect uses a lot of French terms and in many cities of Morocco they use a high percentage of French words.

So, there you go, if I want to communicate with people in Morocco, I need to improve my French too!

So I decided to give myself another chance and instead of going for a normal course I thought: why not to go there for a week and immerse myself completely in the language and the culture? I am so glad I did.

A language holiday is such a good choice for a solo traveller. The General Course is perfect in terms of number of hours. I had to get up early in the mornings to go to the school but then at midday I was free to go and enjoy my free time while practicing what I had learnt in the classroom. During the 3 hour class we practiced all skills: listening, reading, writing, speaking.

My teacher & classes

My teacher could not have been better. You could tell she was highly qualified and experienced and she managed to motivate us to produce as much language as we could. I was placed in a higher level than I expected and that was very encouraging. I cannot say it was not a challenge, but it really pushed me to try and learn as much as I could in a week.

The whole class was entirely in French, not a single translation in English and the teacher did not allow us to use dictionaries or applications to translate. What was not understood at first was explained using different techniques such as: giving examples, using synonyms, mimics, sounds, anything! My vocabulary grew by the days and my oral expression and understanding were definitely improving. The course was complemented with a grammar book created by the school with clear explanations and examples.

Due to the fact that the week I was there was low season, we did not manage to get enough people together to do any of the extra activities the school offers. These included city tours and a wine and cheese tasting evening. Next time I will have to go when it’s busier but that would also mean more people in the classes. The class size at this time of the year is between 6 and 8 people, perfect if you want to make the most of the week.

Although most of the students were in their early twenties, there were also quite a few people over 30. I managed to meet people of my age not so much in the classroom as in the residence where I stayed. This one was definitely the best choice as most people were over 25 and it was a nice and quiet place to stay that invited you to relax and study during your free time.

There was where I met Diana, a Dutch lady, with whom I shared lovely chats (in French!), nice seafood and wine dinners and entertaining excursions in and out of Antibes. We agreed that although we both spoke much better English than French we would try to speak French as much as we could and so we did.

Antibes & the surrounding area

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Antibes has a lot to see; it’s a lovely and picturesque town on the Côte d’Azur, full of small cafés, restaurants and shops. It has a beautiful beach really close to the school, perfect to run to right after the classes for a couple of hours. There is also a traditional market right in the heart of the town. It is a place that allows you to travel back in time.

The residences are in a more touristic area called Juan les Pins, a lively place perfect for partying. From my point of view, Antibes is much more authentic – it has the perfect southern French taste! People are very lovely, although there are many tourists. You still get that personal treatment and after going to a café twice, they already know what you want.

I managed to visit Nice and Cannes. My favourite was definitely Nice, a very charming city with a mix of traditional architecture and modern buildings and a great promenade to enjoy a pleasant walk in the evening. There is also a nice waterfall at the top of the mountain definitely worth visiting.

Other class mates visited other small cities and they all sounded very nice too. I wish I had gone for 2 weeks so that I could have had time to see a lot more.

All in all, the experience was extremely positive. Now that I have experience learning French in a country where it´s spoken I can´t wait to do it again.

Leticia learned French in Antibes with Cactus. Cactus offers French courses in many locations across France and Canada, as well as evening and part-time courses in the UK and the US.

Learn French & eat chocolate…can it be true?

An educational get-away you can just about get away with!

Anyone who’s been putting off that French course now has the perfect reason to book un petit séjour in Paris this autumn. No need to tell your friends back home the minor detail that it may coincide with Salon du Chocolat, 5 days of pure chocolate heaven – no, they can just be impressed with your desire for self-improvement and hopefully not notice your fuller waistline. Read more

French course in Annecy: the perfect preparation for one client’s emigration to France

Cactus student Rob Mepham tells us about his 5-week French course in Annecy and how it has helped him immerse himself in French life.

When Rob Mepham’s feedback came in after his French course in Annecy I knew that I wanted to speak to him. Using words such as ‘my French vocabulary has exploded and grammar improved beyond expectation’, I wanted to find out what exactly had made his experience so good – and pass this on to others considering a similar venture. Now ensconced in his own little corner of France (or not so little, given his 17 acres of farmland), Rob kindly took the time to tell me what had motivated him to learn French and to pass on a few valuable tips about relocating overseas.

Retiring from the military, Rob’s course in Annecy was part of his resettlement training from the Ministry of Defense. An immersion course in France turned out to be considerably cheaper than the equivalent in London – and decidedly more effective, given that it’s in-country. It was also incredibly easy to book, Rob quoting Sandra at Cactus as being particularly efficient in organising his course and replying to every email personally. He chose the chic and pretty town of Annecy in the foothills of the Alps as the location for his studies, with the hope of indulging his passion for paragliding at the same time; the fact that he never actually got to do this became irrelevant as everything was, in his own words, better than he could have imagined.

Once at the school, where he was enrolled on a 5-week elementary French course, Rob could not have found the staff more helpful and patient. He was able to learn at his own pace, aided by the language being spoken slowly around him, and he picked up a vast amount of vocabulary by jotting down new words in class and reading French articles and magazines in his own time.

He was in a class with a mix of nationalities – Chinese, Taiwanese, Mexican, American and Swedish, to name a few – and, most importantly, had no opportunity whatsoever to speak English, meaning that he had to get by and make himself understood in French whichever way he could. The learning curve was steep and he improved dramatically. This was further enhanced by his stay in a host family, where he says he learnt just as much as at the school. His host gave him ample opportunity to practise the language, keeping her speech simple and clear, but she also gave him space to do his own thing – the best of both worlds.

I asked Rob what he thought about learning a language later in life (he is 53), as so many people think that they are too old to learn a language or that classes might be full of teenagers straight out of school. Rob’s class was a fascinating mix of 17-62 year olds and, although he conceded that it depends on the type of person you are, he felt that he had more self-confidence taking a course now. He clearly thrived during his time in Annecy and I found his story even more heart-warming as he claimed to be dreadful at languages at school. It just goes to show that taking a language holiday abroad bears no resemblance to childhood memories of sitting in a classroom at school, too embarrassed to say anything.

Moving on from his experience in Annecy, I was keen to find out more about Rob’s subsequent move to France. I asked him whether he thought knowledge of the language was important in immersing himself in another culture and got a resounding ‘yes’! His 5-week course was perfect as it gave him a good grounding; two or three weeks, he thought, was probably not enough. His French has been invaluable in tasks such as registering his car and sorting out its MOT. He has even found the locals more accepting of him because of his attempts to speak French – I say ‘attempts’ as Rob modestly keeps telling me that it’s far from perfect, but this is exactly the point. People don’t really care how good you are, or not – what they care about is your effort to respect and speak their language, and Rob is a shining example of this.

For others considering relocating abroad, Rob offers a useful piece of advice; it’s good to try to go somewhere where you already know someone. It can be invaluable to have someone who’s already done it answer your questions, especially when it comes to the ins and outs of French bureaucracy. For him, however, the move was extremely easy: he and his wife used a British-based estate agent, which paid for itself with all the hassle avoided. With so many Brits emigrating, they also found internet forums a great source of advice.

I have to admit that what I loved hearing most was how Rob’s course has given him confidence to speak in French to the coach from his local paragliding school, near Limoges where he now lives, and in local shops. Speaking some of the language has undoubtedly made a huge difference to his integration into French life, and I found his enthusiasm and determination utterly inspiring. He hopes to resume his French studies again soon – perhaps at the university in Limoges – and I wish him all the best for that and his future in his new home country.

Cactus specialises in organising language courses for individuals and groups, having done so since 1999 for clients all over the globe and for diverse needs and budgets. With an extensive network of approved teachers and a strong in-house academic team, we are able to tailor a language course to suit your specific learning needs, anywhere in the world and whenever is convenient to you.

We offer French courses in Annecy and in many locations across France and Canada. Evening courses in French are also available in the UK and US. We also offer private and corporate language training for relocation.

The photo at the beginning of this article was kindly contributed by Rob; he took it whilst paragliding at Dune du Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe, near Bordeaux.

Top 5 French course destinations this spring

Cactus offers locations within France and Canada where you can take a French course, but these are our pick of the top five for springtime study.

1. Paris

As one of the world’s most iconic cities, Paris is a hugely popular tourist destination. Unfortunately, as is the case with any such city, the prices reflect its popularity and throughout the summer they are especially high. Spending time in Paris during the spring is therefore a much better idea – the weather will be warm, the trees and parks will be nice and green, there’ll be far fewer crowds and best of all, you won’t have to pay through the nose. A light spring evening, a large glass of wine and a prime people-watching spot on a café terrace…what more could you want at the end of a day of French lessons?

More on French courses in Paris

2. Annecy

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Annecy has got to be one of France’s most picturesque towns, with its turquoise lake and stunning mountain backdrop. In the summer Annecy attracts thousands of visitors who come to swim in the lake or hike in the surrounding countryside, and in the winter it’s a great base for skiers and snowboarders, so the spring is one of the less busy (and therefore less expensive) times of year. By April most of the low lying snow will have melted, making hiking and biking possible, but anyone who fancies spending a day or two on the slopes might be lucky and still get a few days in higher up in the mountains.

More on French courses in Annecy

3. Tours

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A beautiful city located in the heart of France’s chateaux-filled Loire Valley, Tours is known as the “garden of France”. Despite its attractive surroundings, the title actually comes from the large number of parks in the city, and what better place to watch the seasons change and the green return than here? Outside of lessons you’ll be able to experience all that this historic city has to offer, and visit the pretty surrounding area with its fairytale castles and endless vineyards.

More on French courses in Tours

4. Nice

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Located on France’s up-market Riviera, Nice has long been a favourite with holidaymakers from all over Europe. Its unique blue waters and lovely climate make it a great place to relax and un-wind, but often there are lots of other people with the same idea! To enjoy the weather and surroundings without the crowds, the best time to go is probably April or May, when you get the best of both worlds. If you take a course a French course in May, you’ll be able to enjoy ‘La Fête de Mai’, which takes place every Sunday in the month and includes a series of free events, and refreshments featuring locally produced food.

More on French courses in Nice

5. Bordeaux

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It’s great to visit Bordeaux in the spring time. The vineyards surrounding the city are full of colour, the weather is pleasant and as it’s still within term time, you’ll get a really authentic experience of life in this lively university city. You’ll also get chance to explore all the usual tourist sites, but without the crowds and the queues, and you’ll probably also benefit from cheaper air or rail fares when you book your travel there and back. Events taking place in the city include the Escale du Livre, a well-known book fair that is held around the Place Renaudel in March, and the Bordeaux Spring Fair which is held from late April to early May on central Place de Quinconces – in close proximity to both of our French schools in Bordeaux.

More on French courses in Bordeaux

Please visit the Cactus Language website for full listings of French courses and to book.