Job Discussion Forums

[naturegirl321]

I'd like to learn French and study it in a French speaking country. Besides from France, the cost of living is too daunting, where could I go?

[khmerhit]

You could probably take lessons in Vietnam, and easily in Cambodia. Many people still speak French in both countries.

You could teach English in Phnom Penh and learn French at the same time, at the Alliance Francaise, which is the French govt's cultural arm in overseas countries. Lots of Cambodians, especially if they have a bit of money, like to learn French as well as English.

Failing that, you can learn French anywhere in Canada, plus there is Africa and the Caribbean. What about New Caledonia-- that's near Australia, isn't it? I had a French girlfriend from there... takes me back....

[Roger]

You can go to:
- France, Belgium or Switzerland - if you can afford it. Autre solutions: Enseigne l'anglais comme l'a suggere khmerhit et inscrit-toi a l"alliance Francaise a un prix tres bon marche! Where?
- China (Alliance Francaise a Hongkong et a Guangzhou ainsi qu'a Shanghai),
- Indochine (voir la reponse de khmerhit).

In many African countries, French is the national or official tongue - Congo, Rwanda, Togo, Mali, Senegal.

Alliance Francaise has just opened its new Hanoi centre. I had a job offer from a Hanoi school, but had to decline it. Hanoi is a good place to live, and to enjoy a laid-back French aura. I remember using French almost as often as English or Mandarin in conversations with Vietnamese!

[Buttercup]

Hey Naturegirl! Montreal is a very nice city (because I'm from there)

And it's not very expensive to live there, though rent has gone up in the last couple of years. I can't tell you about France since I've never been there, but my students in Montreal just love the city! It may be a little difficult to practice though, as many people speak English. Smaller towns (Quebec City or even smaller) may be better if you're looking for immersion. Good luck! Let me know if you need any other info about learning French in Canada - I've been teaching French there for years.

[naturegirl321]

Any cheap places in Europe?

[Stephen Jones]

If you go to a French colony you will find that you will pick up many incorrect striuctures.

Candian French has many lexical items nobody else understands ("marchander" instead of "faire les achats" for example)

And in Euiope, the only other two countries they speak French in, Belgium and Switzerland are more expensive than France.

Incidentally France, outside of Paris and the Riviera is not too expensive as long as you avoid the cafes.

[dduck]