What inspired you to travel abroad?
It's a long story... three books long so far!
Although I live in France, because I write in English and speak in English 90% of the time—and my neighbours speak a form of patois and have very strong accents—I hadn't really progressed as much as I should with my French language skills.
So an immersion seemed like the right way to go. And it was.
Why did you choose the Live and Learn French with Your Teacher in France program?
I want to learn French, and as I struggle with the grammar and conversing, I feel that studying with a teacher in their home would be the best way to learn quickly.
I'm very good at not doing something if it's hard work. Living in the home of a French family means you can't get away with it, which really made a difference!
Vannes Brittany
What was your favorite part about Vannes, Brittany?
Vannes is a fabulous historic city, surrounded by glorious countryside, and it's famous for its cider. The teacher organized excellent excursions—great for practicing French.
The teacher's house was lovely, and I had my own part of the house with a bedroom, bathroom, and sitting room that doubled up as a classroom.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
I was made to feel like one of the family, and that made the experience really special. The host teacher had two little girls who were also determined to help me improve my French!
They gave me a "magic trick" performance, played cards with me, chatted away, and explained things. I really felt included in everything, even the Friday night family tradition of watching a film with the kids staying up late.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
Brilliant teaching—adjusting to my pace of learning and what I wanted to know. Also, taking me on excursions that I found fun and interesting. We always learn more when we're genuinely interested.
They also made me part of the family: going for walks together, meeting neighbours, and generally living life like a local.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I would have stayed longer! Even after a few days, I could really tell the difference in my confidence levels speaking French with people and had a better comprehension of the grammar—which always flummoxes me.
All those different endings to words depending on gender and tenses—eek! But I really want to learn French, and this really was an excellent way to do it!
Breton crepe
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
Well, this trip was specifically about learning French, so everything was geared around that. In fact, I was told right from the start that we wouldn't be having any conversation at all in English, my natural language.
To start with, it was hard, tiring, and stressful. By day three, I woke up knowing I'd be speaking French—and started thinking in French!
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
We did an excellent cider tasting at an artisan producer and ate crêpes with homemade salted caramel—seriously delish.
We took long country walks, explored the historic city of Vannes, and, as the house had a big garden, there was time to relax with a book. So it was part holiday, part language immersion, which meant I had time to process everything.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
The host's house was large enough that they could give me my own part, separate from the family home—which for me was lovely to have that privacy.
I had a large, comfy bedroom, a big sitting room with a table for working at, and my own rather luxurious bathroom. There was loads of room—super comfy and very relaxing.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
When you embark on an immersion course with SLImmersion, be prepared for full immersion. You won't be speaking English sometimes and French sometimes—you'll speak French all the time, because this really is the way to learn.
It made a very big difference to me to do this. It was the first time I'd actually attempted to live in French, despite living in France for several years.
Vannes, Brittany
Would you recommend your SLImmersion to others? Why?
Yes, 100% recommend for several reasons. Starting with the host teacher, Coralie, who met me at the train station and drove me to her house, where I stayed.
She introduced me to her husband and kids, and from then on it was like I was totally part of the family—helping at mealtimes, chatting with the kids, joining in family life as much or as little as I wanted. And sometimes I did want to just be left alone and chill—never a problem.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
Learning about other people, living life in a different way, exploring the culture, cuisine, heritage, and history. Meeting new people, making new friends.
And on this trip particularly, learning more about me—that I can learn, that I do better when I'm supported well but also forced out of my comfort zone a little!
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
I came straight home and booked proper French lessons online with a teacher through the same company. It had become clear to me that trying to learn alone through apps didn't work for me.
I'm quick to move on to something else if I don't get it. This immersion taught me that I needed help to focus.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel, for me, is all about the discovery of new things, new tastes, new places, and new people. Learning about a place, finding surprises in daily life, and coming home richer in experience and knowledge than when I left.
But also, having time to fully immerse, not rushing from one place to the next, ticking boxes.
