Ten years ago, I arrived at IS Aix-en-Provence for a French immersion course, having never taken a French lesson. Two weeks later, I left the language school at an A2 level —and I could actually speak some French.
Why had I suddenly gotten serious about learning the language after putting it off for the first three years I’d lived in France?
As luck would have it, I was in an accident while crossing the road in Aigue-Morte that put me in the hospital and two different rehabilitation centers for ten weeks. Needless to say, I was surrounded by French doctors, nurses, therapists, and patients whom I struggled to understand.
Up until then, I had managed to “get by” speaking little French. Most of my acquaintances in France were English-speakers. Suddenly, that wasn’t enough. I actually needed to communicate in the language where I’d chosen to live.
After I came out of rehabilitation, I signed up for two weeks of intensive French at IS Aix-en-Provence.
A French Immersion School in Provence
Before attending IS Aix-en-Provence, I had heard from a friend about its interesting history. The French language school began in 1972 as the Institut Suédois, founded by a Swedish educational organization as business between France and Sweden grew and Swedish industry needed more French-language training.
Over the years, the school expanded its focus to adults from around the world. Today, the average age of students in its short intensive courses is 40, and many are retirees combining French lessons with time in Provence.
And it was in Aix—a city I had wanted to experience.
I wasn’t looking for a leisurely introduction to French. After struggling to communicate, I wanted to learn as much as I could, as quickly as I could.
Those two weeks didn’t make me fluent, far from it. But I was pleased with the results. I reached A2 level, giving me a foundation I could build on. Years later, that French proficiency also helped me meet the language requirement for my ten-year residency in France.
And I had a certificate to prove it.
Now I’m going back to school, at 80. This time, I’m not trying to learn French just to get by.
I really want to communicate with my French neighbors and friends—to follow a conversation, to join in without struggling for every sentence, and to feel more part of the French life around me.
Can two weeks of immersion move me closer to that?
I’m going to find out.
Why French Immersion Again?
I haven’t stopped learning French. I’ve studied on my own, taken private lessons, and I use French every day. But I’ve never reached the point where I feel truly comfortable in a conversation with French people.
At first, I needed French to manage my life in France. Now I want French to enlarge my life in France. And because immersion worked for me once, I want to see what it can do again.
At 80, I also know myself well enough not to confuse immersion with exhaustion. I want to be challenged, but I want enough energy left at the end of class to go out and use what I’ve learned. That’s part of the appeal of returning to IS Aix-en-Provence: French in the classroom, with opportunities during the week to put it to work in everyday life.
Back to Aix
There’s another reason I’m looking forward to going back. I get to spend two weeks in Aix-en-Provence.
The first time, I had just come out of rehabilitation and was still recovering physically, so I didn’t see nearly as much of Aix as I wanted to. My mobility is better now, and I’m looking forward to revisiting places I remember and discovering others I missed. This time, spending more time getting to know Aix-en-Provence will become part of the course.
French in the Morning. Tasting Provence in the Afternoon.
For two weeks, I’ll take the General French program, with half-day lessons in small groups. But this time I’m adding something new: the Discover Gastronomy program.
Along with my French classes, I’ll be getting out into Provence for experiences that can include a Provençal market visit and cooking class, a French bakery workshop, a vineyard visit and wine tasting, and other activities centered on the region’s food and culture.
That’s part of what makes this interesting to me. I won’t just be studying French in a classroom. I’ll have to use it.
How Will I Know If It Works?
I’m not particularly interested in coming home with another language level. I want to know whether I can follow more of a conversation, respond without first putting the sentence together in my head, and spend time with French friends feeling that I’m participating rather than trying to keep up.
That would be progress. And that’s what I want to test.
Want to Join Me?
I’ll be at IS Aix-en-Provence for two weeks, October 26–November 6.
If you’d like to be there at the same time, choose those dates when you enroll. I’ll be taking the General French course and adding the Discover Gastronomy program, but you can choose the program that suits you.
For my October 26–November 6 dates, French Footsteps and Barefoot Blogger readers have a special offer.
Enroll here: https://www.is-aix.com/enrolment/
Enter the code in the “comments” section on the site when you enroll.
Can’t make those dates? IS Aix-en-Provence offers French courses year-round.
Whether you come while I’m there or choose another time, I’d love for you to experience an immersion course at IS Aix-en-Provence—and discover what a little French immersion might do for you.
12 Responses
I am in contact with the school. Today I hope my long stay visa arrives so I can begin firm plans. I will probably only do one week of classes and no gastronomy in the afternoon. I’ll keep you posted. Sandra
Looking forward to seeing you in Aix! We have lots of catching up to do!
Ah Aix! And IS-Aix! I spent six weeks in Aix in 2018, four of them at IS-Aix. It was one of the most memorable and wonderful experiences of my life. The staff is fantastic and their mantra “pas-de stress!’ was invaluable in curbing my hyper-competitive nature that leads to a lot of stress! It never got easy to speak French, but at the end of the session, I was speaking it well enough to converse for 20 minutes with shopkeepers, waiters, etc. I long to go back! And AIX–is an American’s dream city. Manageable, walkable, with SO much to do, 30 minutes bus ride to Marseilles, a car ride to the Luberon valley, or the beach. I made life-long friends at IS-Aix from all over the world–it is a very special programme. Enjoy ,and I look forward to reading about your experience!
Julie, you should write ads for the school and for AIX! You’ve hit all the high points of why I love it so much… and going back for more. Wish you were here to come along… Stay tuned and revisit with me…thanks so much for your note.
Thank you for this inspiring post, Deborah! Your energy and enthusiasm are magnetic! Improving my French in the mornings, diving into French food in the afternoons, and spending time in Aix are all compelling…and making me daydream about extending our current trip! Inspired by your blog, my husband and I are heading to Uzès for an 8-day stay from 7 – 15 October. Hoping we might connect for coffee and/or at the outdoor market! À bientôt! Katt
Hi Katt! Are you in Uzès now? I’d love to meet you and your husband. Contact me at dbine@icloud.com Thanks so much for your note. Wish you two could go with me to Aix!
Deborah, you are so my kind of person! I am so inspired by your adventurous spirit and enthusiasm. I would love to join you; it sounds like so much fun! But I am engaged in following my own dream right now, which is driving lessons! I am 82 and the lessons are in French. I need prayers for the survival of everyone.
The prayers can be in any language!
Have a terrific time.
I am sure you will come away with lots to talk about. It’s such a great choice to have an experience with the cuisine because that is the premier conversation to have with French friends and neighbors and shop keepers. Bravo!
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OMG, Ahulani, I feel for you! Taking the driver’s license written test was one of my biggest hurdles in France. It took 7 attempts, but I finally did it. You will too! I’m sure you’ll identify with this series of posts written during that timeframe … hang in there! Let me know how it goes. You can do it! https://barefootblogger.com/french-drivers-code-test/
I was enrolled in IS Aix en Provence in 2013. Unfortunately, I couldn’t complete the course because of illness and had to return to the US before I wanted to. My goal is to return to Aix and just enjoy it. Aix is such a wonderful town.
Sounds like it’s time to try Aix again. I’m sure it will be just as wonderful, and helpful, for me as it was years ago.. even though my brain is wearing out! Stay tuned and enjoy it with me. Then hurry back! Aix is waiting for you…
Deb – OH – just to be in AIX is a BONUS…AND to learn French fluently – what a great GOAL – wish I was there doing the same – you are my HEROINE!!!
Keep up that wonderful life you have:-)
Sally, you are such a hoot! Wish we had more time together. Come back to France! Hopefully it’s never to late to work on our language skills. Another adventure, for sure! Big hugs to you…