<p>Hello all! I'm only a freshman in university, but I've really taken a liking to the French language and culture. I had 3 years of it high school, but it was a pretty easy program with seemingly pointless lessons and themes. Now that I'm in college, I'm learning so much more culture and grammar in my intro class, and it ultimately leads me to want to double-major/minor in the field.</p>
<p>So, would it be wise for me to perhaps go abroad to France next year? I'd only have 2 semesters of college French, but a community college near me has my university's equivalences to the 2nd year courses, and I feel that I can't spare the time to go my 3rd year when I'll be deeply involved with my writing major and with preparing for graduate school.</p>
<p>Also, it would cost about 32k through my university, but i had generous scholarships for this year that can probably transfer over. All in all, that, other scholarships I can apply for, my own personal savings, my future summer earnings, and gifts from family should make it financially feasible.</p>
<p>My professor went her third year, and she's encouraging me to try and go next year so that I can possibly earn both gen ed AND French credits. (Otherwise, I'd have to go summers to complete my degrees on time.)</p>
<p>I'm just wondering what everyone thinks and if they ever experienced something like this. Thanks!</p>
<p>You definitely don’t want to do anything that would mean you need summers to finish your degree on time.</p>
<p>There is no point going to France unless you are approaching fluency (and that will take a long time, a few college classes and a minor in French isn’t gonna cut it). Going in your third year might be a better idea, if your French is good enough - but going before then would be a waste of time and money.</p>
<p>id go, its an experience u wont forget and 6 years from now you’ll enjoy remembering it.</p>
<p>Do everything you possible can to become near-fluent before you go. You’ll get a lot more out of it that way. French internet radio and tv, lots of reading, listening to French books on tape while reading along, finding a French speaker to practice with, whatever you can do. Also, go through your university, if they support study abroad, then your scholarships should follow you for that. In some cases, the college actually makes money on you going abroad, because you pay the college, and they pay the program. The U pockets the difference, and many times it’s a huge difference, especially if you are attending a public university abroad. Often, the only extra you have to pay is the transportation to get to France. And, some U’s have scholarships available for that. So, definitely go to your U’s study abroad office. I’d wait til junior year if you can learn more French by then.</p>
<p>I would go. I’ve traveled abroad before as a high school junior, and it’s an unforgettable experience. Not only do you learn so much (“broadens your worldview” sounds so vague and cliche, but it’s so true), you really immerse yourself in the language you want to study by surrounding yourself in an environment where you are forced to speak it. </p>
<p>The only caveat in your case is that it sounds a little pricey. However, if you can afford it (through scholarships or other means), and it doesn’t interfere too much with your credits/academics, take the trip. Plus, you sound super excited about it. </p>
<p>(I mean, it’s France. How could you not be? :))</p>
<p>I strongly disagree. Just take a summer vacation. If you’re American and the language is really what you care about, and you want to save money, take a bus to Quebec and rent an apartment for a month.</p>
<p>Good point. I never seen Americans on this forum talk about studying French in Quebec, why is this? It’s a great place to learn French; I would love to live in Montreal - miles better than Paris!</p>