Rue St. Paul is now home to several high fashion boutiques, catering to a more fashion-conscious audience than the tourist traps of yore.

See the full article, “Old Montreal, Newly Hip”

Discover Montreal French schools

By Ashley C., guest blogger and France study abroad participant

Normally, I would say you shouldn?t take advantage of men in order to practice your French, but I?ve made a few exceptions here. One night, while eating a crepe in Vieux Lyon (amazing crepes, by the way!), a man came up to me and said “bon appetit!” (a very common expression, of course), and I said “Merci!” and smiled (thinking he would just pass by). He then sat down. I thought to myself, I wonder if he?s a nice guy or a weird one? He then started to talk to me slowly and carefully, and he complimented me on my French (which, by the way, is not good…yet), and then asked me out to a drink. Ordinarily, if I was back in the states, I would never have even talked to him for more than a few minutes, but in France I?m supposed to be practicing my French, right?

So, I told him that I?d rather just talk where we were sitting (with lots of people around), and we talked about everything from our families to our pets (beginner vocabulary, but still…I couldn?t believe I was having a conversation with someone really from France in French).

What I came away with from this experience was a greater desire to talk with locals and take some chances with my French. Be careful, of course, but don?t be afraid to speak in a language you?re just learning with locals. They don?t care usually, and are mostly just happy you?re speaking in French at all! Give yourself a pat on the back and ask a store merchant (or a cute French person) how they?re doing!

The people that I?ve met really enjoy knowing where you?re from and why you?re studying French, so make the most of it and practice your French with them! Even if you mess up and make a fool of yourself (which you won?t, but if you?d like to talk to someone who has made a fool of themselves – I?m right here), you really won?t be seeing these people for very long (depending on how long you stay). Concentrate on practicing your French and getting over insecurities about what people might think of you. Hey, it might even help you be a more confident person when you go back home!

See Lyon French schools

Read all of Ashley's blogs from Lyon.

By Ashley C., guest blogger learning French in France

I live in an exceptionally beautiful part of Lyon called Croix-Rousse! There?s a farmer?s market every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and it?s the most wonderful farmer?s market you could ever go to! There are wonderful fruits and vegetables, of course, but there are some vendors who also sell beautiful clothing, pottery, jewelry, and other handmade creations. I can spend a whole weekday morning just wandering around the wonderful stands (and I have spent many weekday mornings doing just that!).

If you meander through the market and end up near the Metro station, you?ll also reach a great viewing point where you can sit on a bench and look out at all of Lyon. I like to bring a book and some of my notes from class and just eat one of the fresh apples from the farmer?s market. I also like to buy a baguette and some “jambon” (ham) and make sandwiches for lunch every week. I eat very well here.

For the athletes (or the casual jogger, like myself), Croix-Rousse is also a great place for a jog. You?ll see several people running up and down the streets here, and there?s even a great track just around the corner from where I live. Croix-Rousse is exceptional in this respect, because there are not a lot of places you can go in France where you?ll see a log of joggers. People are thin here, but they are not typically athletic-looking. In the states, I see much more athletic-looking people, but there is also (of course) a lot of obesity.

Another reason why I love Croix-Rousse (and a reason you won?t find in tour guide books) is the local merchant just down the street. When I first came to Lyon, I knew no one and this local merchant was the first person I met and talked with. He?s very patient with my French and genuinely very nice and welcoming. When I buy something at the store, he always takes time to ask me how I?m doing and (sometimes) to teach me a little bit about French. People are very nice here!

Go to Study French in Lyon, France

Read all of Ashley's blogs from Lyon France

By Ashley C., guest blogger learning French in Lyon, France

The 14th of July in France is like the 4th of July in the USA (except they celebrate a different independence, of course!). There are fireworks everywhere, and you get the day off school (even if you really want to just go to school anyway!). It?s a very exciting and beautiful, but also a bit dangerous (so be careful!).

On the 14th, I went out with some of the students in my class to celebrate the big night when someone threw a homemade firecracker (which sort of looks like a little round bomb – no really!) and it landed in the middle of our circle of friends. The firework went off in one of my friends eyes, and we all panicked thinking maybe his eye could be seriously damaged, but, actually, it ended up being just fine by the next day. It was scary though! These little homemade firecrackers go off all the time on the 14th of July, and every time they did I was a little scared. I did enjoy the holiday, but I wish it was a bit safer! (don?t tell my mom about these firecrackers!).

The organized fireworks are much more random and very different than the 4th of July fireworks in the states. Instead of heading to a park to see organized fireworks (like you do in the states mostly), you really can go anywhere and you can always see the big, professionally-lit fireworks shoot across the sky! It?s wonderful. I headed to Vieux Lyon (a very pretty area with cobblestone streets) to get a close view.

Lots of people were standing around Vieux Lyon drinking beer and munching on snacks, while others sat down on blankets for a more relaxing evening. What struck me most about the night was its randomness. You could stand up and scream or dance, and no one acts like its anything out of the ordinary. People just do their own thing here. In the states, I think if someone started dancing and screaming in front of you, many people would be uncomfortable or even more their little picnic blankets. Here, whatever goes!

Read all of Ashley's blogs from Lyon France

Check out AmeriSpan's France French schools

Last week, we interviewed Quebec City's School Director, Viviane Brassard. This week, we're meeting Nathalie Tremblay, the Director of Studies at our partner Quebec City French school. Here is what she had to say!

What is your background?
I am over 40 years old and the single parent of a 10-year old boy. I have 2 bachelor degrees as well as some post-grad courses in Teaching French as a Second Language. I obtained my CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) in 2001.

Do you travel abroad often?
Sadly, no!

Have you studied abroad?
Never had the chance.

Which languages do you speak or have studied?
French,English and what I call 'survival Spanish.'

How and why did you get into the Study Abroad market?
Through my work at our school! 

When did you start/join your organization?
From the very first days, back in November 2009.

What is your job or function at the organization?
I am the Director of Studies.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?
Most of all, to lend a hand to the teachers in preparing their lessons: It make me realize that all the good ideas I have for them are simply the product of all my experience and it is a nice feeling to be able to bring it all into play.

Tell us one of your biggest challenges in starting your organization.
On the very first day, facing an empty work desk and realizing we had to start from scratch, I mean from buying pen and paper and all. After that, my challenge was mostly using everything I learnt from over 15 years of combined experience in teaching French as a second language and as a teaching manager to built the best pedagogical foundation I could for the school, i.e. competency-geared curriculum, function-based lesson plan, pedagogical advising and support for the teachers and everything else necessary to the upholding of a warm friendly yet extremely professional working environment for staff, teachers and students.

Tell us one of your biggest mistakes in your job, studying/teaching a language and/or traveling abroad.
English is my second language and I am not always as bilingual as I think I am… Let me explain: During my CELTA training, I taught a whole lesson on 'Giving Advice' saying advices (yes, plural, just like in French!) only to be asked by my instructor, during the feedback session, if I knew that advice was never used in a plural form in that context. “Well, it appears I did not,” was my answer! Mind you, I was the only trainee not speaking English as a first language and the only one with a 9-month old baby at home – but I graduated with an excellent grade.

Can you tell us about your school’s philosophy, specialty and/or why you think it is special?
We work hard at maintaining what I think is the most essential thing for a small new company: a great "esprit de corps". It is defined as a common spirit of comradeship, enthusiasm, and devotion to a cause among the members of a group. And our cause is the French language, its teaching and its learning.

Anything else you'd like to add?
Develop, keep and maintain a good sense of humor about yourself and about all of the intricacies of life: it does make learning French, managing a language school and experiencing new places a lot easier! 

 Learn about AmeriSpan's partner Quebec City French school

Meet Viviane Brassard, Director at AmeriSpan's new Quebec City French school. Viviane is proof that AmeriSpan is committed to finding the best staff, as we switched our partner school to follow her!

 What is your background?
I'm 61 years old and live in center Quebec City. I have 2 daughters and 6 lovely grandchildren (yes.. 6!) aged from 2 months to 6 years old.
 

One experience I want to share with you: In 2008, Quebec City celebrated its 400th anniversary. One outside concert was organised on the Plaines d’Abrahams. Sir Paul MacCartney was the performer. He wanted to address himself to Quebec's people in French so, I, myself, was asked to be his teacher and the person who adapted his French lyrics. I'll never forget this wonderful experience.  

Do you travel abroad often?
At least once a year- for work, to visit friend in the France or the USA, or sometimes just to be a tourist!

Have you studied abroad?
Yes, I studied life.. I lived in Africa with my husband and daughters for three years during the 80's.

Which languages do you speak or have studied? 
French and English – and I understand a little Spanish and German

How and why did you get into the Study Abroad market? 
Well, it really was a gift from life.  I studied Health Science, got married – stayed home with my children for 17 years, always loved the French language and suddenly had the opportunity to work at a French school. I have been in the business for over 20 years.

When did you start/join your organization?
I started 21 1/2 years ago.

What is your job or function at the organization?
I am the Director.

What do you enjoy the most about your job? 
Meeting people – different people from different countries – meeting people opened to learn a foreign language no matter the age their age.

Was a person, group of people or organization instrumental in your success?
Every person I have met during all theses years was instrumental in my success

Tell us one of your biggest challenges in starting your organization.
Starting it was the biggest challenge of my life. Directing another school for 17 years helped a lot but all the provincial administrative part to start a business was huge work…. Yessssss, I did it!!!

Tell us one of your biggest mistakes in your job, studying/teaching a language and/or traveling abroad.
Hmmmmm i have to think, because while I try not to make mistakes, I may have made some… maybe waiting too long before i started that new school 21/2 years ago…

How did you and amerispan begin working together?
While i was Director of another language school I worked with AmeriSpan enjoyed it, so i was eager to start working with AmeriSpan again..

Can you tell us about your school’s philosophy, specialty and/or why you think it is special?
At école québec monde we teach only french language. Our goal is the world recognition of the french language, the french culture and the french society in north america. The province of québec is the only province in canada where french is the official language. Quebec city is the most european and french speaking city in canada.

Anything else you'd like to add?
Perhaps some advice to potential participants, teachers, school owners or travelers to your country or city. Ecole Québec Monde is openned all year round – all seasons. No reasons for not coming to québec in winter time. Even if january temperature can do down to -30, you can ski down hill or cross country at less than 30 minutes from downtown. Same for dog sleigh. You can skate on the plaines d’abrahams or in the old city. It is magic!! Winter time is a wonderful experience: walking in the old historic city all covered with snow, going inside a café and drink a hot chocolate… hummmm life is beautiful even in winter time!

A bientô!

Find out more about Amerispan's Quebec City French school

By Ashley C., guest blogger studying French in Lyon, France

Here are some items I purchased that have been really helpful on my travels!

-Bescherelle books: I bought the Bescherelle package of French books (l?orthographie, la grammaire, la conjugaison) for about 40 Euros, and I use them all the time. Turns out that even though you can always look up conjugations when doing your French homework in the US, you actually really need to memorize the conjugations for speaking in French! I found these books extremely helpful for general reference, but also for reading while I?m on the metro (you will spend a lot of time on the metro here, so use the time well with these books!).

-Notebook, pens and a highlighter: Basically, be prepared when you come to class! Not many students are, and you?ve no idea how many times I?ve been asked “do you have a spare pen?” Be prepared. You?ll also want a highlighter. I don?t usually use one, but sometimes it?s really great to have a highlighter when going through different worksheets in class (particularly, when the printer?s ink is a bit too dark to read. Highlighting makes it easier!).

-A Guide Book: I found Rick Steve?s guidebook on France the most helpful. That?s how I found my favorite cafe that I now go to every day!

An Electronic Dictionary: I have a little pocket dictionary that is useful, but I can?t look up words as quickly as I?d like sometimes. Electronic dictionaries are really helpful, since they enable you to find the word you want to look up really easily and quickly. This is particularly helpful when you?re trying to speed write something in your Super Intensive class and you only have so much time! If I could do it over again, I?d have bought one early on in my trip. [Editor's note: There are a lot of great iPhone apps that can do this!]

Good shoes: I know they don?t have any magical powers to help you learn French better, but I can?t study well when my feet have a million blisters on them. Invest in good walking shoes or good fashionable sandals. Take it from someone who knows what it?s like to have a lot of blisters from walking around Lyon, wear good shoes! I didn?t want to shell out the hundred dollars or so to buy myself a good pair back in the states, but I think it was rather silly of me to be so worried about a hundred dollars now
that my feet are all pink and bumpy.

Click for more information on AmeriSpan's French school in Lyon, France

Click to see all of AmeriSpan's French schools in France

Read all of Ashley's blogs from Lyon France

Meet Maria Babiak, Director of AmeriSpan's Montreal French school

What is your background? 
I'm married with 2 young, adorable children.

Do you travel abroad often? 
Not so much as I’ve got a family with young kids.

Have you studied abroad? 
Never, because before I started working at the school, I never realized these cool programs existed!

Which languages do you speak or have studied? 
I speak English, Spanish and French.

How and why did you get into the Study Abroad market? 
When I first moved to Toronto, I saw an ad in the paper for a position at a ‘school’.  I thought ‘sounds interestesting!’ so I applied, not knowing it was a language school.  I got the job to start in Marketing and loved it.  Little did I know I would still be with the company 16 years later, living in Montreal!!!

What is your job or function at the organization? 
I am the Director of the Montreal school, which means I am involved in all of our service areas, from academics, to accommodation to activities.  I even occasionally am a tour guide and furniture mover!   Fortunately, I have a wonderful staff…we make a great team!

What do you enjoy the most about your job? 
Where do I start?  I think my most favorite part of my job is talking and interacting with our students.  Each one has a something different to add to our school population.  I also love to see the progress they make in their language learning.  It’s a rewarding feeling when students come to the office on their last day to thank us for the most ‘amazing experience of their lives’. 

Tell us one of your biggest challenges in starting your organization.
Our school is celebrating our 50^th anniversary in 2012, and I haven’t been around that long : ), but I guess my biggest recent challenge was when we were doing a complete renovation of our school last year.  And even though we started early in the spring, the renovations lasted into the summer, which is our peak season!  The staff and the students were so great and understanding during this time and it was really appreciated.  The school looks wonderful now, so I guess it was all worth it!

How did you and AmeriSpan begin working together? 
We have been working with AmeriSpan for many, many years now.  We’ve even had the pleasure of having their staff visit our school.  They hire great, friendly staff who care about their clients a lot.

Can you tell us about your school’s philosophy, specialty and/or why you think it is special? 
I think there are lots of things that make our school special – I often think of us as a somewhat large organization (we have 4 schools in Canada) with small-town service.  It isn’t the largest of the schools, but I think this is a strong point – our staff and teachers really get to know our clients by name and are able to spend the time getting to know them.   We offer services, counseling and support in different types of accommodation, activities and excursions.  

I think our academics program shines on its own – our French teachers are well-qualified, with specialization in teaching French as a Second Language.  Our curriculum is well-defined, with clear level objectives which are communicated to students.  Our levels are correlated to the European Framework, so students can continue their language learning even after they leave.  After almost 50 years of welcoming students to our cities, listening to their feedback and evolving with the times, we’ve been able to build our reputation as one of the best language schools in Canada.  Don’t take my word for it – come join us and find out for yourselves! : ) 

Learn more about AmeriSpan's Montreal French School

Meet Francois Pfeiffer, Managing Director of AmeriSpan's Paris French school

What is your background?
I’m 20 years old and have been for the last 35 years! I have degrees in Law, Management and Business. I’m also a photographer, music magazine journalist (Blues Magazine in France, Blues Matters in the UK, etc.) and a freelance consultant in management and web marketing.

Do you travel abroad often?
Yes, depending on the time of year and what I am doing.

Have you studied abroad?
No, but I spent my college years in an international college, the Lycée International de Saint Germain en Laye, with kids from the USA as well as from Spain, Germany, etc.

Which languages do you speak or have studied?
I speak French and German (bilingual) as well as English and Spanish.

How and why did you get into the Study Abroad market?
I was headhunted to manage a language school in the heart of France and then I bought the school in Paris.

When did you start/join your organization?
I joined the school staff in 1998.

What is your job or function at the organization?
Managing Director

What do you enjoy the most about your job?
Everything!  Throughout my career, I have always said that if you’re not pleased with your job and if you don’t enjoy your work then make a change. You spend most of your day and half of your life doing your job, so you better do what you feel is right for you and something that you love doing.

Was a person, group of people or organization instrumental in your success?
For a Managing Director, the staff is key to our success not only as a company but also in making them successful in their own right.

Tell us one of your biggest challenges in starting your organization.
Making a little school one of the leading and top quality schools in the French language business.

Tell us one of your biggest mistakes in your job, studying/teaching a language and/or traveling abroad.
My biggest mistake? None in my job, but one in my personal life: having stopped playing guitar when I was 21.

How did you and AmeriSpan begin working together?
I don’t remember, but we have been working together for many years and we have an excellent partnership.

Can you tell us about your school’s philosophy, specialty and/or why you think it is special?
The school’s philosophy is based on one very simple point: quality. The quality of the premises, quality of information, quality of the courses, quality of accommodation, quality of the contact between us and our partners, quality of contact with all our + 5,000 students/clients, quality of all our services and all we do at the school.

Discover more about AmeriSpan's French in Paris school

By Ashley C., guest blogger studying French in Lyon, France

June 2010:

So hot. I was too hot for my shirt (literally). I?ve barely experienced weather this hot before. I wore nothing (basically). I bought a couple cheap H&M dresses because my jean shorts were too hot. I bought a paper fan to carry around with me, and I drank enough water to fill an ocean (or so it seemed). I didn?t realize it would be so hot, so I didn?t pack appropriately. Bring the coolest clothes you have, or just plan to spend a bit of

money (clothes are cheap here) when you arrive. I also went to Avignon one weekend, and experienced the most horridly hot weather ever. It was an oven. I can?t even think about it.

August 2010:

Much better. Finally wearing a sweater sometimes makes sense!
Style (and what not to wear):

Girls: Dress up! Bring your dresses and your skirts and everything you?ve always wanted to wear every day, but couldn?t due to USA fashions that dictate that dresses are for fancy occasions. In France, you can wear a really fancy dress around the town! Awesome! Strappy sandals are also really popular here. Bring your own, or buy some here. Nearly everything is cheap when you buy it on sale, so this is really a shopping girl?s heaven.

A few don?ts: Don?t bring shorts and expect other people to be wearing them. If you like to be in fashion, just leave your shorts and your athletic sneakers at home. If you don?t care about fashion, sure, no don?ts for you! Work those sneakers and see if you can start a fashion trend!

Boys: You can wear whatever you want! Guys run around wearing short, white shorts here! I see striped jackets and sweatshirts (something I?d never see in the states). I see lots of pink and colorful shirts on men. It?s inspiring! Men?s fashion is so dull in the states, but it?s much more free here. There are no don?ts, except to leave the gel out of your hair (oh wait, that?s just something I personally prefer…).

Click for more information on AmeriSpan's French school in Lyon, France

Click to see all of AmeriSpan's French schools in France

Read all of Ashley's blogs from Lyon France