Share this...
Testimonials

Dinner with my Host Family and their Dogs during my French Immersion Course

  • Blog Back to list
  • Previous post
  • Next post
Dinner with my Host Family and their Dogs during my French Immersion Course

So I have been invited to have a big lunch with my French host family in Montpellier and I jumped at the chance as this is one of my favourite aspects to the immersion experience and it has helped immeasurably to learn French in France. When I was assigned this family by the wonderful staff at the ILA French Immersion School I had no idea of the impact that they were to have on me and how it would shape the start of my language course in Montpellier. I have been in awe of the hospitality of my French host family and I have been moved by their actions to help me learn the French language and culture. They decided to have a big family dinner where I got another front row seat to enjoy the dynamic of this wonderful French family. We spent a lot of time discussing their wonderful dogs and trading stories about them as well as my own.

From Nottingham to Montpellier there are Dog Lovers everywhere

My French host family had invited a big crowd to this Sunday dinner and I got to meet a few more members of their extended family who also live here in Montpellier. This was the very definition of French immersion in France as I was surrounded by natives of varying ages. Sat next to me was Monique who was the grandmother of the family and a very kind and animated lady.

Monique had brought her tiny little dog Ava who was skipping around outside. Ava shied away from me at first which was normal apparently as she was a rescued dog but after a few scratches behind her ears she came to perch on my feet. This has been a source of bonding for me and my French host family in Montpellier; all of us adore dogs. We had a little discussion in my French lessons about the popularity of little dogs here in France and Ava was an abject example.

The Two Dogs that have Welcomed Me Home after Every French Class

There were two other dogs padding around the drive way. Marshall; a big cross-breed from an Alsatian mother. Then there was Lucky; another tiny little cross- breed who looked a bit like a Westie. They hung out outside so every day when I came back from my lessons at the ILA French Immersion School there they were to welcome me excitedly in that heart warming way only dogs can do. They were a jealous pair though and whenever I would give one of them a cuddle the other one would quickly hurry over so they didn’t miss out on any affection. They occasionally got sick of each other doing this and exchanged barks but that was it.

These were also rescue dogs and I have been lead to believe there is an issue with dogs being abandoned in France. Whilst walking to and from my language school in Montpellier I have seen public service posters about it and my French host family had said it is quite common unfortunately. For everyone person who does choose to do this there is a warm family like my hosts who are willing to take care and love these animals.

I have often felt in my home country that dogs bring people together. I’ve often got chatting to people in pubs back home after asking to pet their dogs. I can’t seem to see one without wanting to cuddle it, especially after I’m loved up after a couple of pints. When I came to learn French in France I was so glad that this is just as apparent here as anywhere. From talking to the other students in my French lessons and at the ILA Immersion School it seems that they have often experienced the same thing, which I find very up-lifting.