💋 Dear readers,
The end of summer has arrived, bringing with it stories, new encounters… and sweet treats. At ILA, back to school is never just a simple return: it’s a burst of energy, culture, and unexpected moments.
If you dream of a language stay in Montpellier to learn French in France through immersion, here’s a little glimpse of life at ILA-IH Montpellier.
🌊 WEEK 1: Beach, hikes, and studious vibes
The first days of this chronicle still felt like summer: the sun high in the sky, busy terraces, and beaches just a short walk away. Our students quickly realized that “back to school” and “vacation” can coexist — especially in Montpellier! Some headed out to the beach, while others laced up their sneakers for hikes in the surrounding countryside during the school’s organized outings.
Meanwhile, our French language school got back into rhythm: placement tests, new classes, and friendships blooming as early as the first coffee break. Montpellier in this season is all about back-to-school energy, without ever giving up the pleasures of summer.
You guessed it — your insider has a soft spot for this time of year!
🍬 WEEK 2: Mandatory candy & lively debates
At reception, a new tradition was born: the mandatory candy break. Between arrivals and a thousand questions, the admin team fuels up on sugar to keep pace. The result? Smiles guaranteed… and candy jars that empty in no time.
On the activity side, brains were working hard in a different way: the Café Philo with Sara and Brunelle was packed. Passionate discussions about French language, culture, and life left everyone with new ideas — and new French words. Thinking in French, that’s what successful immersion is all about!
👵👨 WEEK 3: The 50+ group in action
September also marked the arrival of our legendary 50+ group, here for two weeks. Their program? French courses in the morning, cultural discoveries in the afternoon, and lots of exchange throughout the day. Their energy is contagious: always eager, always curious, always smiling.
And spoiler alert: they gave the younger students a little vocabulary (and good humor) lesson. Proof that learning French in France truly has no age limit.
🧀 WEEK 4: French terroir & heartfelt farewells
To close this chronicle, we were delighted to launch our French Terroir tastings, thanks to a new local partner. Cheese, wine, charcuterie… it was a festival of flavors. For many students, it was their first encounter with Muscat wine or strong French cheeses. Verdict? Delighted palates and empty plates.
But it was also time for goodbyes: suitcases packed, flags signed, hugs that lasted a little too long. Each farewell makes us wish we could keep the students just a bit longer… but that’s the magic of ILA French language school: intense encounters and memories that travel across the globe.
💋 XOXO,
Emma – still your favorite insider.
👉 And you, ready to experience your own language stay in Montpellier? Join ILA-IH to learn French in immersion in the heart of the South of France, between sunshine, culture, and the art of living.
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