Forget the uphill struggle! There is nothing more exhilarating than the thrill of the downhill run, so combining a French course with ski school make sense for students, teachers and parents. More carrot and less stick is a proven strategy for giving students the incentive to improve in any area of endeavour. So what better way to encourage French language learning than to offer the freedom and excitement of a weekend in the mountains after a week’s study? Leave the classroom behind and head for the hills.
Enjoy the brilliant blue skies, pure mountain air and fabulous scenery while experiencing the exhilaration of physical exercise and the adrenalin rush of speed. For beginners there is also the sense of achievement in mastering a new skill in the knowledge that they have acquired a new lifetime’s hobby. Not only that, having instruction in French, they are learning French while having fun!
There are several ski areas in France: the western Alps of Haute-Savoie, the eastern Alpes in the Franche-Compté region, which includes the Jura mountains and the French Pyrenees. Some of these areas include Europe's highest resorts - Val Thorens at 2.300m or Val thorens at 2,100m, good choices to be sure of season round snow. Many resorts have nearby language schools so you can combine the two skills. For example the picturesque town of Annecy is on the edge of the world’s largest ski area of Les Tres Vallees with access to the snow fileds with 600 km of ski slopes and 200 lifts. There are eight Internationally recognised resorts in the area: Courcheval, La Tania, Meribel, Brides-les-Bains Les Menuires, Val Thorens, Orelle and Saint Martin de Bellville.
Of course, it is not just the skiing that makes this a unique experience, it is a very sociable sport and a great way to make new friendships.
Add in the camaraderie of the ski school group to the warmth and sense of well being of eating a hearty meal at the end of the day with friends and it gives you a cozy glow.
Students join in the legendary fun of the après-ski experience, mixing with people from around the world, sharing stories while drinking a warming hot chocolate or glass of mulled wine.
In general a it’s a great way for young people to gain more confidence and can spark interest in career development whether it be in the area of language learning and tuition, sports or hospitality. Taking part in an extracurricular course is an invaluable addition to the all important CV demonstrating the student's ability to live in a foreign country, learn the language, participate in group activities and embrace a new culture.
Formidable!
Photos: widiwici
