In June, University of Limerick language students who were awarded the Embassy of France in Ireland and UL Foundation scholarships spent a month at CAVILAM language school in Vichy, France immersing themselves in French language and culture while meeting students from around the world.
The scholarships generously supported by the Embassy of France in Ireland and UL Foundation have supported seventeen students since the programme’s inception four years ago and the award covers tuition fees and accommodation for the month long immersive placements.
From morning language classes and cultural workshops to exploring local markets, cafés and historic sites, their experiences offered a unique opportunity to develop their language skills and enjoy some French culture.
Here, they share some highlights from their month in Vichy.
“By the end of the month, my spoken French felt noticeably more fluent and my confidence level had improved.
Caoimhe Delaney
CAVILAM was an excellent academic and personal experience and was a really positive learning environment. June in Vichy offered a rich cultural setting that complemented the course. The town hosted the Fête de Napoléon, the Fête de la Musique, outdoor theatre, and lively summer markets around the Parc des Sources. What truly added to the experience was the exposure to the French language in daily life. Whether in class, in cafés, or while travelling, I was continuously speaking and listening to French.
“The accommodation was amazing and also included the “club du monde” where we could meet with other students between classes, this allowed me to get to know other people at Cavilam”
Aisling O’Sullivan
I learned a lot not just about the French language but also the French culture. The lessons were fun and interesting. Vichy was a quiet and small city which really allowed for me to get to know about French everyday life while walking around with friends from Cavilam. We were very close to the river and small beach where we could relax for the evenings and even get to know and speak a bit with some of the French locals.
The trips that Cavilam organised were great and allowed for me to learn about French culture through French. My favourite trip was the one to Charroux, a small and beautiful town not far from Vichy, where we did a walking tour with a French guide to learn about the history of the town.
“It was an excellent opportunity for me personally and for my development of my language skills”
UL student Harry Groome said ‘the teaching in Cavilam was very good, I thought there was an excellent mix of grammar learning and speaking and listening activities. The groups were divided well and the classes were very interactive and enjoyable to be a part of. I met some great people from all different walks of life with a shared passion for languages. Some highlights were exploring the town of Vichy, becoming familiar with some locals, joining fellow classmates for a meal or drink outside of class and improving my French along the way.’
