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How to Prepare Your Child for Studying Abroad in France

Many children have been bitten by the wanderlust bug. In the same respect, parents appreciate that exposing their young ones to the outside world is an excellent way to prepare them for what the future has in store. Has your teenager considered France as a destination for studying abroad? If so, a bit of preparation can go a long way towards success. The good news is that online conversational courses in French can provide the real-world knowledge and flexibility that will undoubtedly be required when interacting with native speakers.

Although these virtual classes can offer truly stunning results, we need to highlight the fact that there are other approaches which can be used to gain an additional appreciation of the French language. Let’s take a look at some activities that have been specifically designed for children and teenagers.

Embracing the Mobile Edge

Whether we choose to accept it or not, the average child spends up to seven hours each day on his or her smartphone. So, why not take advantage of this trend? There are a host of unique applications specifically designed to help users learn the French language and many are free to download. As these apps represent an on-the-go source of information, they can also be great tools when your child travels to France. Still, be sure to read customer reviews and product descriptions to appreciate what each of these digital bundles has to offer.

Leveraging the Power of the Silver Screen

Ask your child for a list of his or her favourite films. Then, take a look online in order to determine which of these are offered in the French language. French voice overs combined with English subtitles will offer yet another way to become accustomed to the ways in which this language is spoken. If the child happens to be extremely familiar with a certain movie, they can pick up certain colloquial phrases and better understand their meanings. Of course, it is always possible to write down any questions and to discuss these with an online tutor in order to gain even more real-world insight.

Finding a French-Speaking Partner

French can be a rather tricky language due to its unique dialects and grammatical nuances. Therefore, reading and understanding the printed word are hardly sufficient in and of themselves. Most experts suggest finding a partner who is a native speaker. There are plenty of online forums which can place users in contact with one another; even if the individuals themselves happen to be located hundreds of miles apart. Not only will this method help to strengthen conversational skills, but it is a highly effective networking tool to make a few friends along the way.

We can now see that learning the “language of love” is much easier than it may initially appear. As the younger generation is becoming even more eager to become immersed in the outside world, being prepared in advance is the best way to ensure a fun and rewarding experience.

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