"I spent one week, studying in London" starts Jose. Jose is 32 years old and lives near Bordeaux. "It was between the 15th and the 22nd of December. The accommodation was in a family." Courses are all day long. It is an intensive programme. "We were in small groups. Between 2 to 5 students maximum." Courses are focused on oral skills. The very small size of the group helps a lot. "One week is too short. 2 weeks is the minimum", he says. It is his first language course abroad.

On the contrary, Roger is a specialist. "I travel to London for the 7th time. Each year I travel 2 weeks for Eastern holidays, one month in July. After one month I get bored." 4 hours of courses every morning from 9.00 to 13.00. "Every afternoon, there are guided tours organised by the school." Roger has been studying for 7 years, each time with the same school. "We can also go out at night." The average age is 20. Roger is 65. Each session starts with an English test. There are 4 levels: beginners, intermediate, upper-intermediate, advanced. A certificate is given at the end. "I live on the campus in a single bedroom", he indicates. "The school is located in the south part of London. At lunch, we talk, lying on the grass, under the shadow of big old trees. Food is disgusting. It is like eating in University fast-foods in France. But morning breakfast is huge." 8 to 10 students per class. In the summer too.
2 hours of grammar followed by 2 hours of conversation. This is the daily programme. "Teachers recommend to do some homework", he says.

 "In 2 days, they found me a new family"

Annie is 50. "I am an English teacher in Paris", she says. It is her 8th language trip to England. "First time, I stayed 2 weeks. Since then, I come back every year, for Eastern and Summer holidays. This year I travel with 8 of my students. One week before Eastern. It has been quite difficult to convince the College Principal", she remembers. In the school, 400 students of all ages.

Gabriela has chosen Scotland. Near Edinburgh. She is 15 and leaves home for the first time. "I stayed in a family. I have been compelled to change during my stay. Nobody talked to me." In 2 days they found a new family. Courses in the morning, excursions in the afternoon. 10 to 15 students per class. "I remember beautiful landscapes and a very friendly welcome," she concludes.

Sabrina has chosen Wales. "I stayed 2 weeks, last July." Sabrina is 21 and it is her second language trip. "I chose a formula with no course. I stayed in a family. I visited castles, monasteries, colleges." She trekked in the country. "It reminds me of Limousin in France", she compares. "I often went to pubs. They are much more livelier than in France. Everybody talks. Contact is easy to make."

 "Studying in the country is the best way to learn a language"

"I have always been attracted by northern countries.", she declares. "I love Wales. People are so friendly." The family has 2 children same age as Sabrina. "I am studying business. In my mind, studying in the country is the best way to learn a language."

For Gabriela, it is a different story. "Nobody from my family has ever been to Scotland. Stories about the Loch' Ness, the landscapes have always attracted me. My teacher had told me that I might have to get used to the Scottish accent. But it was not so hard."

Annie has her own habits. "From one year to the other, I met the same people. Courses are very interesting, dynamic and very serious. I love meeting people from different countries. Speaking English with foreigners is a very good exercise." Roger travels for leisure. "I have full-board accommodation for a very reasonable price," he estimates. "Every afternoon I walk around London. It is quite exotic. Once, in 1996, I forgot my suitcase in the bus. The school helped me to find it. There is a personal attention to each student. At night students always go out with at least one teacher."

 "I found a country I love"

"I feel I have made a lot of progress. I go back in fact in a few months," he concludes. Annie takes ideas for her own courses in France. "I advise teachers to study in England from time to time." Roger wants to go back each year as usual. As long as he is in good health. Gabriela feels she has made progress too. "I have more confidence. I now have better marks. I would like to go back this year." Sabrina has found a country and very nice people. "I am very pleased with my stay. I would have loved to stay 2 more weeks. I found a country I love."