In June, we welcomed Emily to Accent Français. Emily, who is studying French and Francophone Studies, was awarded a CODOFIL scholarship to attend our school for four weeks. She is hoping to complete her studies at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2027. In this interview, Emily shares with us her experience at Accent Français and in Montpellier.

Emily, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
What you are doing in France and for how long are you staying?

"I'm Emily Caldwell, I'm 22 from Louisiana in the United States and an incoming senior at the University of Louisiana Lafayette. I am double majoring in Speech Pathology and French and I received a schocolarship from CODOFIL in order to study here in Montpellier at Accent Français.

I came to Accent Français at the beginning of June so my stay is a total of four weeks!"

Can you tell us about your French programme? What are your thoughts on the teaching style?

"I tested into the B2 level here at Accent Français and it's definitely been a bit challenging as it's unlike any French class I've had before in my time at high school and university.

I appreciate that there's a lot more practice speaking. My professor really takes care going through everyone in the class to make sure we all have our time to interact with the material, one-on-one with him and really do our best to utilise our French instead of just reading and writing which is what I've done in the past."

How has your French improved since you arrived at Accent Français?

"Over my last four weeks here, I've gotten a lot more comfortable speaking. In the past, speaking French has always been a source of insecurity for me so building up that confidence has been quite a relief.

Even though there is that focus on speaking, I feel like there is a really good, well-rounded approach to learning the language. Nothing gets left behind, everything is equally touched on and practiced."

How is your accommodation? What are the benefits of staying with a host family in your opinion?

"I was welcomed into a wonderful host family's home, located very conveniently near the city centre. My host family has been extremely welcoming and supportive of my progress and my learning. Every night they cook a wonderful, delicious meal and we talk about our days in French.

It has been very instrumental in me practising my French outside of the classroom to have that natural familial experience. I think it definitely enriches my time here. It is unique in the sense that it feels like I'm a part of a family and I'm comfortable in that familial way even though I am far away from my family in the US. It makes me feel a little less homesick and eases some of that stress and that worry while also curating an environment to practice my French."

What have been your favourite moments so far?

"I would have to say my favourite moment in Montpellier would be exploring the city with the friends I've made here at Accent Français. It's been wonderful just roaming the streets, going into different cafés and sitting there for hours talking, looking at the different shops and experiencing the city fully. The immersion has been unlike anything I've experienced in my entire life: practising French with the locals, going to restaurants and ordering traditional French food while speaking the language. Really, my favourite part has been embracing the culture, experiencing all Montpelllier has to offer."

To whom would you recommend Accent Français?

"I would recommend Accent Français to anyone who's thinking of bettering their French education and furthering their French knowledge. I think any level could benefit from what this school has to offer. As I've said, I've been learning French in a university setting for several years now and I feel like I've made more progress in these four weeks than in some of my semesters at university with how intensive even the standard course is.

I think there's room to improve no matter what level you are and I think this is a great environment to make those improvements with the immersion, the community, the amazing peeople you meet and the incredible city you're in. It's a great place to better your French and immerse yourself. I would recommend Accent Français to anyone learning French. I'm very grateful for this opportunity to be here, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity."

Thank you Emily! It was a pleasure to have you with us and to share your experience with everyone on our blog! Take care and keep learning French!

The Accent Français Team

Emily’s French Immersion in Montpellier: Her CODOFIL Scholarship Experience