I write this on my second day of classes at Alpine French School, a school I first became aware of because of TAIP reader, Matt Kern. I was telling Matt over coffee that I wasn’t particularly happy with the classes I had taken while in Paris, and that perhaps getting away for a few weeks would help me get to a higher level of ability in the language, as I knew “fluency” was some years away. In Paris I was in the thick of my life — with friends, social activities, and the city itself. Somewhere else…perhaps I would be able to put in 4-5 hours a day of study and make a serious move forward from where I was (B1).
Matt told me of this particular school in Morzine, nestled in the French Alps but just a stone’s throw from the Swiss border, where I could be isolated, learn French, and if I wanted to, ski in between classes. My reaction was the same as those of most when I tell them about it: “Really?” Yet, it was perfect in a number of ways.
I would be isolated. It’s at least an hour’s winding drive through the Alps to get to Geneva from Morzine, and I wouldn’t have a rental car and would have to pay for a shuttle to get into town, if I even wanted to go (I’m much more a Zurich than Geneva person in Switzerland, anyway). No temptations for weekend getaways. I’d also be in a small town, away from my Paris life, so my options would be limited. Studying and skiing could be everything!
So, around last October, I began planning. I set aside four weeks, bought the 4-hour-per-day learning French package (Super Intensive), bought a season ski pass (it’s around 30-40% off when you buy prior to the end of October), and train tickets to and from Geneva. The school assisted me with finding accommodations and with getting to and from Geneva.
It being day 2, both mental and actual muscles are a bit sore. Four hours in class yesterday — from 09h00-11h00, then 16h00-18h00, with a break in between, which I and my roommates used for skiing, of course. I also took an additional hour and a half in the evening for studying, and have been listening to Pimsleur lessons to and from school (about a 15-minute walk each way).
I’ll be updating you on progress throughout the month, and I also hope to shoot some videos for the Alpine French School Facebook page, which you can follow here. If you ever decide to come (it has been three years since Matt and I had that conversation about this place, so understandably it may be a while) the school will waive enrollment fees for anyone who mentions “The American in Paris blog” as how they heard about the school. Remember, the school is open year-round, so if skiing’s not your thing, perhaps hiking in the summer? The town is lovely and Montblanc is visible on good weather days from the top of the highest ski runs. More to come…
I took the photo on my first day here. Conditions were great.
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