My stay in Volvic was truly a fantastic experience. I was surprised by how much progress I made in my ability to speak and understand French in just the two weeks I was there. At the beginning of my stay, I hardly understood most of the French being spoken around me, but by the end I could grasp the meaning of almost every conversation I heard and participated in. This was thanks to the fantastic one-on-one French instruction I received along with the complete immersion I had in the language. This stay was also culturally informative. I greatly expanded my knowledge of French culture through directly observing and living it, and through the many culturally important sites I visited as part of my immersion program. Whether it be the stunning cathedral of Clermont-Ferrand, or the panoramic views from the alpine meadows of Puy de Dome, the many excursions and activities made this experience not only informative, but memorable and fun. There were many other factors that made this experience great, such as the kind, welcoming and helpful family, the ample and delicious food, and the living quarters, which were spacious, clean, and, in sum, a perfect place to stay. I was so lucky to be able to have this experience, and I am so grateful that I did.
Marc