Benefits of studying in France for your Transition Year abroad
Going abroad for a few weeks or a few months is very popular with Irish students during their TY. We already discussed in a former article about the benefits of studying abroad during Transition Year. Today, we would like to talk about the opportunities offered to Irish students for their TY in France.
While foreign languages are not mandatory in the Irish curriculum, most schools make it compulsory. As per the latest data, 64% of the boys and 82% of the girls take a foreign language exam at their Leaving Certificate in Ireland (source: Irish Time 2023). In lower secondary school, French is the most popular language with 42% of the Irish student studying this language, followed by Spanish (23%) and German (16%); in upper secondary school, French is chosen by almost 44% of the Irish students, followed by Spanish (20%) and German (16%)(Source: Eurostat).
Thus, the main benefit of studying in France for your TY is to boost your French language skills and reach a higher score at your Leaving Certificate exam!
Many students also do it because they would like to speak at least one foreign language really well. Very few Irish students indeed learn a second foreign language (less than 10%): they focus on mastering one foreign language (Source: Eurostat)
Studying abroad for a few weeks is not just about language acquisition. It is also a cultural discovery and exchange. While you live with a French host family for a few weeks or even a few months, you not only learn the language but also the culture, and not as a tourist! You learn the "everyday life culture", the one that is helpful when you wish to work in international companies or organizations. You live like a local, you eat like a local, you have the same daily schedule, use the same transportation, and have the same activities! You learn and use practical French, not theoretical French.
Program options for TY students in France
Convinced? Explore your TY options in France:
French host family and school immersion (up to 10 weeks)
To those interested in tasting various courses and activities during their TY in Ireland, Nacel offers short-term Transition Year programs in France: just come for a few weeks, whenever it is possible and allowed by your Irish school, and spend up to 10 weeks with a French host family and in a French high school.
While you are required to be active in class, you will not have to do any exams. The idea for you is to discover the French school sytem, be immersed in the French language, practice French in daily life, and make new friends.
A trimester, a semester or a school year in France for your TY
If you are ready for a longer and deeper French immersion experience, choose our High School exchange program for your Transition Year in France:
- you are enrolled in a French school like a French student;
- you are active in class, do your homework, and participate in exams, and are graded;
- you really become part of your host family's life like a new child and forge a long lasting friendship;
- you make friends at school and during the extracurricular activities you choose on arrival in France.
You not only become more fluent, even bilingual in French, you also become bi-cultural:
- you master various French languages: from academic, formal, to daily, informal French
- you learn how to write Academic French
- you adopt new habits, new cultural references, a broader worldview
- you benefit from a deeper knowledge of the French school system and become a more flexible learner
- you develop your intercultural skills and adaptability
Our High School exchange program in France is a real life-changing program.
Finally, we may also welcome you for a non-academic program: if you are not interested in going to school in France, you may opt for our host family immersion, with or without French classes. This program is a cultural exchange focusing on French language acquisition:
- French host family immersion during school breaks, including during the summer months
- French host family immersion with one-to-one French lessons (anytime)
A perfect short-term program for your 4th year in France.
Ready to go to France for TY?
Here’s why now is the perfect time to plan your TY stay in France!
French schools and host families are ready and excited to welcome Irish students like you throughout the school year. Whether you wish to start your adventure in September or later during the year, it’s not too late to apply!
Take this opportunity to:
- Immerse yourself in authentic French daily life.
- Improve your French language skills every day.
- Join fun activities such as football, rugby, music, dance, or art (usually through local associations and clubs outside of school).
Enjoy a safe and enriching experience, supported by Nacel’s local coordinators all over France and dedicated support team.
Contact Nacel today to book your Transition year in France!
Your Transition Year in France: step by step
Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare for your Transition Year in France:
Step 1: Prepare your project with your TY coordinator and your parents
- Discuss your plans with your TY coordinator: collect important deadlines, information about the various offers made by your school during TY, your academic requirements, and determine the dates when you could travel to France during your TY.
- Discuss your plans with your parents: discuss with them if they support this project, check your budget, and present the various TY options in France to your parents
Step 2: Learn more about the TY programs offered in France:
- Collect information about length, dates, budget, and requirements: you can find many details on this website, just follow the link.
- Ask Nacel to share a handbook about the French school system: learn more about daily life in a French school, subjects offered in 10th grade (equivalent of the 4th yea in Ireland), daily and weekly schedules, lunch options etc.
Step 3: Book your TY program in France
- Talk with a Nacel Advisor to make sure you make the right choice and ask your final questions
- Arrange an online meeting between yourself, your parents, and your Nacel advisor to make sure everyone understands the purpose and conditions of the program
- Make a final discussion with your parents and book your program online
- Prepare your application form and finalize your travel arrangements.
Book your Transition year in France with Nacel!
Stay open-minded, be flexible, and ask for help when you need it—your host family, Nacel coordinators, and school staff are there to support you!
