Five flexible and intuitive levels of immersion structured according to traditional levels of fluency: A1 – A2 – B1 – B2

Knee deep    Low A1
Low level conversation fluency

 … Entry level immersion – Although we would require a commitment from participants to genuinely attempt to only speak French for the entire weekend, the pace will be adjusted with ample regular English and “Franglish” breaks right through the day. There will be English subtitles for the film night.

Thigh deep   High A1
Moderately confident conversation fluency

… Moderate immersion – Similar commitment required from participants to genuinely attempt to only speak French for the entire weekend but with a slightly more fluid pace still allowing for regular English [and “Franglish”] breaks right through the day. There will still be English subtitles for the film night, but the option of French subtitles will be put to a group vote prior to the weekend.

Waist deep   A2
Reasonably confident conversation fluency

… Intermediate immersion  Level 1 – Stronger commitment required from participants to genuinely attempt to only speak French for the entire weekend. Faster pace and slightly more advanced workshop material. There will be allowance for occasional explanations in English. French subtitles for the film, although will be put to a group vote prior to the weekend. 

Chest deep   High A2 – Low B1 
Confident conversation fluency

… Intermediate immersion Level 2 – Same commitment to attempt to only speak French for the entire weekend as for Level 1 and an expectation that participants would feel comfortable at a pace closer to “natural”. More complex workshop material with a greater emphasis on conversation skills development. Allowance for occasional explanations in English. French subtitles for the film. 

Neck deep   High B1 / B2
Very confident conversation fluency

… Total French –  Same principle as Chest Deep but attempting French“natural pace”. Extensive, engaging and more complex conversation will be the main feature of the workshop activities, and the expectation would be to not use English at all. French subtitles for film. 
Attention ! Complètement French “natural pace” ! Pour les passionné.e.s !

Please note that participants’ level of speaking fluency and comprehension is the main criteria for our weekends, as students are very often more comfortable at reading and writing. So… If you’re currently studying French or have in the past, the first thing to do is to refer to the class level you are (were) in.

But you can also use your intuition as you go through our levels of conversation fluency confidence. You know yourself… Of course, if you’re unsure of your level of speaking fluency, we can organise a short phone conversation in order to determine your level.

Mais… N’oubliez pas, dans nos week-ends, tout le monde s’aide ! At our weekends, everyone helps everyone!

Et pour Petite France Immersion… le plus important, c’est toujours d’essayer ! That’s it! The most important is always to try!

Two and a half hours, Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Pas comme en classe !

These workshops will try to offer something different from regular French classes “tuition”. Students are very often more comfortable at reading and writing so… communication and expression will be the prime focus.   

Activities such as role-playing and impromptu conversation skill development will be part of the programme. For lower levels, a particular emphasis will be placed on pronunciation and phonetic techniques. Higher levels will be encouraged to engage in deeper and more complex conversation.  

On Saturday, there will also be a more structured small groups discussion about the film watched on Friday night at the end of which each group will present their impressions, followed by more conversation. Following the weekend, participants will personalised feedback on their involvement during the weekend.

Oh… And let’s not forget our little singalong on Sunday morning! 👍