There is an anticipation. There is an excitement. There is no apprehension. This is going to be my fifth visit to Ecole Des Trois Ponts, and my first time spending three weeks at the school. And now there is a New Director. A lot is changing…but is it?
Over the last 4 years I have attended Ecole Des Trois Ponts on four separate occasions always for 2 week periods. I have visited in the heat of August and in the cooler, more pleasant months of May and September. There is a welcoming familiarity about the School, but also always something new and stimulating. For this attendee the biggest unknown is who my fellow students will be.
I know the students who only spend one week at Ecole Des Trois Ponts often regret it. While you can learn a lot in the space of five days of Intensive French Language Instruction, it is far better to commit to longer…and to build on French Linguistic Abilities and on the friendships. Last time I met a couple from Australia who were staying six weeks. They were embarking on a long retirement journey in Europe for over a year. Each afternoon I observed them as they diligently did their homework in the garden, and I wondered if after two weeks they would still be as enthusiastic.
Frequently there are International Students who have been in my previous cohorts. I recognise them for the time we spent together, but can rarely remember much about them, and so the re-acquaintance starts. I have witnessed other students experience the same. It is like going to a party, not knowing who the host will invite and being pleasantly surprised as you encounter those who you previously bonded with when the host held their last party. This time a new host is giving the party. What, if anything will have changed?
Also interesting for me is learning where these International Students are from. With what level of French Language Skill. In my experience about half the students are returning – some return after only a few months, others after years. Some, (and I include myself in this), treat their visit as an annual event. Rumours circulate about a student who has attended on 28 separate occasions. Testimony to just how special this Roanne School and its Teaching Approach is.
In my experience, at Ecole Des Trois Ponts certain things do not change. The way the towels in the accommodation are changed on a Wednesday – also the same day when there are wonderful croissants and pain au raison (if you arrive early enough) at breakfast. There is always a large bowl of fruit in the dining room providing snacks for the students if the wait until dinner becomes too long. Beer and soft drinks obtainable in the fridge. To assist with studies French Grammar books and French Literature is available in the lounge – left, I like to believe, by those students who have purchased too many French Souvenirs (cheeses, mustards, jewelry, scarves) and are finding it necessary to leave something out of the suitcase to ensure it can be closed. I imagine these dry verb books the first thing to be forsaken.
I return to Ecole Ders Trois Ponts without the nervousness and apprehension I had three years ago when a debutant, and because of the familiarity. I have confidence now thanks to Valerie and the excellent Teaching Staff and the Methodologies used, I have acquired a far superior understanding of the French Culture and French Language. I can easily follow most conversations over dinner and can tease and joke with the staff. I am not scared to open my mouth as I once was. I am an “old hand” and in this role can provide advice and guidance to the first-time students, empathising with their uncertainties as I had once felt the same.
I have no reservations about returning, only excitement and anticipation.
Jayne Seagrave is a British Columbia Best Selling Author. The ninth edition of her book Camping British Columbia, the Rockies and the Yukon was published in 2023. Over 60,000 of her camping books have been sold. She also writes fiction, non-fiction, freelance articles and occasionally teaches writing and publishing courses. She has attended Ecole Des Trois Ponts on four separate occasions. See: www.jayneseagrave.com
