During my second year at university I attended several Year Abroad meetings and I was so carefree, sat in those lecture halls anxiously anticipating our great, foreign adventures. When I first heard about CAF, I was eager to obtain this generous amount of free money from the French government but by November of my first semester away, the process had become the bane of my life. The process is long, slow and frustrating but the financial benefits are definitely worth the month or so of tearing your hair out.

Taking out an extra course during your time in France will mean you can practice something you’re interested in, with the locals - what better way to have fun whilst you’re learning, we say. With so many free hours, it’s easy to stuff yourself silly with choucroute and slurp on fine wine: and although that’s an equally beneficial way to improve your language (as long as you’re oohing and aahing with the Frenchies), you can also get another insight into the culture, the people and their habits.

 

From cooking courses to clown workshops, find your ideal way to pass the time here: