This was the first time I have studied as part of an immersive homestay, so I didn’t know what to expect. I can honestly say it was a highlight of my summer ! Raymonde is a thoughtful host, an excellent teacher and a fun conversationalist. She made me feel welcome from the time I arrived.

Raymonde’s home is clean, fresh and spacious.  It is in the country, with beautiful walks right outside her door, views of Mont Blanc in the distance, and farms selling their produce a quick drive down the road. Raymonde is also an outstanding cook, so we enjoyed many delicious meals from those nearby farms.

Our mornings were dedicated to French conversation and lessons, usually over coffee, and covered a huge array of subjects. The time flew ! Afternoons included excursions to nearby sites, either solo or together. Early in my stay, Raymonde had quietly noted my biggest language weaknesses and customized her lessons and feedback going forward to focus on those areas. In this way, I was able to break some entrenched bad habits over the week I was there.  I also learned some new language « rules » I had never learned before. The one-on-one time meant that I was constantly learning and being challenged, but not overwhelmed. And the customized lessons meant that I was always interested and inspired.

Raymonde is tremendously generous with her time, her energy and her enthusiasm. She is also a gifted teacher. I feel fortunate to have been able to learn with her for a week, in idyllic Switzerland no less. Mille mercis Raymonde!