Language-immersion trips work best in specific cities. Here's the honest sort.
French immersion
- Paris: Many language schools. The classic but expensive.
- Lyon: Cheaper than Paris, less English-speaking-tourists. Better immersion.
- Aix-en-Provence: Excellent language schools + village atmosphere.
- Quebec (technically not Europe): Different French.
Spanish immersion
- Madrid: Castilian Spanish standard. Many schools.
- Salamanca: University town with strong language schools. Among the best for immersion.
- Granada, Seville: Andalusian Spanish accent (regional).
- Barcelona: Spanish + Catalan. Less optimal for pure Spanish.
Italian immersion
- Florence, Siena: Tuscan Italian — the standard. Many language schools.
- Bologna: Strong university language schools.
- Rome: Roman dialect + standard. Many schools.
- Naples: Heavy Neapolitan dialect — not for first-time learners.
German immersion
- Berlin: Many language schools. International atmosphere.
- Vienna: Austrian German (slightly different but mutually intelligible).
- Munich: Bavarian region but Hochdeutsch in city.
- Heidelberg: University town with strong programs.
Strategy
- Schools to consider: AIL Madrid, Alliance Française (Paris), Goethe-Institut (Berlin), Scuola Leonardo (Florence).
- 2-4 week intensive courses: Standard for meaningful progress.
- Homestay vs apartment: Homestay accelerates immersion 2-3x.
- Tandem partnerships: Find a local who wants to practice English.