On a Lingua Franca Voyage, our aim is to create a true cultural exchange for our travellers. After a trip with us, we want you to feel as though you could return to that destination independently, know your way around and have a couple of new, local friends to call upon while you’re there.

We try to get under the skin of a destination, as we believe this is where the richness lies.

• Sat 13 April - Fri 19 April 2024 (6 nights)

• Nouméa, New Caledonia

• Two-hour direct flight

• Daily lessons

• Three activities

• Welcome and farewell dinner

• Plenty of free time

• Even more opportunities to practise your French in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Savez-vous que* the perfect place to practise your French is right on your doorstep? Known as the most French of the French territories, New Caledonia is just a two-hour flight from Brisbane. I remember going there a few years ago to do a reconnaissance, and it was only on the third day when I heard an Australian couple ordering their coffees in English that it dawned upon me that it was the first time I’d heard my mother tongue since I’d left Brisbane.

Imaginez* - you step on the plane in your usual English-speaking environment and barely a movie and a meal later, you’re fully immersed in the French-speaking heaven you’ll call home for the next week.

Let’s not forget it’s a pacific paradise, either. The drive from the airport meanders through lush green tropical forest and by the time you hit the city limits and get your first glimpse of the island’s turquoise waters, you’ll have shifted down a gear or two and be primed to explore all the island has to offer.

Nouméa is small and pretty, the people kind and warm and the culture rich. We’ve put together an experience that gives you the absolute highlights of this hidden gem and the confidence to return by yourself or with friends whenever you’re in need of a French injection.

*Did you know | *Imagine

If French and travel are part of who you are, Lingua Franca’s Summer School is a dream come true. Take the very best of learning with Lingua Franca, add the invaluable authenticity of being sur place* and you have yourself a mélange magique*.

You’ll be surprised and delighted by the leaps and bounds your French will take, the connections you’ll make and the memories that will last long after you’ve put your suitcase away.

Each morning starts with coffee, pastries, and a lesson in small groups, tailored to your level. We’ll focus on arming you with the language and confidence to become an independent French speaker, able to navigate the myriad opportunities to speak French just outside the classroom door.

Three cultural activities are included to give you a fuller appreciation of this unique island and its fascinating history. We’ll again be working with our long-standing local suppliers and friends to give you the inside running on what it means to be calédonien* today. If you’re anything like us, it’s their smiling faces and the conversations you’ll have with them that will stay in your memory long after you’ve returned home.

Otherwise, your time is all yours to spend as you wish. Whether swimming, taking a trip en ville*, shopping, visiting the spa, reading your book by the pool or perhaps even indulging in an afternoon sieste*, you’re guaranteed to come home relaxed, re-energised and with a fresh perspective on one of our closest neighbours.

*on the ground | *magical mix | *New Caledonian | *into town | *nap

Saturday 13 April 2024 - Friday 19 April 2024

NOUMEA SUMMER SCHOOL

$2800 (deposit $1500)

INCLUDES:

Daily lessons
Bespoke Lingua Franca materials
3 x tours and activities
2 x dinners with wine
Welcome gift pack

NOT INCLUDED:

Flights
Accommodation
Traveller’s insurance (compulsory)
Airport transfers*

*Once we have an idea of who is coming and when, we may organise a hotel transfer for the group which will be invoiced separately.

The following activities are included:

These are the flights we'd recommend as they’re the most convenient. There are other options of course, and you may even wish to extend your stay.

OUTBOUND
BNE/NOU
Sat 13 Apr
12:00/15:05
Aircalin SB159 (Qantas operated)

INBOUND
NOU/BNE
Fri 19 Apr
18:00/19:30
Aircalin SB150

*Please note: Aircalin seems to offer more competitive prices for these flights.

Here are three suggestions for accommodation. They're all convenient to the school, which will take place at the Méridien.

Feeling adventurous? Why not extend your stay by taking a short 30-minute flight to Île des Pins? It’s known as l'île la plus proche du paradis* and looking at the photos, we’d have to agree. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, expect pure white sand beaches, crystalline lagoons, coconut palms, mysterious grottos and exotic plant life.

*the closest island to paradise

How do you recreate Lingua Franca elsewhere?

It’s surprisingly easy, actually. We find you a space with the warmth and heart of Lingua Franca in our target destination, design you some bespoke learning materials, contact our favourite guides and book a couple of fantastic restaurants for your welcome and final dinners. Et voilà*! Your nid* away from home.

Do I have to be a Lingua Franca student to attend?

No, you don’t. We often welcome new people on our trips, whether friends of friends or people we’ve never met before. All you need is a bit of French under your belt and a desire to discover a culture unlike your own. Extra points if you enjoy a bit of a laugh.

Do I have to be an advanced student to join in?

Not at all! For bigger groups, we’ll divide you up according to level and for smaller groups, we’ll ensure the lessons will be pitched to benefit all levels. All you need is a desire to improve your French and a sense of curiosité*.

Where are the schools located?

We always choose somewhere really central while avoiding the touristy quartiers* in favour of more interesting areas. It’s important to be centrally located so it’s easy for you to get to school each morning, no matter where you choose to stay. We also find that having the best of a city just outside the classroom door is highly motivating for our Chouchous*.

Why just a week?

We know you’re a busy group of people and you like to get things done. By limiting the timeframe, we can keep the instruction constant and focused. It’s a blast of French that we can’t give you in Australia: there’s no replicating the immersive value of daily lessons combined with real-life experiences at your fingertips.

If you’re keen to stay longer, there’s certainly no shortage of things to see or do: explore the Loyalty Islands to the north-east, take a side trip to the spectacular Île des Pins or even just enjoy a few days kicking back in this island paradise. The choice is yours.

Why are flights and accommodation not included for this trip?

We want to give you maximum flexibility for flight dates, classes of travel, carriers and various hotel options to suit your personal preferences and budget.

Can you recommend accommodation for us?

Of course! We’ve already done the groundwork and have recommended three hotels in close proximity to the school, which will be held at Le Méridien Nouméa. Located on the point at Baie des Citrons with unparalleled views, a fantastic spa and several restaurants, it’s hard to beat if you’re looking for a truly relaxing, slightly indulgent stay.

If you like the idea of a self-catering apartment, we recommend the Hilton Noumea La Promenade Residences, which is located just opposite the Baie des Citrons and has a shopping complex attached. It’s an easy (and lovely) 15 minute walk to Le Méridien.

For a more budget-friendly option, Hôtel Le Lagon is a centrally located, modern hotel with a friendly feel and virtually backs onto the Hilton complex. It’s also an easy 15-minute walk to Le Méridien.

What can I expect from the lessons?

The best things about doing lessons sur place* is how immediately useful the content is. The minute you step out the door of the school, you’ll be able to put into practice what you’ve just learned. 

Lessons will start at 9:00am and will go through to 12:30pm with a pause-café* (think coffee and pâtisseries*) included so you can clear your brain and stretch your legs. We’ll focus on the vocabulary, grammar and essential phrases you’ll need to communicate effectively while you’re in Nouméa and these skills will become part of your toolkit for future travels, too.

We’ve been so inspired by the huge improvement we’ve seen in the students who took part in our previous trips and we know you’ll benefit enormously, too, from the semi-intensive format. Never fear, though, Lingua Franca lessons will always remain relaxed and friendly, as we believe happy brains learn best. Plus, you’re en vacances*.

What will a typical day be like?

The school bell will sound at 9:00am, and lessons will be wrapped up by 12:30pm, the perfect time for you to go in search of a delicious déjeuner*, whether in the hotel, down the road at one of the dozen or so eateries in the Baie des Citrons or somewhere further afield. There are three activities planned (see Le planning above) as well as a welcome and farewell dinner.

The rest of the time is free for you to go exploring, but of course we’re always on hand for suggestions and recommendations. We’d really encourage you to get to know the staff at the hotel, as well. They’re bilingual, knowledgeable and very happy to help you practise your French as well as organise extra outings for you if you desire.

On the free evenings, there's a pretty good chance you’ll run into one or more of the group on a terrace or waterfront somewhere. In Nouméa this tends to happen organically, so we don’t make it an official thing, but rest assured you’ll almost certainly have someone to share your day with over a drink as you watch the setting sun.

Are there any dinners together?

Oui*, in fact we’ve organised two and they’re included in the price. Our welcome dinner will be held in a local restaurant and will give you a chance to get to know your fellow Chouchous. We get together at the end of the week as well, and this time we invite all the characters you’ve met throughout your time at the summer school for an authentic and convivial French dining experience.

Are friends and family welcome to come to the dinners and participate in the activities?

So long as they’re happy being in an environment with a majority of French spoken (there’s always some English that slips out after a couple of drinks), we’d love to have them come along.

Finally, why is it called a summer school when it’s not held in summer?

Glad you asked! Our inaugural summer school was indeed held in Paris in summer, around the time of an historic heatwave, in fact. We managed to avoid the worst of it, but realised how risky it was to plan a trip for that time of the year. So we changed the timing of the trips to get the best of the weather, but couldn’t part with the name. It just sums up the experience perfectly: the joy of learning in situ mixed with scent of les vacances*. Unbeatable.

*of course | *And there you go! | *nest | *curiosity | *areas | *Teacher’s Pets | * on site | *coffee break | *pastries | *on holidays |*lunch | *Yes | *holidays

Other questions? Please let us know. We look forward to seeing you on the trip.

previous trips