Alternative Bordeaux

Bordeaux, France  - elegant, vibrant, cultural, friendly, bustlingIt took time to make friends, but the more you improve in the language, the more people want to be your friend - they find it’s not a strain anymore to have a conversation, and they find you interesting because you have a different take on things. People tended to be friendly, there are lots of museums, concert halls, cinemas, clubs, bars, and the beach is not far either! The atmosphere was quite lively, but the clubs aren't as good!  While I was there I visited Paris, Tours, Bergerac, St. Emilion (beautiful little town), Arcachon (seaside town near a huge sand dune, Dune du Pilaf, and boat trips around the bay are very worthwhile.)  Think very carefully about where you want to go, and plan ahead. Then just get stuck in, meet up with anglophone friends while you're there, but make sure your main friends are native speakers! Do as much culturally as you can: studying leaves you more time to do this, although if you do study, don't expect the universities to be of the same standard as British ones! I'd recommend Bordeaux as it's quite a student-friendly town.