Illustrative photograph by ᛟᛞᚨᛚᚹ ᚨᚱᚲᛟᚾᛊᚲᛁ / Pexels.
Two French immersion quotes can look similar until you check what each one covers. A week might mean six nights in one offer and seven in another. One programme might list 15 hours of private lessons and a separate schedule of conversation. Another might give a single total for both. Put each offer on the same footing before comparing the headline prices.
Start here: ask for a written quote for the same dates, number of travellers and minimum lesson hours. List the cost of anything you would still need to arrange. Then compare the experience you would get, including the time you want to spend speaking French.
Separate lessons from other French practice
Separate lessons from other French practice
Write down the number of scheduled private hours, how they are divided across days and who is taught. If two learners share a lesson, record that it is a joint hour. A 90-minute guided walk, lunch with a host and a one-to-one lesson all give you chances to speak, but they use that time differently.
FITH’s standard immersion programme illustrates the distinction. Its published reference combines 15 hours of private lessons with a broader programme of French practice. Check the lesson schedule and guided activities in the proposal for your own stay. If conversation over lunch is important to you, ask which lunches are shared and who joins them.
Use a like-for-like worksheet
Use a like-for-like worksheet
| Compare | Write down |
|---|---|
| Dates and guests | Exact nights, arrival and departure windows, and who is included. |
| Private tuition | Hours, group or individual format, and any supplement for a second learner. |
| Guest space | Room or apartment, bathroom arrangements and access to shared spaces. |
| Meals | Which meals are provided on which days, with whom, and any dietary arrangements. |
| Activities | Which activities are guided, approximate time, and who pays transport or admission. |
| Last leg of travel | Meeting point, whether pickup is offered, and any charge. |
| Total and terms | Total for your party, compulsory extras, any estimated costs, and the booking conditions. |
Use three states for each item: included, priced separately, or awaiting confirmation. An unanswered question belongs in the third category. If a quote does not specify a charge basis, ask whether the amount applies to the person, the stay or a particular activity before using it in your calculation.
Estimate what you will actually spend
Estimate what you will actually spend
Start with the written programme total. Add costs that matter to your plans, such as meals outside the programme, transport from the station and admission to a visit you have chosen. Keep expenses you can already price apart from estimates. That lets you compare the confirmed cost now and see which questions could still change your decision.
A price per night can help when you are comparing two stays with different lengths. It tells you little about the teaching, so put the exact tuition hours beside it. A lower total can make sense if you want plenty of time on your own. If you want regular feedback and activities guided by the same teacher, compare how often those opportunities appear on the schedule.
Ask for one clear written answer
Ask for one clear written answer
I’m considering a stay for [number of learners and accompanying guests] on [dates]. My main goal is [specific goal]. Could you confirm the private tuition hours, nights and guest space, shared meals, guided activities, and any transport or admission charges? Please show the total for our party, what remains optional and where I can review the booking conditions.
Read the FITH pricing guide for its standard reference. For a tailored offer, send your dates and questions to FITH. If you are travelling with someone, specify who will study, eat with the host or join activities when you request your quote.
