A Yank at Oxford Low Cost Lang. Such words of reproach from a normally courteous European surprised even the speaker, stirred some long smoldering resentment, led to further indictment. It isn't that we're asking you to engage in technical discussions with us. But at a simple dinner party you can't carry on the most routine conversation with the lady on your left.
Sheer indolence is a first explanation.
And failure to make the proper use of travel opportunities. This fall and winter a great many bright Americans will enhance their cultural perspectives, careers, and lives by pursuing short language courses overseas, partially funded by European governments. Most will provide you with lodgings in the homes of private families, where you'll again be immersed in the local language. State-operated schools are usually considerably cheaper than private ones, without a loss of quality or intensity. And French is spoken at every moment and exclusively throughout the day, in the very first class you attend, in the on-premises cafeteria where you take your meals, at theatrical performances and lectures in the school's auditorium.