Lyon, the third-largest city in France, offers a vibrant environment not only for those who want to indulge in its rich cultural heritage but also for those looking to improve or learn English. While French is the predominant language, the city’s international outlook makes it an excellent place for non-native speakers to practice and learn English. From language schools to informal meetups, Lyon provides a range of opportunities to engage with the language.

Language Schools in Lyon

Wall Street English: One of the prominent English language schools in Lyon, Wall Street English offers courses tailored for different levels of learners. The school uses a unique method that focuses on understanding and speaking English in practical contexts, making it easier for students to adapt to real-life situations.

Berlitz: Berlitz is another well-established language school in Lyon that offers English learning courses. Known for its immersive technique, Berlitz’s method involves teaching in English to encourage a natural way of learning the language. This can be particularly beneficial for learners looking to improve their conversational skills.

English Speaking Lyon: This language school offers a variety of English courses that cater to both adults and children. ESL focuses on interactive methods to teach English, integrating games, and group activities to make learning more engaging and effective.

Private Tutoring

For those who prefer a more personalized learning experience, private tutoring is an excellent option in Lyon. Numerous qualified tutors can provide one-on-one sessions tailored to your specific needs, whether you are a beginner or looking to enhance your business English.

Superprof: An online platform where you can find local English tutors based on your learning goals and budget. Superprof tutors often offer the first lesson for free, allowing you to gauge the fit before committing.

Tutoroo: Connecting you with private English tutors based on your location in Lyon, Tutoroo is another platform that facilitates personalized learning at flexible times.

Apprentus: Known for its wide range of tutors, Apprentus allows you to select English tutors not only based on location but also based on reviews from other students, ensuring you find a tutor who’s well-suited to your learning style.

Language Exchange Events and Meetups

Engaging in language exchange meetups can be a fun and effective way to practice English. These events typically attract a mix of native English speakers and those learning the language, providing a relaxed atmosphere to improve conversational skills.

Franglish: A social event where you spend half the time speaking English and the other half speaking French. It’s a great way to practice English while also helping others with their French.

Meetup: The website offers various groups for language exchanges, including specific groups for those looking to practice English. These meetups can vary from informal gatherings at a café to structured events.

Couchsurfing: Often known for its travel community, Couchsurfing also hosts weekly language exchange events in Lyon, where people can practice multiple languages, including English.

Online Learning Platforms

For learners who prefer the flexibility of learning at their own pace, online platforms offer a wealth of resources to learn English.

British Council: The British Council offers a range of online English learning tools, including games, apps, and videos designed to improve grammar and vocabulary.

Duolingo: Duolingo is a popular app that helps you learn English through bite-sized lessons that feel more like games than traditional classroom exercises.

Babbel: Tailored more for European learners, Babbel offers comprehensive English courses online that are structured around real-life conversation skills.

Cultural Integration

Learning English in Lyon can also be enhanced by immersing yourself in the city’s rich cultural scene where the language is often used.

Museums: Many of Lyon’s museums offer audio guides in English, providing a way to practice listening skills while learning about art and history.

Theatres and Cinemas: Check out the original version (VO) movie screenings in English at cinemas such as Comoedia or Pathé. Some theatres in Lyon also host English-language plays or have surtitles in English for French plays.

International Events: Lyon hosts various international events, including the famous Light Festival (Fête des Lumières) and the Lyon Biennale, where English is widely spoken, offering a practical context to use and improve your English skills.

Conclusion

Lyon is not just a historical and cultural gem but also a burgeoning hub for English learners. With its plethora of language schools, private tutoring options, and engaging meetup events, the city is equipped to support anyone looking to improve their English language skills. Whether through formal education, cultural immersion, or social interactions, learning English in Lyon can be a fulfilling journey tailored to your personal or professional language learning goals.