Teresa, Cazaux-Villecomtal, France
Teresa hosts adult students only. She began working in education in 1997. With an international diploma in the Montessori method of education, and currently studying for a TEFL, Teresa has worked in a range of settings including a Montessori school and a children and family centre where she delivered educational activities to parents and children learning together. Teresa moved to France in 2016 and soon began using her experiences to provide French students with one-to -one tuition in English. Teresa lives in the rural Gers (Occitanie) with her partner David.
Your host
Teresa and David
Hi, I’m Teresa. I have taught in schools and been professionally involved in learning, training and development since 1997. I love to see learners develop their confidence as their skills and abilities improve. I moved to France in 2016 and my experience of learning a new language has shaped how I teach English.
We all have the capacity to learn and, when learning is interesting and fun, it becomes more accessible and allows us to progress and develop with ease. I try to use activities which reflect the interests of the student, and daily life provides opportunities to learn through cooking, shopping or visiting friends. David has a background in training adults and enjoys sharing some of the tuition with Teresa. More often, though, David can be found in the garden or kitchen, thinking about the next meal he is going to prepare.
The home
Formerly a farmhouse and then the village school, the house has four bedrooms for students (three rooms have double beds, one room has twin single beds). All the bedrooms have their own private showers and toilets. A large garden and a covered terrace provide space for relaxation and outdoor study.
Location
Cazaux-Villecomtal is a tiny village in the heart of Gascony. Wonderful views of the countryside and the Pyrenees give the feeling that you really are in “la France profonde.” The area is very rural and sparsely populated, making an ideal location for a uninterrupted and peaceful study. Marciac, home of the international Jazz festival is 10 km away. Historic Auch, with its dramatic cathedral is nearby and the mountains are within easy reach for days out and picnics. The nearest airports are Lourdes (45 minutes) and Toulouse (2 hours).
Things to do
The Gers is a quiet, rural area, unspoilt by motorways or airports.
Walking and cycling are popular pastimes – the undulating countryside is wooded and charming villages pepper the hills and valleys. Despite the relatively sparse population, life is very convivial: every village has its fête, festival, celebration or meal throughout the summer. Churches, castles, monasteries and fortified towns offer history and culture and a number of farms open their doors to visitors. The historic quarter of Auch (50 minutes) is very attractive and is the venue for markets and cultural activities. Pau (1 hour) is a dynamic town where a vibrant café culture rubs shoulders with the artistic, cultural and historical sites of this charming royal city. Bagnères de Bigorre (50 minutes) is nestled among the Pyrenees and is the gateway to the mountains.
Other details
Cats in the garden , smokers accepted outside only, private bathroom available if requested
Local amenities
Golf, Tennis, Swimming, Horse Riding, Water Sports, Sport Center
Other languages spoken
French, English, Spanish