À un hôpital vs. Dans un hôpital

Question

Hi, I had written a question on the linked lesson but I think perhaps this is a better space. I believe I had written "à un hôpital" and this was marked incorrect in favour of "dans un hôpital."

Is this because the focus of the sentence is the work experience which takes place inside the hospital? Or what is the reason why dans can be used but not à?

Merci!

Céline Pickard · Accepted Answer

Bonjour Elysia,
In French, you could use "aller + à + un/une + [location]" when you're referring to an event, a meeting etc:

Je vais à une fête = I am going to a party
Je suis allé à un concert = I went to a concert
Je vais aller à une réunion = I am going to go to a meeting

You will use "[verb] + dans + un/une + [location]" when you're referring to a "random" building (physical place):

Je vais aller dans un hôpital = I am going to a hospital
Je travaille dans une banque = I work at a bank
- Tu es où ?  - Je suis dans un parc. = - Where are you? - I am in a park.

I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !