Cheapflights.co.uk looks at what is on offer for travellers hoping to add a little language learning in France.
The courses we have selected are in some of the most beautiful parts of France and the add-ons – surfing anyone? – are enticing…
Founded in 1988, ACCORD Language School is located on the Grands Boulevards in Paris, just a few minutes’ walk from the Louvre museum, the Opéra, the Georges Pompidou Centre and the famous Grands Magasins.
Twenty bright and spacious classrooms (fully equipped with audiovisual equipment) and modern teaching methods allow students to get the most out of their language course. There’s an extensive and varied cultural activities programme too, designed to immerse students in Parisian life.
Courses are available year round and there are six levels (complete beginner to advanced). ACCORD also offers professional and one-to-one training and is affiliated to professional organisations such as SOUFFLE and CAMPUSFRANCE. (www.accord-langues.com)
Accent Francais is located in Montpellier on the Mediterranean coast in the South of France. For more than ten years, Accent Francais has been welcoming students from more than 60 different countries, who stay from one week to several months.
The school guarantees personalised and high-quality services (Accent Francais has been awarded the Ministry’s seal of quality for the calibre of its staff and courses), competitive prices and a high standard of education, while offering a wide range of courses, activities and excursions. (www.accentfrancais.com)
Established in 1985, Centre International d’Antibes on the French Riviera (15 minutes from Nice and Cannes) is the foremost school for the teaching of French to teens and adults. The range of courses is comprehensive – individual, family, business French, DELF preparation, language stays and all-inclusive programmes for teens.
Centre International d’Antibes has been awarded the Quality French as a Foreign Language label (government-regulated recognition) and is a member of SOUFFLE, a French Association. It’s also recognised by EAQUALS, a pan-European organisation that promotes quality teaching. (www.cia-france.com)
Created in 1931 by the French poet Paul Valéry, the Collège International is located just in front of the sea on an amazing campus measuring 11,000 square metres. Twenty-four classrooms, multimedia library, student lounge, theatre, gymnasium, television room and lodging facilities (114 bedrooms, dining room and car park) are on the spot.
A professional team of 60 is available year-round giving the best service possible. The Collège offers programmes for students as well as professionals (courses on French language and civilisation, business French, French for Law, specialised seminars) as well as for teachers (educational training courses, Gundtvig and Comenius scholarships). The campus is covered by free wireless internet and a leisure time office suggests numerous activities each month (sports, guided tours, themed parties…).
The University of Nice Sophia-Antipolis also runs a journalism school for French students on the campus, which enables foreign students to meet French students. (www.french-in-cannes.com)
Escapade Biarritz welcomes foreign students (16+), adults, seniors or teachers for French as a foreign language classes and specific language training. The school is located on the market place in the centre of the city, five minutes from the beach.
The range of courses runs from general or intensive FLE courses, exam preparation, internships to private lessons. Accommodation with host families, apartment residence or hotels is offered too.
As Biarritz is one of Europe’s most popular surfing destinations, Escapade Biarritz organises a special “French and Surf” package. Also, a welcome “apéro” is scheduled (one half-day excursion and an evening activity). Sightseeing tours also feature (destinations such as Bayonne, St Jean de Luz, or San Sebastian in Spain) as do cooking lessons and wine tasting. (www.escapadebiarritz.com)
