There are many French Language schools in France offering language instruction for students of all ages and skill levels.
Certainly one of the best ways to maximize travel experiences in France is to speak the French language. A very effective and enjoyable way to learn the language is by attending a language school while there.
Time Commitment
The majority of French language schools recommend a minimum attendance of two weeks, with provisions for students who wish to stay longer. Most schools offer a basic course of approximately twenty hours of classroom instruction per week, with options for more intensive study.
Class Structure
In nearly all the schools, formal classes are taught in the morning, leaving afternoons free for sightseeing, shopping and cultural activities. Some schools offer outings on weekends or in the evenings to provide additional opportunities for using the language in natural situations.
Catering to Adults and Families of Any Skill Level
Generally, schools are set up to accommodate adult language learners of any age, from college students to retirees. Several also have programs catering to families so parents and children can learn at the same time. Most schools also offer a variety of instructional levels from novice to advanced, and some offer specialized instruction for business people, engineers or teachers.
Housing While Studying at a French Language School
Most language institutes either provide housing at their facilities for an additional cost, or work with agencies that can arrange housing for students. Most also offer a variety of housing options ranging from economical dorm rooms with shared cooking and bathroom facilities, to more expensive options, such as staying in local hotels or renting fully furnished apartments on a weekly basis.
Locations of Schools
There are schools in every region of the country. Students can opt for a large city experience in places such as Paris, Nice, or Bordeaux, or study in mid-sized towns such as Biarritz, or Montpellier, or experience village life in small communities such as Sancerre in the Loire Valley.
Cost of French Language Classes
Prices can range widely depending on the intensity of instruction desired, and the type of accommodations that a student chooses. Most twenty-hour per week instruction packages range in price from 250 Euros to 350 Euros. Accommodations can run from as little as 125 Euros to 500 Euros or more per week, and may or may not include partial board. Housing prices vary a lot depending on the location and the season. Paris is the most expensive location, and summer is the most expensive season.
How to Find Schools
The website Europa-pages is a good place to begin searching for French language schools. They have an extensive list of schools that can be searched by region, city, or type of instruction.
Do more than take a vacation; improve your French language skills at a school in France.
