FRENCH STUDY GUIDE 2017


The Institut de Français in Villefranche-sur-Mer employs a ‘total approach’ method to language learning; French in Normandy is a small, family-owned school in Rouen


choose ELFE for staff training. Students are aged between 18 and 75 (from 16 during the summer). The average age is 38. “Amazing staff, perfect location!” says Diana M., a former student. Lucia P. says that she would choose to attend ELFE again. “Great approach and methods, good teachers and a family atmosphere.” Adds Audrey, “I liked the fact that the mini-group courses were led by two teachers. This is an interesting approach. I also appreciated the teachers’ enthusiasm to help us.” Bien sûr, the wealth of attractions in Paris can be overwhelming. So ELFE offers students a classeur of top curated addresses including cool cafés, alternative cinemas, sports classes and more. “We’re lucky to be in Paris, with so many choices,” says Lapeyre. ELFE also arranges weekly outings, accompanied by a teacher, and communication and phonetics workshops. Wine courses are a regular occurrence, and cooking classes can also be booked for an additional fee. Lastly, ELFE offers a relaxation lounge with a médiathèque stocked with DVDs and books. The price for General French starts from €417 per week for 1-2 weeks of semi-intensive classes in a mini group (15 hours per week), or €834 per week for intensive classes (30 hours per week). Accommodation can be arranged with host families (€255 per week with breakfast,


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or €375 per week, half-board). ELFE can also assist with reserving hotels, apartments and aparthotels; price on request. 15 rue Montmartre, 75001 Paris +33 (0)1 48 78 73 00  www.elfe-paris.com


Institut de Français, Villefranche-sur-Mer Since it opened in 1969, the Institut de Français has been a revolving door for royalty, high-ranking diplomats and celebrities. But of course you don’t need to be an A-lister to sign up for this prestigious language school.


Perched on a hill overlooking the dreamy Riviera town of Villefranche-sur-Mer, the Institut de Français is known for getting results. Jean Colbert, a former French aerospace engineer, and his wife Madeleine, launched the school as an intense, immersive programme using what they call the ‘total approach’ to language learning. There are 8.5 hours of instruction a day, focused on conversation, practice sessions in a language lab, and two daily on-site ‘discussion meals’, which many students praise as the highlight of their experience. Of all the glowing testimonials from former students, the most riveting are from academics. “As a pedagogue myself, I am in a position to judge the methods of teaching,” notes Professor E.J. Korherr, who took French classes at the Institut. “I feel that the activities of the Institut should serve as a model.”


Classes are conducted


year-round in four-week sessions. If you’re not a beginner, it’s also possible to choose two- or three-week enrolment. Until April 2017, the four-week course fee is €3,170, which includes 160 hours’ tuition, breakfast, lunch and tea on class days, evening outings with teachers and an excursion. From May-November 2017, the fee is €3,830. The Institut can also arrange accommodation in fully- equipped apartments, from €410 to €2,200 for four weeks. 23 avenue Général-Leclerc, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer +33 (0)4 93 01 88 44 www.institutdefrancais.com


French in Normandy, Rouen This award-winning language school is based in Rouen, on the Seine river just 135 kilometres from Paris. Also known as “the port of Paris,” this pretty city is the capital of Normandy, and as such, it’s the perfect launch pad for exploring the treasures of this historic region: the Bayeux Tapestry museum, the seaside resort of Deauville, the D-Day landing beaches, the picturesque port of Honfleur, and of course Étretat’s rock formations, as painted by Claude Monet. As a small, family-owned school, FIN offers an unbeatable combination of classes and immersion in la vie quotidienne. The maximum class size is 12, with a total of 130 students in the school. To supplement the curriculum


accredited by Qualité FLE, FIN organises regular social activities and sightseeing adventures to make the most of your time in Normandy. Typical half-day activities during the week include visits to Rouen, excursions to gardens, and sports like swimming or skating. The free after-school activities – there is a Theatre Club, Cinema Club and Book Club – are a great way to meet other students and practise French. “I really enjoyed the two weeks at French in Normandy,” says Martin S. “I made huge progress in learning French. The atmosphere was very good and the teachers very motivating.” Prices start at €219 per week for the semi-intensive course of 15 hours per week. The four-week DELF/DALF combi is €2,446. There is a €120 registration fee. FIN is also happy to help arrange accommodation with a host family, residence, or hotel. 26 bis Rue Valmont de Bomare, 76100 Rouen


+33 (0)2 35 72 08 63  www.frenchinnormandy.com


SL Immersion, Provence Looking for something a bit different from the classic language school? SL Immersion is a unique opportunity to learn French while hosted by a teacher, soaking up the culture in the south of France.


“This is not a typical language centre,” explains founder Celtina Masardo. “We are not physically


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