Studying French in France is a big step, and selecting the right language school can shape your learning, daily life, and future opportunities.
Have a read through some of the most important considerations to help you choose the right French language school for you.
Clarify your learning goals
Before comparing schools, clarify your objectives. Are you learning French to continue to university in France, start a new career, or simply for personal enrichment?
If you’re aiming for higher education, seek schools offering university pathway programs or DELF/DALF preparation courses, as the DELF B2 is commonly required for admission to French universities or certain grandes écoles.
Those planning to work in France after graduation will benefit from schools providing career support or internship opportunities.
Think about where you’d like to live and study in France
While comparing tuition fees is one way to choose a school, we recommend focusing more on the location, as living expenses often have a bigger impact on your overall budget.
Rent, utilities, food, transport, and cultural activities differ widely depending on the city.
- Paris offers unmatched culture and events but comes with high costs and a fast-paced lifestyle.
- Other major cities like Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, and Montpellier are more affordable while still offering a vibrant urban experience.
- Smaller towns or coastal cities such as Nice, Aix-en-Provence, or Biarritz often provide a calmer lifestyle during winter and come alive with festivals, parties, and tourists during summer.
Read our city guide on how to choose the best city to live and study in France
Match start dates to your schedule
Most French language schools offer new class start dates every Monday. However, complete beginners usually have fixed start dates, and some programs may have specific schedules.
If you are a complete beginner and need a student visa, choose a school offering beginner start dates that align with your schedule. Some schools start new beginner terms monthly, while others offer only a few dates per year.
Choose a visa-compatible school and course
Course length and intensity
Most schools offer both standard and intensive courses. Standard courses are 15 hours/week and intensive programs are 20+ hours/week.
While it is true the number of weekly hours alone does not determine an applicant’s eligibility for a student visa, in most cases, applicants who receive a student visa to complete a French course have at least 20 hours per week of classes.
FLE accreditation
Go! Go! France works with 10 accredited French language schools across 9 cities in France.
Each school is carefully selected by our team based on teaching quality, course variety, and student experience. We observe classes, meet staff and teachers, and only work with schools that hold the FLE accreditation, a certification granted by the French Ministry of Education for excellence in teaching French to non-native speakers.
See our schools: https://gogofrance.com/en/language-schools-in-france/
Compare school facilities and services
Because you’ll spend a lot of time at school, probably 20+ hours per week, consider what you value most in a learning environment.
Do you prefer a modern, technology-driven learning environment? A school cafeteria or student lounge to relax and interact with peers? A library for French books and study materials? Or regular cultural activities to complement your classes?
Choose the right French language school for you
The right school depends on your unique goals, budget, desired location, and preferred learning style.
Our team is made up of former language students, so we understand your journey. We’ve been through the same process and can help you decide based on what matters most to you, whether it’s program intensity, school facilities, or environment.
If you need advice or help with your options, feel free to contact our team.
