For international students dreaming of mastering French, France offers a wealth of opportunities through its diverse range of French language schools. These institutions are not just about learning a new language; they’re gateways to experiencing French culture, making new friends, and exploring all France has to offer.
Let’s explore how these schools operate, from their course offerings and schedules to the teaching methods and materials used.
School Terms
French language schools in France typically follow the traditional academic year, starting in September and ending in June. However, courses are offered year-round, with start dates almost every Monday of each month throughout the year.
Learn more about how French language school terms work in this article: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/how-french-language-school-terms-work/
Weekly Courses
Courses at French language schools are designed to accommodate a wide range of student schedules. Starting from 1 week, students can choose from standard to intensive courses, which may involve 20 to 30 or more lessons of 45 to 55 minutes each per week. These courses cover all aspects of language learning, including speaking, writing, listening, and reading.
To cater to diverse schedules, French language schools typically offer both morning and afternoon classes. The scheduling of classes is determined by the school based on the student’s levels and organizing requirements.
Read more about French courses here: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/how-french-lessons-in-france-work/
Specific Programs
Beyond general French courses, schools often offer specialized programs tailored to specific goals or interests. These might include business French, French for academic purposes, preparation for language proficiency tests like the DELF and DALF, and cultural immersion programs that combine language learning with cooking classes, art history, and more.
Read more about the different types of courses in this article: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/which-french-course-should-you-choose/
High Quality of Education
French language schools in France provide education of the highest caliber, meeting all the stringent criteria set by the FLE (Français Langue Étrangère) accreditation. This prestigious certification is awarded to institutions that demonstrate excellence in their educational offerings.
You can read more about accreditations and quality labels in our article here: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/french-school-accreditations-and-labels/
Textbooks and Material Used
The choice of textbooks and materials is carefully curated to enhance the learning experience. Schools often use internationally recognized textbooks complemented by digital resources, audio-visual materials, and real-life documents (newspapers, videos, internet resources) to provide a rich, contextual understanding of the language.
We give you more info on the learning materials used by French language schools in this article: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/french-textbooks-and-learning-materials/
Teaching Method Used
The teaching methodology in French language schools emphasizes immersive learning. Schools have adopted an action-oriented approach. Classes are conducted entirely in French, encouraging students to practice their language skills in a real-world context. Interactive methods, including group discussions, role-playing, and multimedia presentations, are commonly employed to engage students and facilitate active learning.
Discover the benefits of the action-oriented approach in this article: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/action-oriented-approach/
Levels Offered
Courses are available for all proficiency levels, from complete beginners (A1) to advanced learners (C1/C2). Placement tests are typically given at the start of the term to ensure students are placed in the appropriate level for their skills.
If you are unfamiliar with French levels, check out this article: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/cefr-levels-explained/, and if you have a bit more time, we invite you to read this article as well: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/how-long-to-learn-french/
Activities
Learning French in France isn’t confined to the classroom. Schools offer a range of extracurricular activities, from city tours and museum visits to wine tastings and hiking trips. These activities not only enrich the learning experience but also help students immerse themselves in French culture and practice the language in social settings.
Choose the Right French Language School for You
Deciding to study abroad is a significant step, and when it comes to learning French in France, the importance of selecting the ideal language school cannot be overstated. This decision involves many personal factors and what is right for someone else might not be right for you.
Don’t worry, we are here to help you choose the right French language school: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/choose-the-right-french-language-school/
Contact us to get your life and study in France journey started.
