To really enjoy your time in Paris it is essential that you learn at least some of the basics of the French language. You may opt for one of the many language schools in Paris or for a private teacher. Here is a list of the most popular schools and some advice on choosing the right one for your learning style.
Learning French and French Language Schools
Schools offer various programs and teaching methods for different levels of French language. When choosing a school you should ask them the following questions to be sure that you get the best learning environment for you. If you have the time it can be worth taking a residential French immersion course to realy help kick start you appreciation of French culture.
1) What is the average number of students per class? - Higher numbers will allow you to meet more people but will limit the amount of one-on-one time with your tutor.
2) Cost of the programs - programs run for varing periods and you should find out if you are able to test a class before you commit to spending your money - few offer refunds. Good language schools will offer a free trial.
3) Do they have an assessment exam? - Most schools should test your ability to ensure they place you in a class at the right level. You don't want to be wasting your time and money!
4) What is the timetable? Make sure you can attend the classes - there are intense programs, evening classes, weekend classes at the better schools. Get the right level of intensity - can you really cope with 7 hours a day of solid French?
Private Teachers
There are many advertisements for private french tuition in the classifieds. Unfortunately not all of the teachers are professionals so you need to take care when choosing a private teacher. Always ask for a free trial and to speak to other students to make sure that the teacher is right for you. One of the benefits of private teachers is that they will often come to your home although you may pay a slight premium for this. Prices per hour vary as much as the quality.
French Immersion Couses (Residential)
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Millefeuille Provence (Avignon)
Tel: +33 (0)4 66 50 46 63 Fax: +33 (0)4 66 50 22 05 info@millefeuille-provence.com |
Immersion courses for adults
An efficient way of learning French and experiencing French provencal culture. |
French Language Schools in Paris
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ELS FRANCE |
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Verlaine Langue |
| Institute de Langue Française 3, Ave Bertie Albrecht Paris 75008 (M) Charles de Gualle Etoile Tel: 01 45 63 24 00 New classes start each Monday. Language courses, evening classes, civilisation, phoenetics, literature, grammar. |
Oise 71 bis rue de Vaugirard 75006 Paris Tel: 01 42 22 01 98 Professional environment with multimedia facilities. Small groups (max 4 People), individual lessons available, all levels, in the Latin Quarter. |
| Alliance Française 101 Bd Raspail Paris 75006 Tel: 01 42 84 90 00 General French, all levels, business French, French for hotel & tourism, Legal French. Tailored classes on request: one-to-one, them classes (fashion, cooking...) Homestay program (cinema, lectures, library, bookstore, restaurant). |
Berlitz 1) Berlitz Champs-Elysées: 35 ave Franklin Roosevelt 75008 Paris Tel: 01 40 74 00 17 2) Berlitz Opera: 38 ave de l'Opera 75002 Paris Tel: 01 44 94 50 00 Intensive groups - 3 hours/day, max 6 people per group. |
| Ancestral Media 9 rue du Chateau d'Eau 75010 Paris (M) Republique Tel: 01 42 00 00 24 Intensive course:20 hrs/week Free trial. |
CFILC 7 rue Duvergier 75019 Paris Tel: 01 40 05 92 42 French for Foreigners, business French, English, Spanish and Arabic. |
| Institut Franco-Nordique 28 rue Vignon 75009 Paris (M) Madeleine, Havre Caumartin Tel: 01 42 68 10 07 Flexible enrollment, evening classes, cultural and leisure activities. Small groups (max 14 people). |
l'Atelier 34 rue de Trévise 75009 (M) Grands Boulevards or Cadet Tel: 01 42 46 70 19 Total immersion in French language and culture. Morning, evening or Saturday courses. French cuisine, wine and cheese tasting courses. |
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Langue Onze Paris |
Promolangue International 8, Rue Blanche 75009 Paris (M) Trinité/ RER: Auber Tel: 01 42 85 19 45 |
| Lutèce Langue 31 rue Etienne Marcel 75001 Paris (M) Les Halles Tel: 01 42 36 31 51 Small classes (max 6). Focus on communication skills. Admission every Monday. |
Institut Parisien 87 Bd de Grenelle 75015 Paris (M) La Motte-Picquet-Grenelle Tel: 01 40 56 09 53 Start a class any Monday. 10, 20 or 30 hrs/week. Max 12 people per group. Bonus: 1.5hrs/week of 'civilisation' class. |
| Ecole des Roches 6 rue Spinoza 75011 Paris (M) Père-Lachaise Tel: 01 53 36 16 96 New classes each Monday, free trial, multimedia lab. Also, arts programme inc. painting, drawing, sculpting. |
Académie Française de l'Opera 10 rue de Chaussée d'Antin 75009 Paris (M) Opera, Bourse, Auber, Richelieu Tel: 01 45 23 30 01 10-15 people per group, evening classes, free internet, school parties & fun. Business French, conversation, grammar & writing, vocabulary & idioms. |
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