French cuisine courseHobby+
Accommodation options | More about Nice |
---|---|
Shared room outside of centre | 281USD/Month |
Shared room in city centre | 369USD/Month |
1 bedroom apartment outside of centre | 494USD/Month |
1 bedroom apartment in city centre | 635USD/Month |
Bonjour! French courses in France. Language schools in France, admission process and fees.
French courses in France are a great opportunity to not only improve your language level among native speakers, but plunge into the culture of France and its daily life. Many programs actively promote cultural immersion regardless of the location. Local language schools are scattered throughout the country — both in the capital and in small and quiet towns.
French is among the ten most popular languages to learn[1]. It is spoken by residents of more than 40 countries. It is the language of diplomacy, art, fashion, gastronomy, and winemaking.
In this article, we will discuss the intricacies behind learning French in France: what programs exist, which school to choose, and how much courses will cost.
Accommodation options | More about Nice |
---|---|
Shared room outside of centre | 281USD/Month |
Shared room in city centre | 369USD/Month |
1 bedroom apartment outside of centre | 494USD/Month |
1 bedroom apartment in city centre | 635USD/Month |
Accommodation options | More about Paris |
---|---|
Shared room outside of centre | 444USD/Month |
Shared room in city centre | 644USD/Month |
1 bedroom apartment outside of centre | 658USD/Month |
1 bedroom apartment in city centre | 932USD/Month |
There are more than 20 language schools in France, and about 15 types of study programs in different cities of the country. How do you choose the right course and deal with all of the documents for admission?
UniPage cooperates with the best language schools in France. Our experts will select a course in accordance with your goals, budget, and interests. We will choose the city and intensity of the course, helping with the enrollment process. Our partners will provide you with special discounts and offers that are not available upon self-entry.
Type of program | Intensity | Group | Min. language requirements | Min. cost per week |
---|---|---|---|---|
General courses | 20 | 10-12 | Beginner | 210 USD |
Intensive and semi-intensive French language courses | 20-26 | 10-14 | Beginner | 189 USD |
Focused French language courses | 26-29 | 10-14 | Beginner | 367 USD |
DELF/DALF exam preparation courses | 20-29 | 10- 14 | Intermediate | 126 USD |
Academic courses / Pathway | 26-30 | 6-10 | Intermediate | 314 USD |
French language courses for professionals | 20-32 | 3-14 | Beginner | 629 USD |
Study and work | 20 | 8-12 | Higher Intermediate / Advanced | 398 USD |
French with cooking | 20-30 | 5-10 | Beginner / Lower Intermediate | 314 USD |
Private lessons | 3+ | 1 | Beginner | 105 USD/lesson |
Junior programs | 15 | 10-16 | Beginner | 157 USD |
More about each program:
More about the types of language programs
In addition to private schools, French language courses are held at universities. As a rule, these are the same academic courses — only they have a special advantage. If you take language courses at a university and plan to enroll upon completion, you will be exempted from passing the language proficiency exam. However, this does not guarantee admission. Therefore, in order to have more chances, it is better to pass an exam from the school (DELF/DALF or TCF test) and apply to several universities at once.
To be enrolled at a private school, you need to submit an application with the necessary documents, provide passport details, and pay for the course. Some schools require full payment up front, while others require a deposit (on average — 262 USD) to confirm the course booking. After the final payment, you will be sent a confirmation of enrollment to the school, which will be needed for the visa. Enrollment takes place on the first Monday of each month, depending on the program.
If you plan to take language courses at a university (academic courses / university pathway), then you will need the following documents:
You can enroll in academic courses at any time, but schools recommend doing so on the first Monday in September, January, or April.
Almost all courses, with the exception of university/exam preparation and study and work, enroll students of any language level. On the first day of class, students pass an assessment test for knowledge of French. Some schools (especially universities) ask students to take an online test before they arrive in France. According to the results, groups of students of the same approximate level are formed.
It should be noted that the standard version of French is taught at all schools, so you should not be afraid to go to a province for fear of speaking, for example, with a southern accent.
As a rule, courses at universities offer semester and one-year language programs for foreign students. Classes are held in fairly large groups of 17 to 20 people. Granted, it is often difficult for the teacher to track the individual progress of each student. However, the program itself is directly aimed at academic French, therefore better preparing for admission to French universities.
At private language schools, the number of students ranges from 3 to 14 people per classroom, depending on the program and time of year. Each student receives recommendations from his teacher on a regular basis. The curriculum is designed to meet the goals and desires of the group as a whole and each individual student.
In addition, private schools offer a wide range of French courses for different levels and intensities. They prepare foreign students for international exams — DELF/DALF and TCF — and offer special courses: French + cooking, French + surfing, and other programs with elements of entertainment and immersion into everyday French life.
Teaching methods at French schools also differ depending on the type of institution. At university centers, education is aimed more at introducing a foreign student to the culture, architecture, and history of France. Private language schools, on the contrary, set themselves the goal of removing the language barrier as soon as possible and improving the student's communication skills. In the classroom, students watch excerpts from classic French films in order to better understand speech and pronunciation, read literature in the original language, act out skits, arrange debates, and study documents in order to better navigate their completion. The most interesting aspect is practice in a real context. For example, walking around Paris helps students experience the authentic atmosphere of the city, listen to the speech of the locals, enter into a dialogue, or improve their reading skills by studying sights and descriptions.
Accommodation options | Meals | Number of people per room | Min. cost per week | Avg. cost per week |
---|---|---|---|---|
Host family | Breakfast and/or dinner | 1-2 | 136 USD | 304 USD |
School residence | Hosted by a student | 1-10 | 31 USD | 121 USD |
Student campus | Shared kitchen + neary student canteen | 1-2 | 52 USD | 157 USD |
Apartment | Paid by the student | 1-4 | 136 USD | 545 USD |
Hotels and hostels | Optional | 1-2 | 147 USD | 550 USD |
Some schools require an 84 USD deposit to book accommodation.
Expenses | Min. cost | Avg. cost |
---|---|---|
Embassy consular fee | 37 USD | 84 USD |
Service fee for each application | 31 USD | 31 USD |
5 USD/week | 31 USD/week | |
Study materials | 10 USD | 26 USD |
Delivery of an invitation by express mail | 47 USD | 121 USD |
One-way airport transfer | 100 USD | 190 USD |
Additional summer accommodation fee | 31 USD | 84 USD |
Registration fee | 47 USD | 100 USD |
DELF/DALF exam/TCF | 147 USD | 288 USD |
Change of program or residence | 31 USD | 262 USD |
Service | Cost |
---|---|
Complete guidance in registering for courses — language schools abroad | 202 USD |
Complete guidance in the admission process — university language courses | from 506 USD |
Visa guidance | 456 USD |
A student visa is issued for courses of at least 20 hours per week.
To attend short-term language courses (up to 3 months) in France, a foreign student must apply for a Schengen visa, which allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days. A visa can be issued by the consulate for one or more entries, depending on the purpose of the visit. You must apply for a Schengen visa at the French visa center in your country. The application is processed in 5-10 business days. If the consulate requests additional documents, the period may be extended up to 30 calendar days. The main condition for obtaining a short-term visa for studying purposes is confirmation from the host country.
Students must apply for a national visa category D if enrolled in long-term courses. Such a visa allows you to stay in France for a year. The visa can be extended without leaving the country. The application is processed in 5-10 working days, but in some cases it may take several months to receive an answer — this depends on the place of application, the type of visa, and whether or not the visa center requires an in-person interview.
All document copies, except for the passport, must be translated into French and notarized — unless the documents are in English. It is necessary to submit an application to the visa center or consulate in person, since all applicants over the age of 12 are required to submit biometric data (digital photo and fingerprints).
All visa fees are paid in local currency. If you apply at least 3 days before the planned departure, the fee will be two or three times higher, and the consulate does not guarantee an expedited processing of the application.
Items 1-4 of 4
Advanced searchPlacement | 80USD |
Accommodation | 360USD/Week |
Enrollment | 96USD |
Placement | 96USD |
Enrollment | 94USD |
Accommodation | 153USD/Week |
Enrollment | 52USD |
Placement | 64USD |
Accommodation | 295USD/Week |
Accord Language School — a prestigious language center with two branches in France. In Paris, this is a modern and technological French language school with an interesting teaching methodology: students participate in role-playing games, read books in French, and engage in sight-seeing. After studying, students spend time at museums, watch performances at local theaters, and take part in seminars on French culture.
The second branch of the school is located in Saint Nicholas. There are courses and camp programs offered for children and teenagers. Many game methods are used in teaching, making it easier for children to concentrate and remain interested in learning. The students often sing modern songs to improve their pronunciation, walk around the city, and communicate with the locals. At the same time, they work with textbooks that contain many project assignments on the most popular topics.
The average course cost is 377 USD per week.
LSI Language School is located in the historic city center within walking distance of the Notre Dame Cathedral. In addition to interactive and dynamic classes, LSI offers a social program that helps experience the culture and break down the language barrier. It includes visits to cinema clubs and attractions, dancing to live music, trips to the countryside, cooking traditional French cuisine, and cheese and wine tasting.
Students can either live with a host family or in a student residence with included amenities (rooms for 1-4 people). Another option for learning is to study at your teacher's home. You live and study with a teacher, dine with his family, and constantly use the language in everyday life.
Population | 2138551 |
Monthly expenses | 834 USD |
Famous landmarks | Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysées, Opéra Garnier, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, Louvre, Montmartre, Versailles, Moulin Rouge, Disneyland |
Paris — not only the capital of France, but also of fashion. The city has about 160 museums, 200 art galleries, 100 theaters, over 650 cinemas, and 10000 restaurants.
The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is considered the most popular street — 300 to 500 thousand people visit it daily. Now, there are many commercial centers of the largest automobile companies, travel agencies from different countries, a huge music store, the famous Lido cabaret, and Rasputin — one of the most expensive Russian restaurants. Paris is also home to the famous Opéra Garnier, which was inspired by Gaston Leroux when creating The Phantom of the Opera.
Population | 472 317 |
Monthly expenses | 624 USD |
Famous landmarks | Old Lyon, Saint-Jean Cathédrale, Notre-Dame-de-Fourvière Basilica, Tony Garnier City Museum, Croix-Rousse, Gadany Museum, Tête d'Or Park |
Lyon — a city in eastern France and the capital of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The center of Lyon consists of ancient ruins, medieval streets, atmospheric quarters, and is also included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list. The city is known for its gastronomy and cultural life. It was here that the Lumière brothers began the development of the cinematograph.
In December, Lyon hosts the Festival of Light, which is visited annually by up to four million people. On this day, laser shows, light installations, and fireworks are arranged in the city. From Lyon, it is convenient to get to the ski resorts of the French Alps: Grenoble, Courchevel, Annecy, Chambéry and others. The best season for skiing is January-February.
Population | 338620 |
Monthly expenses | 660 USD |
Famous landmarks | Promenade des Anglais, Cours Saleya Market, Muséna Musée, Matisse Musée, Marc Chagall Museum, Old Town, Château Park |
Nice is located on the Côte d'Azur in the southern part of France. This is the main and most famous resort in France, which bears the name of the Greek goddess Nike.
The beaches are the main attraction of Nice. Most of them are free and, at the same time, spotlessly clean. Usually, the beaches are covered in sea pebbles, but near Cape d'Antibes they gradually turn into sand. The Promenade des Anglais is a street that runs along the pebbly beaches and is considered one of the most visited streets in the city.
Nice has a well-preserved, old district with small streets and red roofs. The city is also known for its Cours Saleya Market, which sells fresh flowers and vegetables. The market is located on the seashore, separated by a narrow strip of low buildings made up of restaurants. Previously, these buildings were used to store freshly caught fish.
Population | 248252 |
Monthly expenses | 588 USD |
Famous landmarks | Peyrou promenade, Place de la Comédie, Saint-Pierre Cathedral, Old town, Church of St. Anne |
Montpellier — a city in the south of France, near the Mediterranean coast. The historical part of the city has been preserved here, which stretches from the Peyrou promenade to Place de la Comédie. It resembles a maze of old and cozy streets and squares.
Peyrou promenade is one of the most famous places in Montpellier, located at the highest point of the city. The entrance is opened by the Arc de Triomphe. The embankment itself is adorned with a statue of Louis XIV and the monumental water tower Château d'Eau.
Since the Middle Ages, Montpellier has been famous for its music workshops, which are located near the Conservatory. Now, there are dozens of professional workshops in the city that carry out international orders and manufacture violins, violas, and cellos.
In the autumn, the outdoor market opens during the grape harvest season. A Christmas market is held in December.
Want to learn a foreign language, improve your conversational skills, and prepare for exams?
UniPage specialists will select language programs according to your goals, interests, and budget, and help with enrollment.