How to choose a French language school in France

1 - Welcoming and reception

• Are the school office opening days and hours specified ?
• Are the students greeted at the station or the airport on the arrival day ?

2 - The pedagogical program

• Does it clearly state the course aims, content and media used?
• Or the number of apprenticeship levels?
• Are these levels based on an assessment framework, namely the common European framework of reference?
• Is there a class specifically for total beginners?
• Does the course offer the chance to prepare for and sit certificate examinations (DELF French language studies certificate, DALF Advanced French language certificate, CCIP Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry certificate, etc.) ?
• Does it mention an ‘average’ or ‘maximum’ (not the same thing) number of trainees per group?
• Does it clearly state the length of the lessons: 45, 60 or 90 minutes?
• Are breaks (those that are not ‘one-to-one training sessions’) included in the hourly total?
• Does the course mention the start and end dates of classes?
• Are classes on national holidays, maintained, deferred or lost?

3 - The school premises

• Is the school located in the heart of the city or on the outskirts, on a university campus ?
• Do the students have access to a study space, documentation or pedagogical resource centre, and free WiFi Internet access ?

4 - Accommodation

• Is this service managed directly by the school, or consigned to an external provider ? In case of any dispute, recourse will differ.
• Are the host’s accommodation terms clearly stated: number of nights, first and last meal.
• Are others students, from the same or others countries, accommodated at the same time by the same host family?

5 - Cultural activities program

• Does the school organize its own cultural activities program or does it only give information about what the students can find on site ?
• Are the cultural activities mentioned in the offer of the school, free or to pay in extra ?

6 - Prices and registration terms

• Are registration fees, teaching tools, reception on arrival, transfers all included in the price?
• Are the registration and cancellation terms clearly stated?
• Is individual accident insurance available?
• Is the school officially approved, where applicable, for the reception of minors (under 18s)?

Why choosing a school accredited by the FLE Agency ?

Schools teaching French as a foreign language in France listed in the French Language Schools Directory hold professional accreditation issued by the Agence de promotion du FLE, under which they undertake to:
– provide clear and honest information about their programmes and services
– maintain high educational standards
– provide French language tuition in an atmosphere of trust, support and friendliness
– comply with legal rules and obligations regarding safety and supervision
– ensure attentive and ongoing support throughout your stay.

This accreditation entitles you to benefit from our free personalised support and advice service before, during and after your stay in France.

Please do not hesitate to contact us; we will reply within 48 hours: contact@fle.fr