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Program & Admission Information - Biarritz, France
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We will work collaberatively with each student to succeed in increasing their French language proficiency. To achieve this we believe there are 3 essential factors to successfully learn French :
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Expert and friendly teachers
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Dynamic teaching methods with a communicative approach.
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Small classes of 5 - 10 participants
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The focus of the program is to work on the practice of the language using oral expression, thus enabling the student to rapidly communicate in everyday situations. The training follows the contents and progression of a manual (French as foreign language) for adults, to which authentic material is added to help the student get a better understanding of the social and cultural aspects of the language. The method is above all interactive and communicative. The programs are carefully structured but sufficiently flexible to allow progress according to each student's level and learning pace.
Much of the training material is specific FLE (Français Langue Etrangère) teaching methods and the rest is produced by the center. Teachers are constantly reviewing course material and methods and finding new ideas for different programs. Students can either borrow or purchase the textbook you require in class. On the first day of arrival, you will pay a small deposit, depending on your level, and at the end of the course you can either keep the book or have it refunded (unless it has been damaged). Additionally, there is a library of written, video and audio material available to all students.
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Eight levels of study are offered:
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True Beginners - No knowledge of the language whatsoever.
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False Beginners - Has no or very little knowledge of the language, a few words.
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Elementary 1 - Can make simple sentences but has little knowledge of the grammar and can understand if spoken to slowly.
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Elementary 2 - Can speak and understand in everyday situations (ordering food, asking your direction, etc.), but finds it difficult to formulate long sentences or hold a conversation.
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Intermediate 1 - Comfortable when conversing or understanding French speaking natives, but still makes mistakes and needs to extend knowledge of the various structures and tenses.
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Intermediate 2 - Has attained a good level in French, masters more elaborate sentences and is at ease in everyday conversations. Needs to develop vocabulary and grasp the peculiarities of the language.
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Advanced 1 - Has acquired a certain autonomy and is at ease when communicating. Emphasis will be made on comprehension of texts and development of written/oral vocabulary and expression.
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Advanced 2 - Has an excellent level of French and is now seeking to develop an in-depth knowledge of the language or focus on a special interest.
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Throughout every course, both teachers and the Director of Studies closely monitor students' progression, so that step by step students will move from one level to another at their own pace. Furthermore, if a student feels that he/she is having difficulty understanding the lessons or finds them too easy, then the Director of Studies will be happy to find a solution to the problem.
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All group programs have a maximum of 10 students per class, with an average of 6. Each lesson has a duration of 45 minutes.
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Standard Program
Group 22 lessons per week. The Standard Program is a general French program that takes place during the morning.
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Intensive Program
Group 30 lessons per week. Elementary-Intermediate level required.
The Intensive Course combines the Standard Program of 22 lessons with 8 lessons per week in the afternoon based around the discovery of France and the French through communicative and creative skills. There is a maximum of 10 students per class, with an average of 6.
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Standard Program + Golf Lessons
2 weeks, Group 22 hours per week + 10 golf lessons per week. The golf program takes place in the afternoons Monday through Friday at the Golf of Ilbaritz, a magnificant 9 hole course beautifully situated in an exceptional setting between the sea and Pyrenees mountains. The golf program is limited to 4 participants, however your training program will be personalized and will accommodate your ability and objectives. Participants are strongly encouraged to bring their own golf clubs and equipment.
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Standard Program + Surfing Lessons
2 weeks, Group 22 lesson + 10 surfing lessons per week. The surfing program takes place at the "Plage des Basques", which offers several types of high quality "beach breaker" waves for advanced surfers in certain locations and smaller waves at other locations for beginner level surfers. Lessons are limited to 8 participants per group, however your training program will be adapted to your objectives.
All materials, such as wet suits and surf boards will be furnished locally. Should weather conditions force a change in beaches, the school will provide transport to an alternate surfing venue.
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Admissions & Academic Credit
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The school welcomes students age 17 years and older in the adult programs and 13-17 year olds in the Teen Program, regardless of educational background, occupation or nationality. No previous knowledge of French is required except where otherwise indicated.
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Students desiring credit for their study programs should contact their home school or request the NRCSA Credit Fact Sheet. Generally, U.S. schools consider 15 hours of study to be equal to 1 semester credit.
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All students receive a Certificate of Attendance indicating the level of French they have attained at the end of their program.
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The school can prepare students for the following exams:
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TEF of the Paris Chamber of Commerce
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