French language course in France

As soon as we will get your registration, we will send you your enrolment confirmation. If you provide your email address, we will email all papers to you.

Q : What would be the best moment to register?

Any time during the year, and you can start any Monday you wish (apart from absolute beginners, who have fixed dates). We still recommend to book as early as possible for the high season in order to provide you with the accommodation of your choice.

Q : Is there a specific season when I should register even earlier due to high demand?

Yes, in July and August. Registering early will give you more choice of accommodation and special request can be fulfilled more easily.

Q : Is there a deadline for registering?

No, even if you book late we can usually confirm your French language course. We do not charge an extra fee for late booking.

Q : Once I am already at the Institute, can I extend my stay of one or more weeks?

Yes, if you decide to stay longer you just have to fill in a new application. Please do inform us as soon as possible so that we can secure your space.

Q : When should I arrive?

Arrivals are scheduled for Sunday and departures for Saturday. *If you need extra days, please do contact us.

Q : Do I have to book accommodation as well?

No, you can just book the French language course and organise your accommodation yourself.

Q : Would it be possible to share accommodation with my partner or friend who does not take a French language course?

Yes, this is possible in the student residence, in the aparthotel and in a hotel and on request in a host family.

THE INSTITUTE

Q : Where is ILA located?

ILA French language school is very centrally located in the heart of the historic centre in a private mansion house dating back to the 18th century. All sites of interest as well as boutiques, bars, restaurants, cinemas etc. are just minutes on foot away.

Q : What is the minimum age of students at ILA?

We can accept students as of 16 years.

Q : What is the average age of the students at ILA?

The majority of our students are between 17 and 45 years old. We also always have students being older attending our school.

Q : Is there a mix of student's nationalities at the institute?

Yes, we welcome every year students from more than 60 different countries.

Q : Can I have access to the internet?

Yes, we have 22 computers with flat screens and high speed internet and email access. You can use these computers whenever you want during the opening hours of the institute. This access is free of charge. We have additionaly wireless access (WIFI).

Q : What type of facilities and equipment do you provide the student with at ILA?

All the classrooms are air-conditioned, clear and nicely decorated. The Institute is equipped with TV's, VCR, CD player, retro-projector, and has his small own library, where student's can borrow books and magazines. Also, access to internet (WIFI) and e-mail is free of charge.

Q : Is ILA internationally recognised?

We are member of the quality association IALC (International association of Language Centres). Our Institute is additionally recognised by the Swedish government for further education (CSN), for Bildungsurlaub (further education for professionals) in Germany as well as by Maison de la France. Many cultural institutes, Universities and specialised language tour operators have been working with us for many years.

Q : Can I contact former students for references?

Yes, many former students are pleased to give you feedback of their stay.

Q : When is the institute closed?

We are open year round with the exception of three weeks over Christmas and on bank holidays. French Bank Holidays 2011 : 25 April, 02 June, 14 July, 15 August, 01 November, 11 November 2011. Christmas Holidays from 17 December 2011 - 08 January 2012.

COURSES

Q : When can I start a French language course?

You can start your French language course any Monday (special dates for absolute beginners).

Q : How do I know which level of French language course I should take ?

You do not choose a French language course level when registering. On your application form you just give us a self-estimation of your current level. You will do prior to arrival an online test which will determine your French level. You will find the access details for this test on your booking confirmation.

Q : What is the maximum number of students in a class?

There is a strict maximum of 10 students per class, often there are less students in a class.

Q : Will I get a certificate at the end of my stay as a proof of the class taken?

Yes, the certificate will be delivered at your last day of class and will state the level of French you have obtained at ILA, as well as the name of the French language course you have been attending.

Q : How does the DELF DALF exam preparation works?

The DELF/DALF Exams Course prepares on three different levels for the DELF B1, DELF B2 and DALF C1 exam. The French language courses consists of the Standard Course + 60 additional lessons special exams training over the last 6 weeks prior to the exam (see exam dates). Students staying for more than 6 weeks (recommended stay for the preparation is 8 to 12 weeks) start in the 30 lessons Intensive Course which also covers all aspects of the exam. The preparation for DELF A1 und DELF A2 takes place in the Intensive Course, which covers all aspects of these exams. DALF C2 can be prepared in the Combination Course.

Q : How to proceed if I want to take the DELF DALF exam at ILA?

You consult DELF DALF exam dates and start your French language course the number of weeks you wish to study prior to this date. If the dates do not fit, you can still prepare the exam and sit it in your home country. Find your exam centre here.

Q : Is there any specific documents I should bring if I want to take the DELF DALF exam while at ILA?

No, only in case you have passed previously some DELF DALF units, you will have to bring the original certificate of the exams passed.

Q : How successful is ILA with the DELF DALF exam preparation?

We have an outstanding success rate of 98% for the exams.

ACCOMMODATION

Q : What type of accommodation should I choose?

This is a personal choice. If you want to put the emphasis on cultural exchange and the possibility to speak French all the time, we advise you choose a stay with one of our carefully selected host families. We recommend to take a half board formula as dinner time is a good way to enjoy sociable moments with the host family. If you like to have more independence, the student residence or the aparthotel would be more appropriate.

Q : How do you choose the host families?

All our host families were visited and are carefully selected on criteria such as sociability and kindness, location of their home, cleanliness and comfort. All host families have to sign a contract with ILA in order to ensure high quality. Our accommodation officer is in permanent contact with the host families and we get continuous quality controls via feedback in our quality questionnaires filled in by former students.

Q : How do you find a host family that suits me?

Once you choose to stay in a host family we send you a questionnaire on which you let us know your preferences (smoking or non smoking family; with or without children, teenagers, allergies you might have, space needed to park your car, hobbies and interests, etc...) Further to getting this questionnaire back, we choose a host family which suits your needs best.

Q : If staying in a host family should I bring my sheets and towels?

No, all these will be provided by the host family.

Q : Does the family wash my cloths?

yes, either the family washes your cloths or you will have access to the washing machine.

Q : I am over 50 years old and I would like to stay with a French family. Would you have any host family suited for a mature person?

Yes, we have a large panel of host families, with or without children, professionally involved or retired, from 30 to 70 years old. Our accommodation officer is dedicated to find for you the family that matches the best your profile and with whom you will be able to have a real cultural exchange.

Q : I would like to be fairly independent, but not stay in a residence. Would you have a family to propose?

Yes. Some families can welcome 4-6 students at one time. It is more a student's atmosphere accommodation, still, with the advantage of being in a French home. In case you wish to book this type of family, please specify on the questionnaire you receive with the booking confirmation that you wish this type of family.

Q : What is exactly the aparthotel?

This three star accommodation offers a fully equipped studio (with kitchen and bathroom, TV and telephone) of approximately 25m2. An outdoor swimming pool is also available. Sheets and linen are provided and changed weekly. Studio get cleaned weekly as well.

Q : Do I have to share my accommodation at the student residence?

No, you will have at your disposal a fully equipped studio of approx. 18m2 for individual use. You will have your own kitchen facilities and bathroom. The towels, linen and sheets are also provided and clean up is being done every 15 days.

Q : How far will I be from the school if I choose a student residence or the aparthotel?

The student residences are just a few minutes away on foot from ILA. From the aparthotels, it takes between 8 - 15 minutes by tramway.

Q : Can I stay in a hotel?

Yes, we book hotel rooms at all categories and price level for any length of stay. For many hotels we can offer preferential rates.

BEFORE ARRIVAL

Q : Will I need a visa to study in France?

For any information regarding visas, passports and authorisations to stay in France, please consult a French consulate or embassy in your country. Click "Représentations diplômatiques et consulaires à l'étranger", then choose your country).

Q : If I need a visa for coming to France, will the school provide me with the necessary documents?

Yes, as soon as you have booked your French language course and if you need a visa we will send you a letter stating you are well registered at the our institute and which you can forward to the embassy. Most French embassy require original documents and do not accept faxes, so please do book early enough.

Q : Where could I get useful information to prepare my trip to Montpellier?

Please do consult here for all information.

Q : If I need any help or assistance prior to arrival, what do I do?

Please do contact us. We can help you for all questions you might have.

Q : Is it easy to get to Montpellier?

Travel to Montpellier is very easy. Montpellier has its own airport with some international connections as well as 14 or more daily direct flights from both Paris airports. Montpellier is also connected to the high speed train TGV.

Q : What kind of weather can I expect?

You can expect sunny weather year round. Montpellier has more than 300 days of sunshine per year! Please do find more information under weather.

AFTER ARRIVAL

Q : How can I get to my accommodation upon my arrival in Montpellier?

If you are staying with a host family, your family will pick you up and bring you back at the airport, bus or train station. If you are staying in a student residence or an aparthotel,we will send you all the information on how to get there.

Q : How will I recognize my host family on arrival?

Your family will have a sign with the name of our Institute on it as well as your own name.

Q : Do you provide us with any information on Montpellier, what to see, useful address for us etc?

Yes, on your first day at ILA, a teacher will give you a presentation on the institute, the city of Montpellier, and all the logistics aspects of your stay will be covered. We will also give you a folder with Montpellier's map, and a booklet with all the addresses you might need (bank, post office, bus station, etc...).

LEISURE ACTIVITIES

Q : Will I be able to take part in some leisure activities with the institute?

Yes, we propose to our students a weekly changing activity program. You enrol locally at ILA for all activities or excursions you wish to participate in.

Q : What can I do in Montpellier in my spare time?

Montpellier is a university city full of places to go out, but also has a rich historical heritage as well as beaches and mountains. You can do all kind of activities and sports.

Other

Quality label

recognized

by the French

Government

Allen Kalik (USA)

Contact

"ILA's fabulous instructors put together a comprehensive language and cultural learning experience."

See all references

STM Star Awards

ILA voted by hundreds of specialised study abroad consultants as one of the 4 best French language schools in France in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and again in 2012!

Free WIFI + 22 computers

Current activity program

20/05:	Visit of private mansion houses in Montpellier
22/05:	Cheese tasting
23/05:	Comedy evening
24/05:	Excursion to Nimes
27/05:	Guided tour of the city - Antigone (the new city)
29/05:	Wine tasting
01/06:	Excursion to Carcassonne

More information on program