Bienvenue! Welcome to Paris, known as the "city of lights" and is truly one of the world's most beautiful cities. From The Louvre's unforgettable painting of the Mona Lisa to Notre-Dame's glowering gargoyles to the glamorous can-can dancers at Moulin Rouge, Paris offers the experiences of a lifetime!
The city has dominated the political, artistic, and intellectual life of France. To artists, it is the capital of paintings, sculpture, design, decoration, music, theater, fashion and literature. To the French, it is the vibrant, beating heart of their country, the center of everything happening in the government and in business.
The river Seine bisects the city and ten of Paris's twenty districts or Arrondissements are located along the riverbanks. Each arrondissement has a character and a meaning for Parisians and offers an array of Cathedrals, Palaces, Parks and Gardens. The city's Left Bank is considered to be its intellectual heart, and includes the famed Sorbonne University, chic neighborhoods, and the renowned Latin Quarter. The Right Bank is home to The Louvre and more.
During the reign of Napoleon III, Baron Haussmann constructed many of the city's present wide avenues, providing great vistas that showcase the cities many attractions, such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. As you explore Paris, you'll see that most of these avenues-such as the famed Champs-Élysées-are lined with trees, fountains, and gardens to enjoy.
Paris offers innumerable restaurants, from superlative three-star eateries, to very Parisian-style brasseries, to friendly family places off the beaten path. You can also enjoy simple, flavorful fare in any café around town. Wake up with a cup of robust coffee and a breakfast croissant. At lunchtime, pick up some pâté and a French baguette, and have an impromptu picnic on a nearby park bench. Share some crumbs with the pigeons, and celebrate (as Hemingway did) the "moveable feast" that is Paris.
Paris once defined the word "nightclub" with Le Moulin Rouge, the Folies-Bergère, and the Crazy Horse Saloon. Many of these clubs are still in business and their Las Vegas-style shows still attract crowds. Paris's other historic nightlife specialty is the jazz club. In the first decades of this century, African American musicians found Paris a more hospitable place to perform than the U.S., and there's a tradition of excellent jazz in the city. The young and trendy are more likely to frequent trendy dance clubs and discos.
This "city of lights" is filled with opportunities and to visit scores of famous monuments and landmarks, splendid royal palaces, the lavish parks the endless wide avenues and ancient fortresses. There is so much to see and do in the French capital.
IMPORTANT: We offer two school locations in Paris, the following program below offers a host family option (located on the left bank, in the heart of the Latin Quarter). Our less expensive "Budget" program offers self catering apartments and is located in the center of the 2nd arrondissement, a few minutes away from the Métro "Montmartre" near the Opera and Les Halles.
It is the participant's responsibility to have a valid passport and any necessary visas and permits to study abroad. Visit G3Visas for comprehensive information on visa, passport, permit and general country entry requirements.
Paris has two airports Roissy/Charles de Gaulle (23 km) North East of Paris and Orly Airport (14km) South of Paris.
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Tour Eiffel
Notre-Dame
Musee du Louvre
Arc de Triomphe
Basilique du Sacre-Coeur
Numerous Parks and Gardens
Concert Halls
Chateau de Versailles
Cathedrale de Chartres
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Our beautifully modernized and contemporary facility is located on the left bank, in a pedestrian zone in the heart of the Latin Quarter, one of Paris most chic quarters. The 17th century school building, which has been completely renovated, offers excellent facilities and a charming environment in which to study French.
In the lecture room, parts of the Parisian city wall from the 13th century can be seen, and the ceiling beams in the learning center date back to the 17th century. These relics of the past were skillfully integrated into the modern architecture during renovation. School facilities includes 15 classrooms, a lecture hall, a multimedia learning center, a foyer with a terrace. The school is within easy walking distance of Notre Dame Cathedral, the Orsay Museum and the Louvre.
Students have access to the internet, however time is limited per student. The cost at a local Internet Cafe is 2 Euros per hour and a cafe is located within easy walking distance.
All our teachers are trained, qualified staff who specialize in language teaching and are teaching in their native language to adults. Classes are taught by a team of 2 or 3 teachers, one of whom has overall responsibility of course planning. The teachers will use student feedback in weekly and daily work plans taking account of the needs of the individuals in the class. The school has no maximum age, the minimum age is 16 (often waived if accompanied by an adult), the school has many international students and holds on average over 80 foreign students.
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Standard: 4 Lessons daily (20 lessons per week) Max. 13 students per class.
Intensive: 5 Lessons daily (25 lessons per week) Max. 13 students per class.
DELF preparation: 6 Lessons daily (30 lessons per week) Max. 13 students per class.
Our programs cater for all language levels from absolute beginners to the more advanced, include the use of course materials and provide a variety of options to enhance your program. Our programs offer nine different language levels to choose from, long term programs up to 36 weeks in length For more information please see Prices and Start Dates.
Each student will be expected to take a short placement test on the first Monday morning of the course (unless a complete beginner), to determine the students language level and ensure placement in the correct class. Lessons are usually held in the mornings, starting at 9 am, which leave the afternoons free for social or cultural activities, trips, workshops, short excursions or free time to relax or explore on your own.
Teachers are native speakers and many are University educated with years of teaching experience. They will help enhance your speaking, listening, grammar and general comprehension skills. They will also use interactive techniques such as role-play, games and perhaps videos to support lesson content. Current political, social and cultural materials are integrated to add interest and increase knowledge of the host country and culture. Homework assignments are given and students will be tested. For more information please see Course Outline.
After classes are over for the day, our program allows you plenty of time to discover your new country, culture, traditions, customs and everyday life. Our optional cultural and social activities allow you to make new friends among your new international classmates, experience cultural and social activities together, and also practice your new language skills in real life situations. In some cases, a small additional fee will be charged to cover local transport and entrance costs.
At the weekend many students can arrange to take optional excursions to local cities or local places of interest. These excursions are slightly more expensive than the daily activities ($10-$40), as they are normally full day or full weekend excursions and could include (transport, meals entrance fees and even accommodation). If you are interested in sight-seeing by yourself or with other class mates, our school staff are more than willing to assist you with any questions you may have and help you book local travel or excursions.
NOTES: School is closed on all public holidays, private lessons and options can be added to any program, lessons normally last 50 minutes, you will be studying with students from around the world, lessons run from Monday - Friday , you will be expected to arrive early on the first Monday morning to take the placement test, a language proficiency certificate is available at the end of the program. Please see the program info and resource links, for additional information or please contact us.
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Host Family: (private room) 2 meals daily.
Living with a host family is probably the best and most effective way to become fully immersed into the language and culture of your chosen country. All families are chosen after a careful selection procedure and are visited regularly by the school to ensure that high living standards are maintained. Because Paris is such a large city, the host families can be a little farther from the school than in other cities, the trip to school, can be between 15 to 50 minutes away by public transport..
Students have access to all living areas in the house and in most cases, will be expected to share the bathroom. All bed linens and pillows will be provided, however we suggest you bring your own towels. If your family does not provide a laundry service, they may allow you to use the laundry facilities for a small additional charge.
Staying in a family is a truly wonderful experience and many students make lifetime friends with their host family. However, you should also have realistic expectations and recognize that an element of flexibility is required to adjust to the local customs and way of life. Your host family may not have the same comforts as your own home but you will always be treated as a guest and free to come and go as you wish.
NOTES: Airport transfers to the accommodation may be included or available (at an additional cost, please check price page), the Sunday night accommodation before your course begins on Monday, is included. All meals will be local custom and meal times may be different to what you are used to, however you are not obligated to eat all your meals with the family, just notify them when you will not be returning to eat at home. Our families are diverse with young couples without children, couples with children (of all age groups) and older couples with grown children who are no longer at home. Extra nights are available at extra cost. Please see the Accommodation link for additional information.
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