Choose the Best French Course Abroad
How to Choose the Best French Course Abroad: A Practical Guide
Studying French abroad is an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in the French language and culture. However, with so many French language programs available, choosing the right course can be overwhelming. This article in our Blog will help you make an informed decision based on your goals, your budget and your preferences, while taking into account the quality parameters necessary to choose a French language school and a French course corresponding to the quality requirements set by the official quality label “Qualité FLE”.
Define Your Goals
Before selecting a French language course in France, ask yourself:
- Why do I want to learn French? Travel, work, academics…?
- What is my level? Am I a complete beginner, or not?
- What level do I want to achieve? Intermediate, advanced, fluency?
- Do I need certification? DELF or TCF for university or job requirements?
Tip 1: To Choose the Best French Course Abroad, choose a French language school that guarantees classes open to all levels of French (A0, A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2) and which guarantees the possibility that you can change level at any time, whenever you wish, if you feel that you are not in a class of your level.
Tip 2: If you need French for professional reasons, look for courses with business French modules. And if you need French to prepare a French Exam (TCF, DELF, A or AS level, GCSE, Abitur, ILC) select a French school which offers French classes dedicated to prepare to French exams.
Select the Type of French Course
As you will see, many courses are offered to you, and it is therefore important to read the descriptions of these courses carefully in order to choose the one you wish to follow in France:
- Standard French courses: These courses are generally advertised for 10 or 15 hours of lessons.
- Intensive Courses and Very Intensive Courses: Balanced focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Faster progress (20 to 35 hours/week, which means, converted into lessons: 26 to 46 lessons/week).
- French courses for Au-Pair
- University Pathway Programs: Prepare students for the TCF TP (TCF Tout Public) and the DELF exams for French-taught degrees.
- Private Tutoring: Customized learning, but more expensive. Please note: several schools offer to complete a French intensive course with 5 or 10 lessons in private lessons, thus allowing you to benefit from 1:1 lessons at much lower prices (example: the Intensive PLUS courses from the ACCORD school in Paris).
Tip 1: Be careful to compare advertised course lengths because schools may advertise course lengths of 20 lessons, but these lessons are generally 45 minutes, which corresponds to a 15-hour course. To avoid any misunderstanding, schools like ACCORD French language school in Paris offer the duration of their courses in 60-minute hours AND 45-minute lessons.
Tip 2: To Choose the Best French Course Abroad take the time to carefully compare the information published by French language schools on their website.
Check Accreditation & Quality
Ensure the school you select is recognized by:
- Select an accredited school: Choose a French school with the “Qualité FLE” label, which is the official quality label for schools teaching French as a foreign language.
- Other official recognitions are also a sign of a quality school: for example if you need a visa, choose a CAMPUS FRANCE member school.
- French schools have also grouped together within professional organizations such as SOUFFLE.FLE or Groupement FLE.
Red flags: Unaccredited schools with no reviews or vague course structures.
TIP 1: Consult school websites as often as possible, and be wary of certain sites which offer you lists of schools mixing accredited schools with schools that do not have official “Quality FLE” accreditation. Also be wary of French school sites giving very little information on the structure of their courses, the starting dates of their courses, their French teachers, their premises, their services.
Consider Course Duration & Schedule
- Short-term (1-4 weeks): Good for complete beginners or travelers.
- Medium-term (1-6 months): Best for solid progress.
- Long-term (6+ months): Ideal for fluency and university prep.
Tip: Whatever the length of your stay, check if the school is flexible and can easily accept a course extension of one or more weeks, and if you can change courses during your stay or add specific classes.
Accommodation options
- Homestay: it is the ideal formula for people at a beginner level or with a low level of French, because accommodation with a family will be the ideal complement to the French course to practice what has been learned in class without being embarrassed about making mistakes. Ideal formula also for all those who do not want accommodation where they will find themselves alone in the evening.
- Student residences
- Appart’hotels
- Hotels
Tip 1: If you choose accommodation with a host family, you will have the choice between several options: B&B, half-board, room with access to the kitchen or room with 5 dinners per week, VIP room (with private shower room).
Tip 2: Whatever accommodation option you choose, always ask how far you will be from the school, and how long your journey will take (on foot, by bus, by bike, by metro, etc.).
Compare Tuition Fees
Costs vary by location and program:
Tip 1: Some schools offer discounts for medium-term and long-term students.
Tip 2: Be careful to compare advertised course lengths and if courses are indicated in lessons (of 45 minutes… or not) and/or in hours.
Tip 3: Check to see if the school specifies whether you need to purchase and pay for course materials in addition to the course price. Some schools like ACCORD in Paris specify that everything is included in the price of the published course. If you cannot find this information on the website of the school you choose, ask for the information by email, as the asking price may seem high, especially if you are taking a short course.
Visa & Legal Requirements
- Schengen Visa (short courses under 90 days)
- Student Visa: long-term courses, requires enrollment proof.
- Working Holiday Visa (for some nationalities)
Tip 1: Start visa applications early to avoid delays.
Tip2: To make your visa application process as easy as possible, choose a CAMPUS FRANCE member school.
Trust Your Instincts
To Choose the Best French Course Abroad visit the schools’ websites, compare the information published, check the Google reviews, talk to renowned agencies specializing in language stays, and choose a program that feels right for your learning style and goals. By following these steps, you’ll find the perfect French course abroad and make the most of your language-learning journey!
