Montpellier
Summary Info
Age: 16+
Location: Montpellier, South of France
Accommodation Type: Host Family
Duration: From 2 weeks +
Leaving Certificate Course available
Start date: Flexible all year-round
Montpellier is "the city where the sun never sets" and the ideal destination for a French Language Course.
Located in one of the most beautiful regions of the South of France, between the Mediterranean Sea and mountains, Montpellier is a modern dynamic city with a rich historical past that has been carefully preserved. The school is located in a protected building right at the heart of the charming historic centre with its pedestrian cobbled stone alleyways. A famous university city, young and dynamic, it is home to more than 80 000 students (about 30 % of the population) from all over the world. It is a city where you can combine learning French in a safe environment with discovering a new culture and way of life.
To read what students and parents had to say about their Montpellier experience click here.
School
With more than 12 years experience in teaching French in Montpellier, this language school specialises in language study programmes and cultural vacations which suit everyone needs. Our partner school is located in the heart of Montpellier's historical pedestrianised centre in a stunning 17th century townhouse; it enables you to learn French in exceptional conditions right in the heart of the city centre. The school is located near the bus and tramway stations, and about 5 minutes on foot from the train station.
Facilities available are:
- 6 fully equipped, spacious and light classrooms, helping you to learn French in the best conditions.
- A unique rooftop terrace, ideal to have nice chat with friends, enjoying the sunshine of Southern France.
- Brand-new flat-screens computers with high speed internet and wireless access (WIFI) free of charge.
- A lounge area with magazines, newspapers, tourist books, cultural information, and more.
The maximum group size is 10 students (on non closed group courses) and classes are at different levels: beginner, elementary, intermediate and advanced- you will therefore be placed in a small class and follow a course fully adapted to your level of French
These French language courses offered here follow the Common European Framework for language learning, and the teachers use an integrated communicative approach in teaching which focuses on the student and his/her environment. Particular attention is also paid to improving speaking and listening skills. All students will receive a certificate of attendance upon completion of their course which will state their level in the Common European Framework of Reference.
Accommodation
French Host Family Accommodation:
Staying with a Host Family during your French Language Stay gives you gives you first-hand experience of the French way of life and culture. Sharing meals with your Host Family is an excellent way of practising your French with native speakers. Our Host Families are selected with the greatest care to make your stay a successful linguistic and cultural experience. They all answer our various criteria of selection (Charter and Rules): a sense of welcome and hospitality, a warm, clean and welcoming home, a good location and easy access to the school (35 minutes maximum). Our host-families live in flats/villas in Montpellier itself, or in immediate surrounding areas. You have your own key and, for adults, your own room. We will try to place only one student speaking the same language per family, but this is not always possible in busy periods.
Your host-family will welcome you as a paying guest to their home and trust that you will respect their way of life. Half-board accommodation means you will have breakfast and evening meals with the family. You can get your lunch at the many cafes and eateries located near the school. Families may come in all shapes and sizes; some with small children, others with older children who are no longer living at home, single parent families and retired couples also host students. We cannot take requests for friends to be placed in the same or nearby host families to one another. Students should be prepared to take public transportation if they are not within walking distance of the school. For returning home later than public transport allows, students should budget for taxis to return home before curfew time. The accommodation officer at the school is always available to discuss their host family placement should any issues arise throughout their stay.
Courses
Please note: 1 Lesson = 45 minute teaching time.
Leaving Certificate Preparation Course
This course is a closed group course, meaning there are a limited number of places (max 12 per classroom) and there will only be other Irish students taking part in the class. Irish students have been attending courses at these schools for over six years and have improved their exam results hugely. At our request this language school has organised intensive language and activity programme for Irish participants travelling with EIL. In just two weeks your French will significantly improve in both spoken and written form and the combination of language classes and staying with a host family offers dual language learning - ideal for Leaving Certificate preparation! Students will also have a chance to relax and have some fun through tours, cultural activities and excursions.
This course is suitable for Transition years up to Leaving Certificate level, students will sit a placement test on arrival to assess their level in order to ensure maximum language learning. The course material is specifically geared towards prepartation for the Irish Leaving Cerificate Exam for French.
The course takes place over set dates which will be confirmed once the minimum of 6 students are secured for each session dates. In the event that 6 students do not sign up for the Leaving Cert Course for a particular session, a place on an alternative dates will be arranged or a place on one of the other courses (Standard, Intensive, Intensive Plus or Super Intensive) for the same dates is also an option. If neither suits, your deposit will be refunded.
Included in the Leaving Cert Prep course are:
- One half and one full day excursion.
- 26 lessons per week.
- Books and materials.
- Single room, half board with host family.
- A schedule of afternoon and weekly activities.
- Transfer from Montpellier airport or railway station.
- CareMed Insurace.
If you would like to extend your language learning for more than 2 weeks, you can always add on one of the other courses for any number of weeks before of after the Leaving Cert Prep Course.
Regular French Courses (Ages 16+)
- Standard (20 group French lessons / week)
20 French group lessons per week, focusing on all aspects of the language: speaking, listening, reading and writing. The tuition follows the Common European Framework and deals with cultural and current affairs in order to help you discover French culture. - Intensive (26 group French lessons / week)
In addition to the Standard French course, you follow 2 afternoons of group lessons per week. Those extra French lessons will be adapted to all your needs: grammar, vocabulary, communication and intensive training. - Intensive Plus (20 + 6 lessons / week)
Combination of the Standard French course with 6 one-to-one lessons, the best way to personalise your programme to your wishes. - Super Intensive (20 + 9 French lessons / week)
Combination of the Standard French course with 9 one-to-one lessons, for those who wish to achieve fast progress in French. This programme is particularly adapted for study or professional needs.
Junior French courses for ages 14-17
These French Courses welcome teenagers from all over the world and have been designed specifically for young people visiting France for a French Vacation Course. The maximum class size is 15, and the minimum stay is one week. Teachers are experienced, enthusiastic and will help students to get the most out of their stay with us. We use an integrated communicative approach in our teaching, which focuses on the student and his/her environment. Particular attention is paid to improving speaking and listening skills, through role-plays, discussions, video and songs, activities, etc.
- Junior Intensive: 20 group lessons of 45 minutes each, 15H in total
Included in the Junior Course is an activity programme and full room and board, sometimes sharing room with another international Junior student.
Schedule
On the first morning of the course you must be at school by 08:25. From 08:30 to 10:00, you will take a written and oral placement test, and then after a 30-minute break you will have your first lesson from 10:30 to 12:30. You will be placed in a multinational class appropriate to your level of French (maximum 10 students per class. An orientation session, including a walking tour of Montpellier, will take place from 13:30 to 15:00 on your first day.
After the first day, the Standard course is from 09:00 to 12:30 Tuesday to Friday morning, including a 15- minute break. Intensive group courses also have two afternoon classes from 13:30 to 15:45, normally on a Tuesday and Thursday. Intensive Plus courses have 6 one-to-one lessons on two afternoons per week from 13:30 to 15:45 (sometimes either 13:30 to 15:45 or 16:00 to 18:15 in the peak summer months), as well as the Standard morning classes; Super Intensive courses have 9 one-to-one lessons on three afternoons per week from 13:30 to 15:45. For students who are having One-to-One lessons only, your timetable will be discussed and decided with the teacher on the first Monday morning.
Activities
The wide range of social and cultural activities and excursions will help you not only to get to know your fellow students, but also to find out more about the beautiful South of France and the French culture. Some activities are free, others are offered at cost price and are on a sign up basis.
These range from:
- Montpellier town visits
- Wine- and cheese-tasting
- Meals in local restaurant
- Museum visits
- Welcome and farewell parties
- Our renowned aperitifs
- Sporting activities (football and handball matches, bowling, ice-skating...)
Excursions will be organised to places of interest in the region such as:
- Avignon and the Pont du Gard
- Nîmes
- The Camargue National Park
- Sète
- Carcassonne
- St Guilhem-le-Désert and the Grotte de Clamouse
- The Grotte des Demoiselles
Like the activities, these are on a sign up basis and are pay as you go, usually around €20 for half-day and €30 for full day excursions.
FAQ
Questions
How do I get to Montpellier from Ireland?
Will I be met on my arrival?
How many students will there be in my class, how old will they be and where will they be from?
Can I stay in a host family really near the school?
What do I write in my dear host family letter?
Answers
-
How do I get to Montpellier from Ireland?
Travel and flights are to be arranged by the parent/student. Details of the arrival and departure should be given to EIL to notify the host family including dates, times, flight or train number and airline carrier. Ryanair, Easyjet (from London Gatwick) and Air France (via Paris) all connect to Montpellier airport. In the past, student have connected via Paris, London Gatwick, Carcassonne, Nimes (From London Luton) and Marseille. There are shuttles available from Carcassonne airport to the railway station to catch a connecting train to Montpellier. The shuttle is located at the front of the building, leaving 20mn after each flight arrivals. It takes about 15mn to reach the railway station and the cost is €5 per person per way, the ticket will be purchased from the driver. You also have taxis available for a cost of approximately €15 to Carcassonne railway station. Both Carcassonne and Marseille have direct flights from Ireland are 1.5 hours by train to Montpellier with regualr service. Nimes is only 30 minutes by train.
If you take the train you should arrive at Montpellier station. There are TGVs which take around 3H15 from Paris-Gare de Lyon or Roissy-CDG airport should you wish to fly to Paris. For train information, see http://www.tgv-europe.com/en/home/ or http://www.sncf.co.uk
From Cork, there are direct flights to Carcassonne with Ryanair on Saturdays and Sundays. Please check for availability and dates with the airline.
From Dublin, there are direct flights to Marseille with Aer Lingus on Saturdays. Please check for availability and dates with the airline.
-
Will I be met on my arrival?
Yes, if you arrive during hospitable hours (meaning not before 8 am or after 11pm).
A student week begins on Sunday evening, and ends on Saturday morning. We must be informed as soon as possible if your travelling timetable does not coincide with this. If you have reserved half-board accommodation and you arrive before 19:00, you will have an evening meal on your arrival. You should contact your Host family directly by the latest on the Wednesday before your arrival, letting them know your arrival time and place. Should you not be able to do this, EIL will notify them for you. We cannot guarantee that your host-family will be there to meet you if we do not have the necessary information by the Wednesday prior to your arrival.
-
How many students will there be in my class, how old will they be and where will they be from?
The maximum number of students in a class is 10, but often the number is less than this. In general, average class size from June to September is 8-10, whereas the rest of the year it is 4-7.
We have had students aged 17 to 90 on our courses, but the majority of our students are aged 18-30. During the summer months, more young teens are in attendance when school is on summer holidays.
In 2006, the school welcomed students from over 30 different countries, mostly from Europe but also from China, Japan, Venezuela, Guatemala, Iceland, USA, Canada, Australia, Israel, Kazakhstan.
-
Can I stay in a host family really near the school?
We try our best to match students with families according to their needs and interests (eg special dietary requirements, allergies, car parking space...), but this depends on many factors and is done on a first-come first-served basis. For students not staying in the town centre, we try to place them in families living near the tramway or 'Rabelais' night bus service (last bus and tram around 1am). Please note that we will try not to place two students speaking the same language in the same host family, but cannot guarantee this during peak times.
-
What do I write in my dear host family letter?
The letter to your host family is an opportunity to introduce yourself and tell your hosts about yourself; family, hobbies, interests, friends are all good topics. Written in French, your letter will differentiate you from other students the host families maybe hosting or have hosted before and also give your hosts topics to start conversation with once you arrive so you can practice your French even more.
Supervision
The Adult programme and Leaving Cert Programme is run in an adult language school and is suitable only for students who are 16 or over and have a certain level of maturity and sense of responsibility. This course does not offer 24hr supervision and is not suitable for all students. Students are supervised only when they are in the language school or on language school organised activities (which are optional). Students are free to come and go as they please on afternoons, when they do not have tuition, and evenings. Host families are not responsible for the students while on unsupervised activities.
The curfew for return home to the host family is 23:00hrs Sun-Thurs & 00:30hrs Fri & Sat. You have the option to set an earlier curfew if you so wish. It is the students responsibility to ensure that they keep their curfew and host families are not expected to wait up beyond their normal bed time waiting for the student to return. If the student has not returned by the agreed time the host family will notify the language school the next day and disciplinary action will be taken. Disciplinary action will also be taken if it comes to attention of the school that the student has broken any of the programme rules including the drinking of alcohol, not respecting the host family, late or non attendance of classes etc. In all cases where a student is disciplined the parents in Ireland will be notified. For a full list of programme rules please see the course application form "link".
If parents are concerned about the level of supervision and feel the student might not be sufficiently mature for this type of course please contact EIL to discuss alternative programmes that do offer campus accommodation and 24hr supervision or the Junior Programme specifically for younger students.
Dates/Prices
| Course | 2 weeks | 3 weeks | 4 weeks | 5 weeks | 6 weeks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving Cert Preparation | 1466 | 1955* | 2464* | ||
| Standard | 1221 | 1567 | 1948 | 2292 | 2626 |
| Standard (peak **) | 1244 | 1604 | 1997 | 2340 | 2675 |
| Intensive | 1312 | 1697 | 2121 | 2507 | 2884 |
| Intensive (peak **) | 1340 | 1743 | 2182 | 2568 | 2945 |
| Intensive Plus | 1593 | 2125 | 2692 | 3202 | 3703 |
| Intensive Plus (peak **) | 1616 | 2151 | 2726 | 3236 | 3738 |
| Super Intensive | 1779 | 2404 | 3063 | 3659 | 4245 |
| Super Intensive (peak **) | 1802 | 2425 | 3090 | 3686 | 4272 |
| Junior Intensive | 1525 | 2069 | 2633 | - | - |
2010 Leaving Cert Preparation Course Dates:
28th March - 10th April 2010
30th May - 12th June 2010
6th June - 19th June 2010 *** COURSE CONFIRMED *** SPACES LIMITED ***
20th June - 3rd July 2010
4th July - 17th July 2010
Dates are subject to demand.
Apply
- Complete this application form.
- Deposit of €350, Cheque, postal order or bank draft made out to EIL Intercultural Learning.
- 2 passport photos
- Write a letter to you host family (introducing yourself, family, interests, etc) to be written IN FRENCH.
- Please do NOT book flights until you receive written notification from EIL that your course and dates are confirmed.
- N/B: All signatures by parents and student must be complete. Incomplete application will delay your booking and can result in not obtaining a place on your desired course or dates.
Facebook
YouTube
twitter
flickr
EIL Intercultural Learning, 1 Empress Place, Summerhill North, Cork, County Cork, Republic of Ireland.
email: info@eilireland.org telephone: +353 (0)21 4551535 lowcall: 1850 292939 fax: +353 (0)21 4551587
cc by-sa 2010 EIL Intercultural Learning