Beginners Standard French Immersion program in Bordeaux, France

Course Description: Beginners Standard French Immersion program in Bordeaux, France

Historic Heart of Bordeaux

Study French in the historic centre of Bordeaux, one of France’s most elegant and liveable cities. The school is housed in a magnificent stone building that blends classic regional architecture with modern, well-equipped learning spaces, offering a calm yet inspiring environment for language study.

Step outside the school to find local cafés, bakeries, boutiques, and shops, stroll to the nearby Jardin Public for a peaceful break, or hop on the tram just two minutes away for easy access across the city. This central location offers the perfect balance between focused learning and authentic daily life in Bordeaux.

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📘 Programme Overview

This communication-first French course is open to students of all levels, from complete beginners (A0) to advanced learners (C1). The programme focuses on practical, real-world French, helping students build confidence and fluency through structured lessons combined with everyday language exposure in the city.

Students take 20 lessons per week, each lasting 45 minutes, from Monday to Friday. Classes are scheduled either in the morning or afternoon, allowing plenty of free time to explore Bordeaux and practise French beyond the classroom.

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🎯 What You’ll Learn

The course develops all key language skills, with a strong emphasis on speaking:

• Speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills

• Strong focus on oral communication for everyday, academic, and professional use

• Progressive vocabulary building and clear grammar foundations

• Improved pronunciation and listening comprehension

• Exploration of French culture, lifestyle, and society through lesson topics

Teaching is interactive and practical, encouraging students to actively use French from day one.

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🗓️ Schedule & Lesson Format

• 20 × 45-minute lessons per week

• Monday to Friday

• Timetable assigned morning or afternoon

• Level-based groups for focused, interactive learning

• Small classes to maximise speaking time

Before arrival, students complete a placement assessment to ensure they are placed in the most appropriate group for their level and objectives.

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🏫 Facilities & Learning Environment

The Bordeaux campus offers a refined yet welcoming study environment:

• Classrooms set within a historic stone building

• Modern learning spaces designed for language teaching

• Comfortable common areas for study and breaks

• Immediate access to cafés, bakeries, and local shops

• Excellent transport links with the tram stop just 2 minutes away 🚋

The setting provides a calm atmosphere while keeping students fully connected to city life.

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🏠 Accommodation (Not Included)

Accommodation is not included in this programme.

Students must either:

• Arrange their own accommodation independently, or

• Request accommodation options separately (subject to availability):

• Home Studio – recommended for older teens seeking independence

• Homestay – recommended for younger teens who prefer family support

Accommodation requests are handled separately and are not included in the programme fee.

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🍽️ Meals (Not Included)

Meals are not included.

Students are responsible for organising:

• Breakfast

• Lunch

• Dinner

Thanks to the central location, students have easy access to bakeries, cafés, markets, supermarkets, and affordable local restaurants throughout Bordeaux.

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🕰️ A Day in the Life – French Standard Course in Bordeaux 🍷

This programme is designed for independent students who want strong French progress while enjoying daily life in Bordeaux.

🌅 Morning in Bordeaux (Independent Start)

Students begin the day independently, enjoying breakfast at their accommodation or at a nearby café or bakery. 🥐☕

Those with morning lessons head to school, while others enjoy a relaxed start before afternoon classes.

📚 French Lessons (Morning or Afternoon)

Option 1: Morning Classes

🕘 Approx. 09:00–12:15

• Interactive French lessons focused on communication

• Grammar and vocabulary taught through practical use

• Pair work, group discussion, and real-life scenarios

• Lessons taught entirely in French

Option 2: Afternoon Classes

🕒 Approx. 14:00–17:15

• Same lesson content and structure

• Ideal for students who prefer mornings free for exploration

All students complete 20 lessons per week, Monday to Friday.

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🍽️ Lunch Break (Independent)

Lunch is taken independently, giving students the opportunity to:

• Eat in cafés or bistros nearby

• Picnic in parks or squares

• Practise ordering and interacting in French 🗣️

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🗓️ Day 1: Arrival & Guided Bordeaux Orientation 🗺️

On Day 1 only, students take part in a guided orientation walk around the local area.

This welcome experience helps students:

• Get familiar with Bordeaux’s historic centre

• Learn key routes, tram lines, and meeting points

• Discover essential local landmarks

• Feel confident navigating the city independently

This is a short local orientation, not a full-day excursion, and supports independence from Day 2 onward.

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🌆 Free Time & Personal Exploration

Outside lessons, students are free to enjoy Bordeaux independently:

• Walking along elegant streets and riverfront areas

• Relaxing in the Jardin Public 🌿

• Visiting shops, museums, or markets

• Studying or socialising in cafés

Students manage their own schedules, transport, and meals.

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🌙 Evenings in the City

Evenings are fully independent:

• Dinner at local restaurants or at home 🍽️

• Light study or revision

• Evening walks or relaxation

There is no curfew or organised evening programme, reflecting the independent nature of this course.

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💻 Learning Equipment & Digital Access

Students are strongly encouraged to bring a laptop, tablet (iPad), or smartphone.

This allows students to:

• Take digital notes during lessons 📝

• Access online learning resources

• Complete exercises and independent study

• Use language tools and reference materials

📶 Wi-Fi is available at the school, supporting easy access to online resources.

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🌍 Guided Discovery of Bordeaux

Alongside lessons, students may take part in informal guided discovery walks around Bordeaux.

These experiences help students:

• Build confidence navigating the city

• Discover cultural landmarks and neighbourhoods

• Gain insight into everyday Bordeaux life

• Practise French in real-life situations

Please note: these are local orientation and discovery walks, not full-day excursions.

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✈️ Airport Transfers (Not Included)

This programme does not include airport transfer support.

Students and families are responsible for:

• Arrival and departure travel arrangements

• Transfers between airport/train station and Bordeaux

• Managing arrival times independently

This programme is designed for confident, independent travellers.

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📜 Certificate

At the end of the programme, students receive an attendance certificate stating:

• Total number of hours attended

• Language level reached

This provides clear documentation of progress.

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✅ Who This Programme Is Best For

This programme is ideal for:

• Confident, independent students aged 16+

• Learners seeking strong French progress in a city setting

• Students comfortable organising accommodation and meals

• Motivated learners who value structure with personal freedom