Beginners Standard French Immersion program in Lyon, France

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

French Standard Course in Lyon City Centre

Study French in the heart of Lyon, one of France’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities. The school is located at 8 Place des Terreaux, 69001, directly facing the Musée des Beaux-Arts and Lyon’s City Hall, placing students at the centre of historic, artistic, and everyday French life.

Just minutes from Place Bellecour and the Presqu’île, the location offers immediate access to museums, cafés, riverbanks, shops, and neighbourhood markets—an ideal setting for combining structured learning with real-world language practice.

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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, usable French, helping students build confidence and fluency through structured lessons and daily exposure to the language in real contexts.

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 Lyon and practise French outside the classroom.

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🎯 What You’ll Learn

The course is designed to develop all key language skills while prioritising spoken communication:

• Speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills

• Strong emphasis on oral communication for everyday, academic, and professional situations

• Progressive vocabulary building and clear grammar foundations

• Improved pronunciation and listening comprehension

• Exploration of French culture, society, and daily life through lesson topics and materials

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

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🗓️ Schedule & Lesson Format

• 20 × 45-minute lessons per week

• Classes run Monday to Friday

• Timetable assigned morning or afternoon

• Level-based groups to ensure focused learning and active participation

• Small, interactive classes to maximise speaking time

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

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🏠 Accommodation (Not Included)

This programme does not include accommodation.

Students must either:

• Arrange their own accommodation independently, or

• Request accommodation options separately (subject to availability):

• Home Studio – recommended for older teens seeking greater 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 in this programme.

Students are responsible for organising:

• Breakfast

• Lunch

• Dinner

Thanks to the central location, students have easy access to bakeries, cafés, supermarkets, and affordable local restaurants surrounding Place des Terreaux and the Presqu’île.

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🕰️ A Day in the Life – French Standard Course in Lyon 🇫🇷

This programme is designed for independent students who want strong French progress while fully experiencing daily life in Lyon. Each day balances structured language learning with the freedom to explore the city at your own pace.

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🌅 Morning in Lyon (Independent Start)

Students begin their day independently, having breakfast at their accommodation or at one of the many nearby bakeries and cafés around Place des Terreaux. 🥐☕

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

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📚 French Lessons (Morning or Afternoon)

Option 1: Morning Classes

🕘 09:00–12:15 (approx.)

• Interactive French lessons focused on speaking and communication

• Grammar and vocabulary taught through practical use

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

• Lessons taught entirely in French to build confidence quickly

Option 2: Afternoon Classes

🕒 14:00–17:15 (approx.)

• Same lesson structure and content as morning classes

• Ideal for students who prefer relaxed mornings or city exploration first

All students complete 20 × 45-minute lessons per week, Monday to Friday, in level-based groups.

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🍽️ Lunch Break (Independent)

Lunch is not included, giving students the chance to:

• Eat at cafés and bistros nearby

• Grab takeaway or picnic in a local square

• Practise ordering food in French in real situations 🗣️

This is often one of the most valuable language-practice moments of the day.

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🗓️ Day 1: Arrival & Guided City Orientation 🌍

On the first day only, students take part in a guided orientation walk during their initial classes.

This welcome tour helps students:

• Get familiar with Lyon’s city centre

• Locate key landmarks, transport routes, and meeting points

• Learn how to navigate the neighbourhood safely and confidently

• Feel settled and comfortable before starting independent days

This is a short, local orientation, not a full excursion, and is designed to support independence from Day 2 onward.

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🌆 Free Time & Personal Exploration

The rest of the day is free for students to enjoy Lyon on their own:

• Visiting museums like the Musée des Beaux-Arts

• Walking along the Rhône or Saône rivers 🌊

• Exploring neighbourhood markets and shops

• Studying, reviewing class notes, or relaxing in a café

• Socialising with classmates in the city

Students manage their own schedule, meals, and transport.

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🌙 Evening in the City

Evenings are fully independent and flexible:

• Dinner at local restaurants or at home 🍝

• Sunset walks through the Presqu’île

• Light study or preparation for the next day

• Rest and relaxation after a full day in French

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

💻 Learning Equipment & Digital Access

Students are strongly encouraged to bring a laptop, tablet (iPad), or smartphone to support their learning during the programme.

Having a personal device allows students to:

• Take digital notes during lessons 📝

• Access online learning resources and class materials

• Complete exercises and independent study tasks

• Use approved language-learning platforms and reference tools

• Communicate important programme updates when needed

All devices should be suitable for everyday academic use. While lessons are highly interactive and discussion-based, access to digital tools helps students stay organised and make the most of their learning experience.

📶 Wi-Fi is available at the school, allowing students to safely and conveniently access online resources throughout the day.

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✨ What Makes This Program life

• Strong academic structure without residential restrictions

• Freedom to live like a local while learning

• Perfect for confident, motivated students ready to take responsibility

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🌍 Guided Discovery of Lyon

Alongside French lessons, students have the opportunity to take part in informal, guided discovery experiences around Lyon and nearby areas.

These local orientations and guided walks help students:

• Get familiar with Lyon’s neighbourhoods and city centre

• Discover key landmarks, viewpoints, and cultural sites

• Learn how to navigate the city confidently and safely

• Gain insight into everyday Lyon life and French culture

These experiences are designed to support independence and cultural awareness, helping students feel comfortable living and studying in Lyon while practising French in real-life situations. 🇫🇷✨

Please note: these are local orientation and discovery walks rather than full-day excursions.

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✈️ Airport Transfers (Not Included)

This programme does not offer airport transfer support.

Students and families are responsible for:

• Arranging their own arrival and departure travel

• Organising transfers between the airport/train station and Lyon

• Managing arrival times independently

As this is a non-residential, independent programme, participants are expected to travel confidently and manage their own logistics, either independently or with family support.

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🏫 Facilities & Learning Environment

• Bright, modern classrooms in a beautiful historic building

• Prime location on Place des Terreaux

• Immediate access to cultural landmarks, public transport, cafés, and shops

• A lively, safe area that balances academic focus with city exploration

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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 evidence of progress and participation.

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✅ Who This Programme Is Best For

This programme is ideal for:

• Confident, independent students aged 16+

• Learners seeking serious French progress in a city environment

• Students comfortable arranging accommodation and meals independently

• Motivated learners who value structure, assessment, and clear outcomes