Leaving Certificate Preparation Course – French in Montpellier
The vibrant and lively city of Montpellier is the ideal location for a French language Leaving Certificate Preparation course. As the home of two of France’s top universities, Montpellier has a student population of more than 70,000, providing a great insight into uni life for any young adult getting ready for the next stage of their education.
There are also beautiful beaches just a 30-minute journey by public transport away. Those feeling more energetic can cycle to the beach, with the ride only taking 45 minutes to an hour along a dedicated bike track!
Our French school in Montpellier can be found in the heart of the historic district, just 350 m away from the famous Place de la Comédie, with public transport links, shops, restaurants and cafés all within easy reach.
The striking 19th-century building boasts 12 classrooms, student lounge with vending machine and a learning resource centre. The staff at the school are happy to offer advice and information to students who wish to discover the best ways to enjoy Montpellier.
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Courses in Montpellier
The exam preparation course at the Montpellier (Place de la Comédie) school consists of 30 lessons per week. The programme combines the Intensive course of 20 general French lessons with six specific exam preparation lessons and four tutoring lessons/cultural workshops per week.
Duration:
1+ weeks
Class size:
Max. 15 students per group
Level:
To participate in this course students must have at least level A2 according to the Common European Framework. The school’s comprehensive level testing procedure will ensure that all students are placed into classes according to their existing ability.
Suitability:
This course is suitable for students preparing for the Irish Leaving Cert exam, as well as AS or A2-Level, International Baccalaureate, Abitur students and similar.
Course content:
During general lessons, which usually take place 09:00 to 12:15 Monday to Friday*, students work on improving their overall level of French. All students will have the same level of French, but these classes will be taken with students of all ages (minimum age 16 years, no maximum age) and nationalities, providing fantastic opportunities for the exchange of ideas and experience.
As is the case at all our French language schools, lessons will be taught in French by fully qualified, native French speaking teachers.
The six exam preparation lessons will be held in the afternoon, normally 12:30 to 14:00 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and the tutoring and workshop sessions will be held at the same time on Mondays and Fridays.
Exam preparation lessons focus on the skills needed to successfully complete an exam, with special emphasis placed on written and oral production and written and oral understanding. Students will also revise grammar using documents specially selected according to the level and type of exam they are preparing for. In addition, tuition on the best way to approach trick questions, attention to strategies and composition of answers, and mock tests taken under exam conditions, will guarantee exam success!
During exam preparation sessions students will be divided into groups according to the exam they are preparing for if possible. However, if exam students are mixed, the programme is still of immense benefit as the exam preparation techniques taught can be applied to any exam at this stage of education.
On Fridays students are able to further practise their spoken French as the educational workshops explore a different aspect of French culture each week. Theatre workshops, conversation workshops and games are just a few of the ways course participants can improve their ability and confidence.
Finally, the dedicated tutoring sessions on Mondays allow students to pay special attention to any specific area of weakness they feel they may have, or complete their homework, with a teacher on hand to provide personalised advice and assistance.
Please note that the afternoon sessions held on Mondays and Fridays are available to all students at the school, not just exam preparation students.
*During high season general lessons can be held 14.15 to 17:30 Monday to Friday instead.
Dates:
This course is available year-round, with courses starting every Monday.
Accommodation
If accommodation is required, all students under the age of 18 years must stay with a host family. Half-board accommodation includes breakfast and dinner each day, making it the perfect choice for young people! Breakfast is usually a simple meal (cereal, bread, condiments, tea and coffee etc) that can sometimes be left out for students to help themselves to, whereas dinner is a more social affair and provides opportunity for conversation practise.
Special diets (vegan, gluten-free, halal, etc) can be catered for but there is a small supplement to pay.
If two (or more) students are travelling together, just let us know at the time of booking and we will arrange a room share. However, please note that there are a limited number of families who can accommodate more than two students together.
Our hosts and host families are very carefully selected Montpelliérains. Some households have children living at home, others are couples whose children have left home or who don’t have children, and some are single people who live alone. Regardless of the make-up of the home, all will be welcoming and happy to help students with their endeavour to learn French!
As standard, accommodation is available from the Sunday before the course begins to the Saturday after the course finishes, although extra nights of accommodation can sometimes be arranged on request.
A transfer on arrival is included from Montpellier Airport or train station for students staying with a host family.
Exam preparation students who are over the age of 18 years could also choose another accommodation option if preferred. Please contact us for details.
Activities
To help students get to know more of life in Montpellier, and to help them meet other students, our school regularly arranges and suggests different activities. These outings are often accompanied by a school staff member and are conducted in French to enhance the learning experience!
Many activities are offered free of charge, although students may have to cover their own entrance/transportation costs. In the case of a visit to a restaurant of café, students pay for their own food and drinks.
The exact schedule varies throughout the year but regularly includes:
Parties
Picnics
Boat cruises
Excursions (Nîmes, Carcassonne, Marseille, etc.)
Cultural workshops (acting, singing, cooking, dancing)
Sports activities
Plus seasonal activities available in the city
How to get there
Montpellier Airport is just 8.5 km from the city centre and the host family will arrange an airport transfer on arrival free of charge for any students staying with them (until 22:00).
Other international airports such as Marseille Provence Airport and Carcassonne Airport are well-connected to Montpellier by public transport. A transfer from Montpellier train station can also be arranged on arrival.
Location of our school in Montpellier
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Prices for Montpellier
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Company Number: 08311373
