CESA Languages > Teenage Courses > French Teenage Courses > French Leaving Certificate course

French Leaving Certificate course

French Leaving Certificate course in Nice, France offered during the summer, each year.

CESA’s French Leaving Cert course in Nice is a 1–4 week summer programme for students aged 16–18 at A2–B2 level. It includes 20 lessons a week in classes of up to 14 plus 06 lessons a week focused on the Leaving Certificate exam skills in classes of up to 08, half-board homestay and an arrival airport transfer. Prices in summer 2027 start from €560 for one week.

Is this French course for you?

Yes.  If you’re looking for an immersive French course that best meet the needs for Leaving Certificate students from Ireland* looking to improve their French, prior to their exam year. Past CESA students have loved living on the Riviera, in Nice. The programme is academically demanding, good fun and very popular ~ so early reservations are advised!

* The general French lessons section of this course will also attract students studying for A levels in the UK, the Abitur in Germany and the Matura in Switzerland.

Important Note:
We recommend students book their course place as early as possible, to avoid disappointment. We know from past experience that the summer dates (especially the June dates) will become fully booked well in advance.

 

Open to: 16 yrs+ students       

 

> PDF French Leaving Certificate Course in Nice 2027

 

I love Nice !

French Leaving Certificate Course

Levels offered Low int. / Intermediate
  At least 4 yrs of French at school
Age range 16 yrs+
Lessons per week 26 lessons
Lesson duration 45 minutes
Max. students per class 12   General classes
  08  Leaving Cert classes
  • No lessons on the first Monday
Tuition only  
1 wk     €560 2 wks   €1010 3 wks   €1400
4 wks   €1850 Longer course quotes on request
+ CESA Fee: € 70.00 per person   
Host accommodation  Single room
1 wk   €396 2 wks   €741 3 wks   €1087
Host accommodation  Shared room
1 wk   €342 2 wks   €633 3 wks   €925

 

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Course Dates 2027

May 31
June 07,  14,  21, 28
July 05,  12, 19, 26
August 02, 09, 16

Public Holidays: 14 July
Lessons lost are not made up (students will have a free day instead).

* Any week with a public holiday in it means students will follow a 3 day course that week, so the week/s affected are not recommended for one week courses.

 

Course Plus Points:

  • Leaving Certificate French lessons concentrate on written and oral exam technique to meet the needs of our Irish students
  • Only French will be spoken in class
  • Classes build self-confidence and competence in French, in small group classes
  • All teachers are fully qualified and experienced in the teaching of French as a foreign language and understand the specific needs of students preparing for these exams

Location Plus Points:

  • A popular summertime location attracting plenty of teenage language learners (especially in June and July, when the programme always becomes fully booked)
  • The city has a vibrant beach front, plenty of places to explore and so much sunshine
  • Past students have always enjoyed the buzz of the city
  • An excellent tram and bus transport system makes Nice an easy city to navigate

 

Course Structure

General French lessons:
Mon/Fri : 08.45 to 10.15 / 10.30 to 12.00 or an afternoon timetable of 15.30 to 18.45
No group morning lessons held on first Monday of any group course due to induction, language assessment and guided tour of old Nice. Group classes start on the second day of any programme booked

Leaving Certificate exam technique sessions:
13.15 – 15.15 hrs
These two sessions per week consist of small group classes (max 8 students) to really aid linguistic expression and comprehension and to develop self-confidence

  • Please note the group programmes are designed to be followed for 2 weeks or longer duration (unless specifically stated otherwise) so whilst one week courses are possible, please discuss the pros and cons of this with CESA staff, prior to booking
  • Classes will begin on Tuesday morning for all new students in the first week of every programme
  • 1 to 2 hours per day after lessons are dedicated to homework
  • All text material used in lessons deal with French literature and civilization
  • Tutors are always native speakers who are accredited teachers of French as a foreign language
  • You will follow the Standard Course with course content focused on general French skills according to your language level plus focused Leaving Certificate in 06 additional classes held over two afternoons focused on both oral and written exam preparation. These additional classes consist of smaller groups (maximum 8 per group) to really aid linguistic expression/comprehension and to develop self-confidence.

 

FAQs

What will I learn on this French programme?

Your French classes will cover both general French skills and specific LC exam focused skills. The course objectives include; helping you to develop your written and oral skills for real-life communication with French speakers, enabling your acquisition or enhancement of linguistic competencies and developing your strategies for the final LC exam preparation

What methods are used in the school?

The Nice school teaches using the communicative and action-oriented approach as defined in the CECRL. This involves various interactive activities based on authentic documents for real-life communication outside the classroom. Course work is built around textual, audio, or video resources and technology-integrated classroom practice. Exam focused classes offer preparation for the Leaving Certificate using sample exam questions, materials and tools specific to exam preparation all backed up by serious academic pedagogical support.

What level of French do I need to attend this course?

You will need to have followed 4 years of French studies in school in Ireland to join this programme. The general French lessons are offered across a range of abilities, but the Leaving Certificate classes are specifically designed to meet the needs of Irish high school students. If you are not sure if your level is correct for this programme, please check with CESA staff.

How will you determine my language level?

You will be asked to complete a level assessment test. Generally this will be done on your first day in Nice, at the school. The  testing process has been validated by both the IALC and EAQUALS labels, allowing the staff to correctly determine your language level and to place you into the appropriate class level. This test evaluates your grammatical, lexical and phonetic knowledge, as well as the 4 skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing).
If there are a lot of students arriving that week, you may be asked to take an initial written test in advance of arrival. If this applies to you, CESA staff will let you know.

Will I get a certificate at the end of the language course?

You will receive an attendance and end of course completion certificate, stating the level you achieved. If you wish the staff can also provide a stage completion certificate specifying your level in all 4 competencies.

How do I get to school?

You will either take the tram or a bus to school from your hosts. A few hosts live within walking distance of the school. You will quickly become familiar with the route to school and your hostess will ensure you know the route. Before you arrive in Nice CESA will provide you with a details on how to commute to school.

Will I be supervised in the evenings?

With parental permission you can go out in the evening after 7.30pm, up to the set curfew or without a curfew. CESA will send your parent a parental form to complete, stating their wishes.  There is no supervision provided in the evening, but can always contact your hostess or the emergency contact number of Nice staff provided, in case you have an issue.

What's included in the price?

The course price includes your level test, course materials, French tuition, host accommodation and meals (breakfast and evening meals) and the arrival transfer from Nice airport to host accommodation.
Additional costs you need to budget for include travel to Nice, insurance cover, money for a weekly tram/bus pass, money for a return transfer by bus or Uber back to the airport and personal expenditure.

Can my parents contact the host family?

Your parents will be provided with host contact details, including a phone number and email address before the course starts, so you can always reach out to the hostess, as well as the school or CESA staff throughout the programme and outside school hours.

What is the weather like in Nice in summer?

French summers are hot. Nice is on the Mediterranean coast so can benefit from sea breezes but you should still expect hot weather. We anticipate temperatures to average 24°C in June, 28°C in July and 27°C in August (though they may reach in to the 30s if there is a heatwave, which has been the case recently).

Why book my course with CESA Languages?

CESA has offered this teenage course for many years and can offer you detailed advice based on our first hand knowledge of the programme and regular feedback from parents and students who have previously attended the course. If you are not sure if this programme is right for your needs, please talk to us. We are always happy to chat the details through with you.

Nice Language School

Established in 1993, the French language school in Nice is situated a few blocks south of the Railway station, some 200 metres from the Nice Etoile shopping area, 400 meters from Place Massena and 10 minutes from the Promenade des Anglais by foot. Located in a quiet residential area the school is situated in a lovely mansion, surrounded by similar styled houses from the turn of the 20th century.

The year-round school consists of 10 classrooms, air conditioning, a library, computer room with Internet access and Wi-Fi. There are also hot and cold drinks machines and a small private garden courtyard, shaded by trees where students can relax during breaks.

The Nice French college has an excellent academic record and offers a year-round language college for students aged 16yrs+.

Language students can follow a one week+ French course, in this beautiful Riviera location. The course is appropriate for teenagers who are independent and mature enough not to require constant direction from group leaders.

Cultural Activities

You will be offered the chance to join one or two activities during the week and a Saturday excursion* at additional cost. You are advised of the options offered each week once in France by the staff and via a notice board in the school.

* If attending a 2 week+ programme

The Nice staff always offer a free guided tour of Nice with a school guide on the first day – we really recommend you go as this is a great way to get to chat to other new students, get your bearings and soak up some Niçois atmosphere before you get started on your academic studies.

The school offers a variety of activities, from tastings of Niçois specialties, exploring the city or maybe one of the famous towns and villages nearby: Antibes, Monaco, Cannes, Eze-Village, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Menton.

Additionally, you really should visit at least one of the fascinating museums on offer; Musée Masséna, Musée Matisse, Musée de la Photographie, Musée Océanographique, Musée Picasso

From past experience we know that many students were happy to organise their own free time, as the proximity of the beach, the old town and the facilities of Nice encourage students to arrange their own entertainment. We’re sure you’ll find a few favourite places of your own!

Accommodation

French hosts/hostess based accommodation means a placement with an older couples or single ladies. You can book a room on a single or shared room basis. You can be paired with another student of the same gender or stay with a friend of your own, on a half-board basis (breakfast and evening meal). French hosts in Nice live in apartment buildings in and around the city. Hosts offer you the chance to share daily French life with native speakers. They may well have two or more students staying with them.

If two to four friends wish to be placed in the same host accommodation together, please book as early as possible to ensure a suitable host option is available for you.

Travel & Transfer

Arrive: Sunday PM / Depart: Saturday AM

The French hosts will collect you free of charge, from Nice airport/station by arrangement, (at a reasonable hour).
Students can take the tram, an Uber or taxi back to the airport/train station (no return transfer arranged).

Curfew Rules

Teenagers aged 16/17 yrs old will need a signed parental permission to be able to go out in the evenings.

Parents must indicate that either:

1/ no permission to go out beyond 7.00 pm
2/ students are free to go out up to 11.00 pm in the week &/or 12.00 midnight at the weekend
3/ students can go out in Nice without restriction in the week &/or at the weekend *

*  If students stay out without restriction, hosts are not expected to stay up and wait for their return, whereas they will for an 11.00 pm curfew.

French language students, over 18 years of age are not subject to parental permission rules. NB: Parents cannot set alternative curfews as the college is unable to police them.

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