Learn French in Montpellier: Teaching

• Language Courses
• Teaching
• Accommodation
• Map
• Social life
• Dates & Prices
• Student Reviews

French language courses meet a wide range of general language needs across a broad range of linguistic abilities and are intended to help you achieve a variety of communication goals according to your current level of ability. Their great flexibility allows you to learn the French language according to your needs and time (multiple levels, flexible start dates, variable course lengths and intensity).

The main priority is to get you to speak French!

French course content

The interactive teaching methods used emphasises oral communication of the modern French language without neglecting the written aspects, using modern audio-visual materials.
Of course you will cover the four core skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing, with plenty of grammar and vocabulary work included to develop all the essential French language skills.

The curriculum is structured on six theoretical language levels, with a natural duration of between four and six weeks at each level. The school offers a minimum of 6 class levels and provides 8 to 10 class levels for all courses (except the Budget Programme, where only 6 levels are offered).  There are classes in grammar, oral and written exercises, practice with video and audio material and conversation on subjects of general, social and cultural interest. Special importance is given to the communicative aspect of the French language and its use in everyday life. For this reason, the college encourages students to speak French in class, and whenever possible out of class as well.

A student of average linguistic ability should allow four weeks to complete the Beginner level and six weeks to complete the Elementary level, covering basic grammatical structured knowledge to be able to communicate in the practical situations of daily life plus an introduction to French customs. Approximately six weeks will be required to complete the Intermediate level with its emphasis on grammar with reference to the past tenses and development of conversation skills (and at Intermediate 2 level, the subjunctive). An additional eight weeks covers the Advanced level (deepening grammatical skills, providing fluency in conversation and a deeper knowledge of French culture, also written expression and the creation of texts. Finally, a further eight weeks to complete the Higher level with a specialised level of grammar and the study of French literature, art, sociology and the history of France.

Beginner = A0
Elementary = A1
Upper Elementary = A2
Intermediate = B1
Upper Intermediate = B2
Advanced = C1
Superior = C2

Objectives for each language level:

• French language course Level A1 (Beginner):
Methodical learning and practise of fundamental language knowledge helping the student to learn basic communication skills.

• French language course Level A2 (Elementary):
Revision and enrichment of basic language structures in order to communicate confidently and easily in discussion.

• French language course Level B1 (Intermediate 1):
Enlargement of vocabulary and grammar structures allowing the student to cope with everyday situations. Active introduction to French culture and civilisation by using authentic documents.

• French language course Level B2 (Intermediate 2):
In depth study of oral and written French enabling the student to participate fluently in conversation in most topics. Understanding of newspaper articles, writing of reports.

• French language course Level C1 (Advanced):
Understanding of extended speech, news, complex factual and specialised texts. Effective use of French language for social and professional purposes.

• French language course Level C2 (Superior):
Achieving a high degree of proficiency in the language. Study of various aspects of the language, idioms, analyses of French culture and civilisation.

In reality students chose to attend a programme according to their linguistic goals, personal wishes and time constraints.

Rate of Progress

Are you interested in French DELF exam qualifications?

If so please note that each DELF / DALF exam level requires the following hours of tuition in the French language school in Montpellier for the average student (following an Intensive or French DELF preparation course):

DELF A1: 60 lesson from Beginner level
DELF A2: 160 lessons from Beginner level (100 lessons from DELF A1)
DELF B1: 310 lessons from Beginner level (150 lessons from DELF A2)
DELF B2: 490 lessons from Beginner level (180 lessons from DELF B1)

DALF C1: 690 lessons from Beginner level (200 lessons from DELF B2)
DALF C2: 890 lessons from Beginner level (200 lessons from DALF C1)

Variety of course levels

The French language school in Montpellier places great importance on providing an appropriate French language course level for each individual student.
The more levels are offered, the more homogeneity classes are and the better your progress will be. They therefore guarantee a minimum of 6 different French language course levels year round, but most of the time they offer 8 – 10 different levels at the same time (except for the Budget Programme).

Classes

The French school in Montpellier keep the number of students per French language course very low (maximum 10 students), because only small class sizes allow for the active participation of each student. This also allows the French teachers to follow each students progress closely and provide individual help.

Flexibility

To reassure you – If a French language course level is too easy or to difficult for you or if you progress faster or slower than the other students in your group – no problem. The school will change you to a different level which suits you better.

Language Test

Students are asked to complete a language test online, in advance of arrival in Montpellier. CESA will provide the details once you’ve enrolled.

First Day

Only on the first day of your studies in Montpellier are you asked to arrive early (08:00 am) to take part in a presentation on the French language school. During this presentation you will receive a course folder with lots of information for your stay including a map of Montpellier and the French school guide. After the presentation you will be introduced to your French teacher and start your French language course. In the afternoon of your first day there will be an orientation tour of Montpellier showing you the beauty of our city but also providing you with additional practical information.

Montpellier French Teachers

In order to reach your language targets, the French language school provides specially trained teachers whose mother tongue is French. All of the French teachers hold a special degree to teach French as a foreign language. Their experience, and dynamic stimulating way of teaching in connection with the interactive, direct method will enable you to progress quickly. The school in Montpellier offers a working atmosphere that is serious, but relaxed. The language school’s pragmatic and effective method provides you with all necessary language skills and cultural awareness enabling you to communicate in French language. They emphasise oral communication of the modern French language without neglecting the written aspects. The French teachers, who use a wide variety of authentic documents obtained from newspapers, TV news and documentaries as well as radio, involve all the students actively in the classroom.

Montpellier French Language Students

Every year more than 2000 students from over 70 countries – university students, professionals, senior school exam students, teenagers, seniors etc. This wonderful mix of nationalities ensures a multicultural school atmosphere. Allowing students to make friends from all over the world. Students can practise their French language skills with new friends inside and outside of school. Additionally, the school offer a language exchange evening option to help students practise their French, with local native French speakers.

Students are welcome from 16 years of age.  However most language students are 18 to 35 yrs of age.  The average age is slightly younger in the summer period but rises in the academic year period.  Mature students come to Montpellier, to learn French for personal or business reasons, are also present, if in lesser numbers, throughout the year.