Learn to master French in Paris, France's historical and cultural center. Discover the city's famous monuments, charming old quarters, cafés, restaurants, cabarets, and theatres. In Paris, you learn not only the language, but experience the unique culture, literary and political life.
Paris, the capital of France, is home to 9 million people. Famous for its rich history, beautiful architecture and cultural diversity, Paris remains one of the most visited cities in the world. Known as the city of lights, Paris has over 134 museums, 170 theatres, 400 gardens, parks, and squares and world-famous universities and cultural festivals, which take place all year round.
As the capital of fashion and design, Paris is internationally renowned for its boutiques, department stores, and young designers. Discover the city's famous monuments, charming old quarters, cafés, restaurants, cabarets, and theatres. Learn French and experience the Parisian way of life in this epicenter of art, culture, history, and entertainment.
The Academy of Language in Paris is a leading institution which specializes in teaching French to foreigners. It is recognized by the Paris Education Authorities and is registered with the Paris Academy. It is affiliated with the University Paris V and University of Paris VII.
The academy is just 5 minutes walking distance from the Louvre, the Opera, the Georges Pompidou Centre (Beauborg) and the famous Grands Magasins. Take a stroll in this colorful area of Paris, to the nearby theatres, cafés and cinemas. You will discover 'Opéra Comique', the Porte Saint Martin theatre, the Max Linder Panorama and Grand Rex cinemas just round the corner. Enjoy a French meal at one of the many typically Parisian café-restaurants in the Grands Boulevards.
The French language programs in Paris are designed to immerse participants in the French language. Participants gain valuable information about modern-day French culture and society and improve overall communicative skills. For further immersion in the language and culture, French culture and civilization lectures, cinema, and guided excursions are held at no additional cost. The programs are designed to provide participants with ample opportunity to learn and use French and be a part of a comprehensive learning experience. The overall aim of the program is to instill the linguistic, practical, and cultural aspects of the language as well as the French way of life.
- Total immersion in the French language
- Study in the centre of Paris
- Accelerated learning in small classes: average 8 to 10 students per class (maximum 14)
- Choose from different intensities: 20 to 40 hours a week
- Flexible durations: Short Duration, Semester, Academic Year and Combination Tailored programs
- Start Date: Total Beginner programs start every 2 weeks
Non-beginners start on any Monday throughout the year
- All levels: Total Beginner to Advanced
- Language workshops aimed at building confidence and fluency in French
- Other programs: Summer Semi-Intensive, Summer Teenager programs (13 to 17 years old), Summer Junior programs (6 to 12 years old), French for Teachers and more etc.
- Free French culture, art, and civilization lectures
- Cyber-cafeteria equipped with computers for free unlimited Internet use
- Main campus located in the Grands Boulevards
- Summer campus and residence available in July and August
Classes are held Monday to Friday. Each group class is 45 minutes long, one to one classes are 45 minutes long. Classes are small, averaging 8 - 10 students per class and do not exceed 14 students.
| Program |
Intensity |
Classes per week |
Duration |
| Short Duration |
Intensive A: 20 hours a week |
26 classes a week |
1 - 23 weeks |
| Intensive B: 20 hours plus 1 workshop |
30 classes a week |
| Intensive C: 20 hours plus 2 workshops |
34 classes a week |
| Intensive D: 20 hours plus 3 workshop |
38 classes a week |
| Semester |
Intensive A: 20 hours a week |
26 classes a week |
24 - 35 weeks |
| Intensive B: 20 hours plus 1 workshop |
26 classes a week |
| Intensive C: 20 hours plus 2 workshops |
34 classes a week |
| Intensive D: 20 hours plus 3 workshops |
38 classes a week |
| Academic Year |
Intensive A: 20 hours a week |
26 classes a week |
36 - 52 weeks |
| Intensive B: 20 hours plus 1 workshop |
30 classes a week |
| Intensive C: 20 hours plus 2 workshops |
34 classes a week |
| Intensive D: 20 hours plus 3 workshops |
38 classes a week |
| Combination Tailored |
Intensive Plus 20 + 5: Intensive A plus 5 one to one |
31 classes a week |
1 - 52 weeks |
| Intensive Plus 20 + 10: Intensive A plus 10 one to one |
36 classes a week |
| Intensive Plus 23 + 5: Intensive B plus 5 one to one |
35 classes a week |
| Intensive Plus 23 + 10: Intensive B plus 10 one to one |
40 classes a week |
| Intensive Plus 26 + 5: Intensive C plus 5 one to one |
39 classes a week |
| Other Program |
Intensity |
Classes per week |
Duration |
| Summer Programs |
Intensive A, B, C & D, Combination Tailored (see above) |
| Summer Semi-Intensive |
Semi-Intensive |
20 classes a week |
2 - 6 weeks |
Summer Camp for Teenagers
(13 to 17 years old) |
Summer Camp for Juniors
(6 to 12 years old)
|
Business French for Executives
(Mini-group) |
Intensive |
26+16 classes a week |
1 week |
| French for Teachers |
Intensive |
26 classes a week |
1 - 6 weeks |
| One to One |
Intensive Plus |
Minimum 5 hours a week |
1 - 52 weeks |
To cater for different needs, a range of different levels of intensity (Intensive A, B, C and D) and durations (Short Duration, Semester and Academic Year) are offered. Each Intensive class is 45 minutes long.
| Start: |
Courses start every Monday except the Total Beginner program which starts every 2 weeks |
| Classes: |
Mondays to Fridays, from 9 am to 1 pm. Language workshops are held in the afternoons. |
- Intensive A (20 hours a week)
Short Duration (1 to 23 weeks), Semester (24 to 35 weeks), or Academic Year (36 to 52 weeks)
This intensive course integrates the four language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. In addition, grammatical structures are emphasized to enable students to attain communicative proficiency. Teaching methods are based on instilling students with linguistic, practical, and cultural aspects of the French language as well as with social elements and the French way of life. Classwork is based on a set of themes of French culture and society and includes listening exercises, role-plays, pictures, speaking and directed conversation, and videos.
There are no workshops in this Intensive A course and the curriculum is designed according to the specific needs and goals of each proficiency level. For further information see 'Placement Test & Proficiency Levels' below. Continuous assessment allows students to monitor their progress at all times.
- French Language Workshops (Intensive B, C and D)
These workshops form part of the curriculum for Intensive B, C and D programs and are designed to enhance participants' language skills and expand vocabulary. Each workshop is three hours a week and held in the afternoons. Students choose the workshop(s) they are interested in which include:
~Writing / Grammar: Focuses on broadening students' vocabulary and grammar through a range of writing exercises and activities. (Tuesday afternoons)
~Theatre: Focuses on spoken French using improvisation and role-plays. Drama exercises help overcome inhibitions and improve oral expression including intonation and pronunciation. (Wednesday afternoons)
~TCF / DELF, and DALF preparation: Focuses on preparing students' oral and written skills by working on specific areas covered in the examinations. (Thursdays afternoons)
~Business French: Focuses on preparing students for the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry examinations. (Thursdays afternoons)
- Intensive B (23 hours a week)
Short Duration (1 to 23 weeks), Semester (24 to 35 weeks), or Academic Year (36 to 52 weeks)
This intensive program consists of the Intensive A program (20 hours a week) plus 1 chosen Language workshop (3 hours a week).
- Intensive C (26 hours a week)
Short Duration (1 to 23 weeks) only
This intensive program consists of the Intensive A program (20 hours a week) plus 2 chosen Language workshops (6 hours a week).
- Intensive D (29 hours a week)
Short Duration (1 to 23 weeks) only
This intensive program consists of the Intensive A program (20 hours a week) plus 3 chosen Language workshops (9 hours a week).
Short Duration (1 to 23 weeks), Semester (24 to 35 weeks), or Academic Year (36 to 52 weeks)
Start: Courses start every Monday except the Total Beginner program which starts every 2 weeks
This super-intensive program combines the Intensive Programs A, B, and C with 'Individual Tuition' tailored to the student's needs. The program is ideal for students, executives, and diplomats who need to acquire French proficiency in areas such as exam preparation, business, diplomatic or technical French. Each morning, participants study the Intensive A, B or C programs and in the afternoons they study one-to-one with a teacher (one private class is 45 minutes long). For possible combinations please refer to Programs table above.
There are six main proficiency levels that are further divided to make a total of eight levels. First, participants are placed according to the level proficiency level they indicate on the application form. At the start of the program, non-beginners take a written and oral placement test. Second placements are made according to the results of the placement tests. The oral test consists of a personal interview that includes an assessment of the participant's structure, syntax, vocabulary, pronunciation, intonation, rhythm, and general language impression.
TOTAL BEGINNER
This level is for participants who have never learned French or who have learned a few words but cannot express themselves in complete sentences. Classes focus on introducing basic vocabulary, grammar, sentence structures, and simple texts. Phonetics exercises and drills ensure that participants learn correct pronunciation and intonation. The special Total Beginners program provides a good foundation to the language.
FALSE BEGINNER
This level is for those who have learned a few words but cannot express themselves in complete sentences. Classes focus on building participants' vocabulary, grammar and sentence structures. Classwork includes everyday topics and participants are encouraged to converse and express themselves using basic sentence structures.
ELEMENTARY
This level is for those who have learned French, have a grasp of simple sentence structures, and have learned basic grammar systematically. Classes focus on improving participants' vocabulary, sentence structures, listening, reading, and speaking skills. Written exercises include composing simple letters, short essays and reports. Phonetics exercises and drills ensure that participants learn the correct pronunciation and intonation.
INTERMEDIATE
This level is for those who are able to converse on general topics and express themselves using sentence structures in French. Classes build on increasing the level of grammar and vocabulary, enabling participants to express themselves functionally in different contexts. Classwork focuses on French current events, civilization, and literature to build vocabulary while at the same time developing a greater awareness of French culture and society. Emphasis is placed on participants' grammar, syntax, writing, oral expression, and listening comprehension skills. Oral expression classes include discussions of current events. Exercises to improve writing, speaking, and grammar skills include writing reports, letters, narratives, and essays. Phonetics exercises and drills ensure that participants quickly master correct pronunciation.
ADVANCED
This level is for those who can discuss general topics, raise complex questions, and express their viewpoints clearly using correct pronunciation. Participants can express themselves systematically using appropriate expressions and language norms. The curriculum is focused on enabling participants to express themselves proficiently at an abstract level. Course literature includes French nonfiction, articles, and financial texts. To improve fluency, classwork includes advanced writing and oral expression styles and techniques, such as commentaries, speeches and debates.
PROFICIENT (SUPERIOR)
This level is for those who posses a high command of the French language and culture and are able to converse fluently and effectively using appropriate expressions and language norms. The curriculum is focused on enabling participants to master the language and express themselves in a proficient manner at an abstract level. Classwork focuses on perfecting oral expression and writing skills and developing a global perspective of French culture in relation to participants' particular field of interest.
- One to One
- Summer Semi-Intensive
- Summer Camp for Juniors
- Summer Camp for Teenagers
- French for Teachers
- Business French for Executives (Mini-group)
For more information on these programs, click here
Free lectures held weekly focus on contemporary French culture, art, and civilization designed to further expand students' vocabulary and comprehension. Topics include French cuisine, Contemporary Literature, Institutions of the 5th Republic, and French media.
Excursions and cultural activities are an important component of learning, and provide participants with a deeper understanding of French culture. A wide range of free excursions to major attractions, museums, historic sites, and galleries, are available, though they may vary depending on program intake. Guided tours and activities held on weekday afternoons are provided free for students enrolled in the Total Program.
For more information on excursions and activities, click here
Teachers are native French and have degrees in teaching French as a Foreign Language. Up-to-date, carefully selected materials are used in class, giving participants valuable information on modern-day French culture and society while at the same time developing their language and communication skills.
Participants' progress is assessed through continuous homework assignments and tests throughout the programs. A Certificate is awarded certifying the type of program, amount of hours studied and the completed level of proficiency at the successful completion of the program.
To provide comfortable housing and extensive immersion in the Parisian lifestyle a range of accommodation options located close to the academy are offered: Host Family, Residence and Hotel. During the summer months, July and August, the summer campus is available. Apply early before the deadline.
Participants who have enrolled in the program are given details of the accommodation pre-departure, including:
| i) |
Accommodation Description |
| ii) |
Address |
| iii) |
Location in relation to school |
For information on accommodation options, click here
Total Program Fees include Tuition, Accommodation, Meals, Textbooks, Registration and Enrollment, Placement Test, Certificate and Transcript, Visa support documentation, Airport Pickup and Transfer to Accommodation, Orientation, Welcome Pack, Language Travel Medical Insurance, and more. Free French culture and civilization lectures, social activities, and guided tours are held. Free e-mail and Internet access is provided. International Program Advisors provide information and assistance pre-departure and throughout the program. For Total Program Fees, click here
For those who already have accommodation and wish to participate in classes only, see Tuition only Fees click here
2009
The school will be closed on the following holidays:
Public Holidays : Apr 13, May 1, May 8, May 21, Jul 14, Nov 11
Christmas Holidays : 19 December 2009 to 3 January 2010.
(The school will open on Monday 4 January 2010).
Participants are required to contact the French Consulate in their home country regarding applicable visa regulations.
If a visa is needed, WLE provides participants with the documents required by the French Consulate:
| 1) |
A Letter of Admission (verifying that full program fees have been paid) |
| 2) |
A Travel Medical Insurance Coverage Letter. |
These documents will be provided as soon as the total program fees are paid and enrolment is completed.
EU citizens do not require a visa to enter France. US citizens do not require a visa for stays shorter than 90 days. For the semester or academic year programs, US citizens are required to apply for a visa.
Note: For those under 18, the French Consulate's visa processing time may take 4 to 6 weeks.
Our Paris immersion French Language programs are offered to persons from all over the world from 18 to 75 years of age (17 to 75 during the summer). Exceptions: Summer Camp for Teenagers (13 - 17 years old) and Summer Teenager Programs accompanied by adult (10 - 15 years old).
Apply early before deadlines. Last day for Application is 6 weeks before the start of the program. For late applications, contact WLE.
For the How To Apply procedures, click here
For the Application Form, click here
For peace of mind, Total Program fees include Emergency Travel and Medical Insurance. StudentCare Insurance covers emergency medical and dental treatment, pro-rata return of program fee in case of curtailment, personal liability, and more. Participants are insured for the duration of the program.
For terms and conditions and further information, click here
For cheap airfares to Paris, starting from US$500, click here
Free pickup from the bus, train station or airport in Paris to your accommodation is provided in the total program. The following important details are required at least 10 days before your arrival.
| 1) |
Arrival date |
| 2) |
Arrival time |
| 3) |
Arrival place |
| Name which Airport (Orly or Roissy Charles de Gaulle), Train station (eg. Gare de Lyon) or Bus station (eg. Gare Internationale de Paris - Gallieni) |
| 4) |
Bus / Train / Flight Number |
| 5) |
Airline / Bus company |
| 6) |
Place of departure |
The emergency number is provided in the Welcome Pack for any last minute arrival delays. Participants are met at the airport and transported to their accommodation.
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