Learn and master French in the heart of Nice on the French Riviera. Nice presents a unique multicultural atmosphere, blending the old with the new, which allows participants to experience the city's history and culture while enjoying world famous beaches and seaside resorts. Nice dates back to Roman and Greek periods and cultural aspects include artists such as Chagall, Matisse, and Cezanne, opera, theatres, and jazz festivals. Participants immerse in the French language, culture and way of life in the Riviera. |
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The French language programs in Nice are designed to immerse participants in French. Classes are held at the Academy of French Language situated close to Nice's town center. The academy is centrally located in a historic building constructed at the beginning of last century on rue d'Angleterre. Close by is the famous shopping center, Nice Etoile, the train station, bus station, and beaches. In the summer, classes are also held on a second campus in Cimiez District near the Matisse and Chagall museums, Roman Arenas, and the Museum of Archeology.
The programs integrate all aspects of the language: reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar, phonetics and vocabulary. Accelerated teaching methods allow participants at lower proficiency levels to acquire the language skills needed for effective communication in a short period of time, and for those at higher proficiency levels, attain expression proficiency at an abstract level. Topics studied include everyday situations, French culture, society, and history.
A wide range of free weekly excursions and activities expand participants' learning opportunities to outside the classroom. This ensures experience of the French Riviera, culture, life and surrounding French regions while being immersed in the language and society.
- Complete immersion in the French language
- Total beginner to advanced classes are available
- Regular, Intensive, or Combination programs are offered
- Short Term programs: 1 weeks to 24 weeks
- Long Term programs: 25 weeks or 37 weeks
- Start on specific dates throughout the year
- Other programs offered: DELF, High School program, French for Teachers
- Accelerated learning: 5 to 8 students per class
- Free after-class language study
- Free weekly guided tours, excursions, and activities
- Free activities with native French speakers
- US college credit transfer available
The curriculum is based on the needs of each proficiency level (see below for description) and is designed to allow participants to progress rapidly and achieve language fluency. Modern teaching methods focus on instilling linguistic, practical, communicative, and cultural aspects of the language, while being fully immersed as the French way of life.
Interactive teaching methods ensure that participants gain valuable information about contemporary French culture and society. Emphasis is placed on developing participants' oral expression, listening comprehension, reading comprehension, writing, and grammatical skills. A variety of up-to-date materials introduce France's, culture, history, literature, and current social and economic life.
These programs are designed to focus on all aspects of the language including developing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, as well as grammar, phonetics and vocabulary. All levels from Total Beginner to Advanced are available (see 'Placement Test & Levels' below). Classes are held from Monday to Friday. Each class is 45 minutes long.
For more information and the curriculum outline of Immersion French Language Programs, click here
| French Language Immersion Programs |
Duration |
Start Dates 2009 |
Regular
20 classes/week |
From a minimum of 1 week to 24 weeks |
Total Beginners
Feb 2, Mar 2, Apr 6, May 4, June 2, July 6, Aug 3, Sep 14, Oct 12, Nov 9
All other Levels
Jan 5, Jan 19, Feb 2, Feb 16, Mar 2, Mar 16, Mar 30, Apr 6, Apr 14, Apr 20, May 4, May 18, June 2, June 15, June 29, July 6, July 13, July 20, July 27, Aug 3, Aug 10, Aug 17, Aug 24, Aug 31, Sep 14, Sep 28, Oct 12, Oct 26, Nov 9, Nov 23, Dec 7* (* maximum 2 weeks).
|
Intensive
30 classes/week |
Combination Tailored 25L
20 classes/week (Regular program) plus 5 Individual classes/week |
Combination Tailored 30L
20 classes/week (Regular program) plus 10 Individual classes/week |
| Summer Programs |
Regular, Intensive, Combination Tailored (see above)
|
2008:
Public Holidays: 1 Jan, 9 April, 1 May, 8 May, 17 May, 14 July, 15 Aug, 1 Nov, 11 Nov, 25 Dec
Christmas and New Year Holiday: 19 December 2008 to 5 January 2009
2009:
Public Holidays : April 13, May 1, May 21, June 1, July 14, Nov 11
Christmas : From 19 December 2009 to 03 January 2010
There are 5 main proficiency levels that are further divided. A written and oral test is held for non-beginners to ensure that they are placed in the correct level of proficiency. First, participants are placed according to the level indicated 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 written test consists of a multiple-choice questionnaire. The oral test consists of a personal interview that includes an assessment of participant's syntax, vocabulary, pronunciation, and intonation.
To test your current level of French using the Quicktest, click here
TOTAL BEGINNER AND FALSE BEGINNER
This level is for those who have never learned French or who have learned a few words but cannot express themselves in complete sentences. The curriculum is designed to provide knowledge of basic French. Classes focus on building everyday vocabulary, simple texts and basic grammar. Conversation classes focus on simple topics related to daily life. Phonetics exercises and drills ensure that participants quickly learn correct pronunciation and intonation.
ELEMENTARY
This level is for those who have learned French, can construct and understand simple sentence structures, and those who have learned basic grammar systematically. Classes focus on improving vocabulary, sentence structures, listening, reading, and speaking skills. Writing exercises include composing simple letters, short essays, and reports. Phonetics exercises and drills ensure that participants quickly learn correct pronunciation and intonation. At the end of the program, participants should be able to converse on daily topics and express themselves using elementary sentence structures.
INTERMEDIATE (Low and High)
This level is for those who are able to converse on general topics and express themselves in complete sentences. Classes build on increasing the level of grammar and vocabulary, enabling participants to express themselves functionally in different contexts. Classwork focuses on current French events, civilization and literature to build vocabulary, while 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 participants' fluency, classwork includes advanced exercises in writing and oral expression. These include commentaries, essays, speeches, and debates.
Teachers are native French and have degrees in teaching French as a Foreign Language. A range of up-to-date, and 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.
These special programs are ideal to for participants who wish to devote a short amount of time to mastering the language. The programs have intensive curriculums and are designed for those with at least intermediate level French language skills (other than French for Seniors who only need elementary skills).
For more information and the curriculum outline of Other Programs, click here
To test your current level of French using the Quicktest, click here
Free after class language study is available on weekday afternoons from 3.45pm until 5.30pm. It is ideal for additional language coaching, homework assistance, and conversational practice. Participants freely consult language teachers during this after class study time.
To ensure a comprehensive learning experience, excursions and activities are provided as part of the program. Admission, transportation, and participation are included at no additional cost. The program of scheduled activities varies. These excursions and activities are held on weekday afternoons or weekends and may include the following:
Once a week: Visit to the opera, theatre, a concert, museum, or social events such as bowling, beach party (summer), and more.
Once or twice a month: French cinema (classic and recent films).
Weekend excursion: Full day excursions to Monte Carlo, Monaco, Cannes, Provence, Saint Paul de Vence, or Boating to Monaco, or Illes de Lérins.
(not included in Program Fees)
Learn how to sail a catamaran or underwater diving during the program. Instructors are qualified, experienced and certified by the French Sailing Federation or The Federation of French Underwater Sports F.F.E.S.M. (Federation Francaise D'etudes et de Sports Sous-Marins). Classes are held in the afternoons for 2 weeks. Sailing takes place from July to August and Underwater Diving from May to October.
For more information, click here
Participants' progress is assessed through continuous homework assignments and tests throughout the programs. At the successful completion of the program, a certificate is awarded certifying the type of program, the number of hours studied, and the completed level of proficiency.
To cater for the varying needs of the participants enrolled in the program, a range of accommodation options, located close to school, are offered. These options include: French Host, Host Family, Studio, or Hotel. Participants who have enrolled in the program are given details of the accommodation prior to departure. These include a description of the accommodation, the address, and the location in relation to the school.
For information on accommodation options, click here
Accommodation is available on a first come first served basis so early application is recommended.
Total Program Fees include Tuition, Accommodation, 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, e-mail and Internet access, and more. Free afterclass tutoring, social activities and guided tours are held throughout the program. International Program Advisors provide information and assistance pre-departure and throughout the program. For Total Program Fees, click here
Tuition Fees only are for those who do not require accommodation or other program features and wish to participate only in the classes, see Tuition only Fees click here
There are no special requirements. The program is open to participants from all over the world, who are at least 16 years old. For exceptions, contact WLE Offices.
Apply early before deadlines. The last application day is 6 weeks before the start of the program.
For late applications, contact WLE Offices.
For 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
Those who do not require Language Insurance coverage, contact WLE Offices.
Past participants are awarded US credit transfers after completing this program from universities such as Eastern Illinois University. Participants are required to contact the Study Abroad Advisor or French Language Department in their home college or university regarding the procedures for academic transfer. If assistance is needed, contact WLE's Offices.
For cheap airfares to Nice, starting from US$500, click here
Free pickup from the bus, train station or airport in Nice, to your
accommodation is provided for students staying with a Host Family (between
8am and 10pm). Details of your arrival such as the date, time and place
are required at least 10 days before your arrival.
To see what our current students are up to in Paris.
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Combine your Courses in more than one location! Click Here!
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