The beautiful spa town of Vichy, in the Auvergne region of central France was an incredibly fashionable destination during the Belle Epoque, and drew in droves of tourists keen to heal themselves in the volcanic waters. The town’s architecture reflects this, and still now walking through Vichy feels as though one has stepped back in time to the late 19th/early 20th Century. This does mean that Vichy has an elegant, sophisticated air and remains a very calm, safe location, which is perfect for young students.
Our French school for young students in Vichy offers modern facilities including multi-media labs, audio-visual equipment and interactive whiteboards. The centre where students take part in sports activities is located just 10 minutes’ walk from the language school and offers fantastic facilities including: 17 tennis courts (clay and hard); a swimming pool; volleyball, basketball and badminton courts; table tennis tables; gym; accrobranch equipment; and a cafeteria.
You will learn French in small groups with a maximum of 15 students and your classmates will have a similar level to yourself. You will have 15 French lessons per week which will normally take place every day (Monday to Friday) from 09.00 until 12.00, with activities taking place in the afternoons and evenings. Lessons will focus on general French with an emphasis on the everyday usage of the language, which does mean that there will be lots of speaking and listening. However, you will, of course, cover all aspects of the language in order to improve your overall level.
Your teachers will be fully qualified to teach French as a foreign language and will also all be native speakers. In addition, they will be very experienced in teaching students of your age and so will understand your requirements and will know how to make your lessons interesting for you.
All students taking this programme will stay in residence accommodation on a full board basis. The youngest students (those aged 12-14/15 years) will stay in a lovely house in the country, about 10km from Vichy. Transport to and from the school is included. Older students (those aged 14 years and above) will stay in a hotel style residence in town. In both of these residences, students will be fully supervised by members of staff who will also live on-site.
Each bedroom sleeps up to three students and you will share the bathroom facilities. Each residence also has a TV room.
Sports are very much on the agenda on this programme and you will be mixed with local French students, meaning that you have plenty of opportunity to practice your French with native speakers of your own age. Examples of typical activities arranged include tennis, golf, swimming, canoeing, rafting, table tennis, basketball, volleyball, squash, mountain biking and archery. In addition, the school will also arrange activities that help you discover the local area, such as excursions to Vulcania or Le Pal. Evening activities, such as parties, are also regularly arranged.
You will be supervised at all times during your course in Vichy, including on activities/excursions and in your accommodation.
You should plan to arrive on the Sunday before your course starts and depart on the Saturday after your course finishes. Airport transfers are not included in the course price but can be arranged for an additional charge.