Easy Languages

School

Location

As a European capital, Brussels is characterized by its vast diversity. Its leading role within the European Union has acted as a magnet, drawing all sorts of commercial and non-profit organisations. Brussels is also city with a rich cultural history, proudly exhibiting the artifacts of its heritage. It has attracted writers and artists for hundreds of years, and Belgian artists (such as Victor Horta, René Magritte, Paul Delvaux, Hergé and Jacques Brel) have contributed extensively to building Brussels’ global reputation.

Brussels is also a ”green“ city. There are numerous parks throughout the city, offering the visitor the opportunity of strolling or taking a bike ride. Also, the beautiful Forêt de Soignes, or Forest of the Swans, extends all the way from the South to nearly downtown. No description of Brussels could be complete without mentioning the excellent cuisine, chocolate, beers and desserts. Brussels offers a wider range of culture than any other city, at prices that will satisfy thrifty travelers and connoisseurs alike.

School

Our school has extensive experience in teaching, tourism, and general culture in Brussels and is staffed with a qualified, professional team dedicated to helping students get the most well-rounded language learning experience possible. Its objective is to promote Brussels as a French-language capital of Europe by organising French language courses and providing comfortable accommodation in Brussels city centre.

It is ideally located in a modern office building, in the central location of the Arts-Loi junction, at the intersection of the main subway lines. It is a 10 minute walk from all the European institutions and a 20 minute walk from the Grande Place. Please click here for a map to the school.

A comprehensive library stocked with books, dictionaries, magazines and newspapers in French, exercise books for all levels, tapes, CDs, DVDs and a multimedia resource centre allow students to work efficiently at their own level. Our professional teachers have many years experience dealing with international students from over 40 countries.

Activities

The school organises activities once a week (on Wednesdays) to help students discover the city and integrate more fully into the local culture and language. Examples of activities include : creative writing workshop, board games, internet workshop, guided tours through Brussels (foods, Art Nouveau, the European Institutions, etc).

Courses

We currently offer intensive French courses of 15 lessons a week for 4 levels: beginner, elementary, intermediate, and advanced. Courses typically take place in the mornings, although we offer additional intermediate classes in the afternoons. Each lesson lasts 60 minutes. We allow no more than 15 students per class, although average class size is around 8 students. Students also enjoy free access to a well-stocked library and media centre.

Beginners are required to take at least 4 weeks of classes. The courses are for ages 18 years and up.

We offer a variety of courses:

• General Intensive French
  15 lessons a week, from Monday through Friday, either in the morning from 9:00 to 12:00 or from 1:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon. However, classes will usually take place in the morning so you can enrol in courses in the afternoon.
• Conversation Workshop
  This workshop offers 4 hours a week of French conversation for students who wish to improve their oral skills. These courses take place in the afternoon twice a week. They are not available to beginners.
  
• Combined Courses
  The combined courses include weekly 15 hours of general courses in the morning and 5 individual lessons in the afternoon. The general courses are held from 9:00 to 12:00 in groups of an average of 8 students (15 maximum).
• Private Lessons
  Private lessons allow students to follow a programme catered to their personal interests and weaknesses. Minimum of 5 hours/week, open to students not taking other programmes.
  
• DELF or DALF Exam Preparation
  Our school is a licensed test centre for the internationally recognized DELF and DALF exams. Multiple sessions are organised each year. Before each session, the school offers intensive one-week preparation courses and Saturday workshops. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information and test dates.
• Summer Courses
  In June and July, the school offers 1, 2, or 3 week intensive French sessions available at all levels. Instead of the 15 lessons a week offered during the school year, these courses feature 20 lessons a week, either in the morning or the afternoon, from Monday to Friday. This programme can be combined with other workshops, such as the conversation workshop.

Accommodation

We offer two possibilities for accommodation in Brussels:

• Executive Residences:
  Our centrally located shared residences offer a stimulating and comfortable environment. The residences feature:
  • Private or Shared Rooms
  • Private Bathrooms
  • Complete facilities including an equipped kitchen or a private kitchenette and refrigerator, microwave, a cosy living room, washing machine and Internet.
  • Weekly housekeeping.
  Students must bring their own bedsheets and towels.
  The residences are located just a few minutes walk from the Schuman and European district and are within walking distance (within 20 minutes) of both the school and the Grand Place.
  
• Dormitory-style Residence:
  Our dormitory style residence features Private rooms with an individual fridge and kitchenette (or a common full-equipped kitchen), a bed with mattress, a desk, shelves and storage space, shared showers and toilets, and is located near the Botanique subway station.
  
  There is a weekly cleaning of common facilities. Laundrymats are located nearby. Bedsheets must be provided by the student. There is free Internet access in the residence.

To ensure you comfort and satisfaction, we offer you the possibility of changing your accommodation: if you stay in our residence for a period of 4 weeks or more, you’ll be able to change your accommodation depending on availability.

All accommodations are strictly non-smoking. Upon arrival you will be asked for a refundable accommodation deposit of 300€.

For more information about our accommodation, including maps to our houses and booking details, please click here.

Prices and Dates

Prices include:

• Written level test before arrival
• Chosen course programme (15 lessons per week or more)
  
• Chosen accommodation
  
• All registration and administrative fees
  
• All teaching materials
  
• Access to the library and media centre
  

Prices do not include

• Transportation to and from Brussels
• Possible exam fees

Dates 2012

Courses start every Monday, except for courses for absolute beginners who must begin at the following dates: 09/01, 06/02, 05/03, 10/04, 07/05, 04/06..

For the summer session, we advise you to start on the following dates (which correspond to the starting date of each session): 27 June, 18 July

Warning: absolute beginners must take at least 4 weeks of courses, and begin their programme at the start of the session.

There will be no courses during national holidays: : From 1st to 7th January, from 2nd to 9th April, 1stmai, 17th May, 28th May

Practical Info

Transport

• Arrival: Brussels Zaventem airport, or Midi/Central stations
  

An (optional) transfer is available between arrival and accommodation - see price table.

If you prefer, we can book your travelfor you. This must be made clear at the moment of enrolment.

If you intend to arrange your own travel, try to arrive the Sunday before the start of your course and leave the Saturday following its end.

Visa Information

EU residents do not normally need a Visa to enter Belgium.

Citizens of other countries, such as the USA, Brazil, Japan, Korea, etc, can stay in Belgium without a Visa for up to 3 months.

If you intend to stay for longer than 3 months, you will need to apply for a Student Visa (type D) before arriving.

Students coming from such countries must acquaint themselves with the visa application procedures involved at their local Belgian Embassy or Consulate.