Easy Languages

Program

Destination

As the second largest city in France, Lyon has a very rich cultural heritage and is famous for its gastronomy and vineyards.

At the crossroads of the main European cities such as Paris, Milan, Barcelona, Frankfurt, Brussels, Geneva, London, etc., close to the Mediterranean sea and Alpine ski resorts, Lyon is perfectly located for people wanting to visit France and Europe.

The city of Lyon has been classed as a "World heritage" site by UNESCO since 1998.

A mecca of French gastronomy, Lyon invites you to enjoy its most famous dishes (sausage, jesus, dumplings, sweet fritters) in the famous "bouchons", the small and friendly restaurants hidden away in Lyon’s streets. With a rich architectural heritage and remarkable religious buildings, the city of Lyon will delight visitors with its old districts, ancient theatre, churches and large pedestrian squares animated both day and night. Often wrongly described as a sleepy and "bourgeoise" town, Lyon has undergone a major revival in its population and culture, confirming its status as a European meeting point.

School

Our partner school is a private school that has been offering language courses since 1999. The school is situated in the centre of Lyon, a stone’s throw away from the cultural centre of the city and is easily accessible by public transportation. The school welcomes students with many different nationalities. The school has several facilities for the students, among them are a computer room (with Wi-fi) and a library.

The school is an active member of the IALC (International Association of Language Centres) and respects the standards of quality required by them. The teachers have all been trained to the highest standard.

Courses

Courses are in small groups of 6 to 12 students with a mixture of nationalities. The members of staff are all highly professional and motivated. Each lesson lasts 45 minutes. Classes take place either in the morning or in the afternoon according to your level. Minimum duration is one week. Classes start every Monday except for beginners who have specific starting dates (see the ’Dates’ section below).

The students can choose one of the following courses:

• Standard course: 15 lessons per week
  From beginner to advanced level (not for complete beginners). Comprehensive French course that develops all areas of French language learning: Vocabulary, Spoken and Written Expression, Grammar, Listening and Comprehension, Practical Vocabulary
• Intensive course: 25 lessons per week
  From beginner to advanced level. The classes are designed around activities to work on improving and practicing your French language skills in more specific contexts. Some examples of workshops: phonetics, conversation, written expression, song, cinema, press and TV, dictation, focus on grammar, French culture, etc.
  
• Combined course: Group + One-to-One lessons
  All levels except absolute beginners. A combination between group lessons and one-to-one lessons. A very flexible formula, ideal for those who have limited time available to reach their objectives. Minimum one week.
  Choose between:
  
  • Semi-intensive Combination 1: 15 group lessons + 5 one-to-one lessons.
  • Semi-intensive Combination 2: 15 group lessons + 10 one-to-one lessons
  • Intensive Combination 1: 25 group lessons + 5 one-to-one lessons.
  • Intensive Combination 2: 25 group lessons + 10 private lessons.
• Cultural courses
  A1 level - elementary.
  
  • French and culture: French and culture combines a semi-intensive course (15 lessons) with a programme full of activities that focus on exploring the rich French culture.
  • French and cuisine/cooking: 15 lessons of French combined with cooking lessons. Discover traditional recipes of cuisine lyonnaise, and more general French gastronomy in a practical workshop with demonstration and tasting. A diverse programme of visits based around cuisine and gastronomy, which allow students to discover French cooking traditions and the world-renowned lyonnaises specialties, combined with a semi-intensive French course.
    
    

Activities

Besides a language course there will also be activities, to enable students to explore French culture further. The school organises different activities in the afternoon, among them are: a city tour, museum visits, picnics, concerts and tastings of local dishes. Other activities that are possible in Lyon are:

• Arts - A wide selection of modern theatres, a national Opera house, museums, international exhibitions, concerts, etc.
• Sports - Sports facilities, swimming pools, ice-skating rink, bike lanes, etc.
  
• Leisure- Cinemas, clubs, restaurants, pubs, etc.
• There are also many parks and places of interest to visit throughout the city

You will find an example of the activity schedule organised by the school here.

Accommodation

Host family

We take enormous care in choosing the host family that is best for the student and all of our families are carefully selected and screened. The families provide breakfast and evening meals. Students have their own private room as well, which gives them more independence. However, students are encouraged to spend time with their families in order to make the most out of their stay in the country.

Students will have an individual room, sharing a bathroom, breakfast included.

• Studio in a hotel residence
  

For an additional supplement it is possible to have accommodation in a hotel residence. The residences with which we work are visited regularly by our school director and administrative staff, and prices are constantly being renegotiated so that students of Lyon Bleu receive discounts on the price offered to the general public. The residences are all close to the school (10 to 15 minutes by bus or subway, or 15 to 30 mins on foot). The studios are furnished and equipped (kitchen and bathroom, TV and internet connection). The advantage of this option is its flexibility, as the student can book it for as long as they wish to stay in Lyon. See the price table for the supplement rates.

Prices & Dates

Dates 2012

Sunday arrival - Saturday departure

Starting date for general French courses: every Monday, except 10/04, 02/05, 27/08, 24/12, 31/12.

Specific starting dates for French & culture andFrench & cuisine: 16/01, 13/02, 12/03, 16/04, 21/05, 11/06, 9 & 16/07, 6/08, 10/09, 15/10, 12/11, 3/12.

*Complete beginners have different starting days which are the following: 30/01, 19/03, 23/04, 18/06, 30/07, 17/09, 29/10, 10/12

School is closed on these dates: 09/04, 01, 08 & 17/05, 15/08, 01/11, 25/08-02/09, 22/12-07/01

Prices include:

• The chosen language programme
  
• Host family accommodation (single room in a local family with breakfast); Residential accommodation (studio, single room, breakfast)
• Activities included in the programme
  
• All administrative costs
• Academic materials
  
• Use of the school facilities and the multimedia centre
  
  

Prices do not include:

• Flight or train to Lyon
  
• Transfers
• Transportation in Lyon, if necessary
• Possible visa fees
  

Practical Info

Transport

• Arrival airport: Lyon
  

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

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

If you intend to book your own flight, 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 France.

Citizens of other countries, such as the USA, Brazil, Japan, Korea, etc, can stay in France 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 French Embassy or Consulate, or consult the following link: French Visas