Easy Languages

Program

Programme overview

If you wish to improve your French all while making the most of your holidays, and if you are aged between 14 and 18 and are thinking of spending a few weeks in France during the summer, this programme is for you. It combines French lessons, activities like surfing, and accommodation with a host family.

This programme is ideal for children and teens wishing to start learning (or improve) their French. The mix of nationalities is guaranteed so students won't have much chance to speak their native language.

The mix of language classes and activities allows students to make rapid progress with their French: they have the opportunity to put nto practice everything they learned during their classes. Their improvement in the language is constant, while remaining relaxed and having fun activities.

Destination

Biarritz, a seaside resort on the Atlantic coast, is situated just 12 km from Spain. Internationally known for its sandy beaches spanning over 3 km, Biarritz is a surfer’s paradise.

It is the capital of "Basque Country", an authentic region proud of its rich history, influenced by both Anglo-Saxon and Spanish cultures.

Young people are attracted to this city because of its pedestrian shopping streets, surf shops, terraced cafés, and lively cosmopolitan atmosphere. It is also an spots city: in addition to surfing, visitors also enjoy body-boarding, horse-riding, rafting, ice-skating, golf, tennis, rugby and "Basque ball".

School

With more than 20 years of experience, our partner school receives students from all over the world every year and uses the latest methods when teaching French as a foreign language to young people. The large diversity of the student groups allows participants to make friends from all sorts of cultural backgrounds and encourages them to speak French as a common language.

Our partner school is situated in the middle of town, right next to the beach. It is modern, well-equipped and offers all facilities that students may require. We offer two programmes: French and Activities or French and Surfing as described below.

Courses

French lessons

The course programme consists of 16 or 20 lessons of 45 minutes per week.

Courses are given in small groups in order to ensure efficiency: a maximum of 15 students. Teachers are natives and highly qualified for teaching French to foreigners.

This programme is available for all levels, from complete beginners to advanced. On arrival, participants will take a level test to be placed into the right group. And at the end of the programme, the participants will get a certificate of attendance.

In the afternoon, the participants will have the choice between different activities and surfing lessons.

French and Activities

Activities in Biarritz include:

• One full-day excursion to the old town of Saint Jean de Luz with its shopping centres and beach, to San Sebastian in Spain, or an excursion to discover “Basque Country”
• One afternoon of supervised sports activities, such as beach volleyball, football, golf, rugby or "Basque Ball".
• One afternoon of surf (located 2 hours away from the school)
• One afternoon activity in Biarritz, such as a guided city tour, a visit to the Chocolate Museum, a visit to the Ocean Museum or to the cinema.
  

Additionally, students can enjoy evening activities such as beach parties and barbecues when these are organised.

The groups are small with 8 to 12 students per class. This course is available for students of all levels, from complete beginner to advanced speakers.

Optional lessons:

• Tennis lessons: four 2 hour sessions per week, excluding Wednesdays
• Sailing lessons: four 2 hour sessions per week, excluding Wednesdays. Catamaran (hobie 15) training at the Cercle Nautique de Cap d'ail (accredited by the French Sailing Federation (FFV)) with certified instructors and a security boat nearby.
• Sports adventure: climbing, diving*, tree climbing, and canyoneering. Participants must be in a good physical condition and have a thrillseeking side. All safety measures are respected, conforming to rulings issued by the Ministry of Youth and Sport. These activities are supervised by both certified instructors and group leaders.
  
  *for diving, a medical certificate is required
• Intensive French lessons; junior DELF exam preparation. The DELF (Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française) is a national qualification. Please contact us for exam dates. 2 x 3 hours of lessons per week.
  
  

French and Surfing

In addition to our standard courseload, participants in Biarritz may also opt to take advantage of the region’s magnificent beaches and waves thanks to our surf programme.

The programme is designed for students of all levels, even those who have never surfed before. Upon completion, students receive a certificate of completion from the French Surfer Federation. Our qualified coaching staff provides instruction and guidance. Equipment is available at no extra cost.

Each week includes:

• One full-day excursion
• 4 afternoons of surfing
  

In addition to these activities, students can take part in various parties and barbecues.

Accommodation

Participants stay with carefully-selected host families, who often have children of their own. With their host families, students have the opportunity to practice their French skills in a real environment. Weekends are spent with the host families, which often proves to be a culturally enriching experience.

Staying with a host family allows you to immerse yourself completely in the French way of life. Sharing meals with a family is an excellent way to perfect your French language skills.

Families often have a child of the same age as the participant. Students will therefore have the opportunity to put into practice the linguistic skills they have acquired in a totally french-speaking environment. Weekends are spent with the family, which allows for an even more complete immersion into the local culture.

Respect and understanding are as equally important to the student as well as the host family, so that the programme runs as pleasantly as possible. We ask you to respect the family's rules and routines; they are very generously opening up their home to you.

Students share a room with another student of a different nationality and are given full-board: breakfast and an evening meal with the family, midday meal at the school.

An emergency number provides 24/7 assistance.

Prices & Dates

Dates 2012

Courses in Biarritz are available from June 3rd to August 18th 2012. The stays run from Sundays to Saturdays.

Prices include:

• The chosen course programme (with 16 lessons per week)
• Activities and excursions
  
• Accommodation in host family
• Full-board (3 meals a day), including lunch at the school
• Supervision and assistance 24 hours a day
• Academic materials
• Certificate of participation at the end of the programme
• Transportation from the Biarritz train station or airport to the host family
  
  

Prices do not include

• Transportation to Biarritz

Practical Info

Transport

• Arrival airports: Biarritz or San Sebastian
• There is a welcome service upon your arrival and departure taking you to and from your accommodation.
  
  

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