Beginners French courses - Intensive French language courses
French language lessons - Study French in Nice Côte d'Azur
French language school in France to learn French
The Courses
Good to know
- 1 lesson = 45 minutes.
- 5 to 8 students per class, maximum 10.
- A written and oral entrance test takes place on the first Monday morning.
- No group courses that day. Your course is starting on Tuesday.
- After your test, you are invited to take part in an orientation tour of Nice old town and the famous « Promenade des Anglais »
- Please note that from June to September some morning courses might take place in the late afternoon.
Our French Language Courses
Our method, called the direct method, allows you to apply your knowledge quickly and efficiently. It is based upon:
- Team oral exercises. Role-playing, discussions, simulations, round tables, tape recordings, practical exercises in real life situations, video, games...
- A "digestible" approach to learning grammar, developed from the student's book (that is given to you upon your arrival) and permanently updated authentic documents ... newspapers, narration, song lyrics, TV or radio broadcasts, exercises...
Our teachers, or rather pedagogues (all of whom are French and fully qualified) that are
- Responsible for the harmony and dynamics of the group
- Experienced in pedagogical objectives
- Able to motivate and encourage you.
1 - Continuous French
20 lessons per week (9.00am - 10.40am / 11am - 12.20pm ) 1 to 24 weeks - All levels
All levels This French course offers you: Development of grammatical skills, improvement of vocabulary, oral expression, comprehension, reading and practise of written language.
(There will always be a little homework to do for the next day)
2 - Intensive French
30 lessons per week (9.00am - 10.40am / 11am - 12.20pm + 3 afternoons 1.15pm - 3.45pm) 1 to 24 weeks - Requested level: A1 or higher
Very thorough programme: morning lessons similar to the Continuous French course + 10 lessons during three afternoons devoted to the practical application of your knowledge, an approach to cultural, social political and economic life in France. According to your level: opinion polls, debates, literature, history, theatre, music...
3 - Combination Course
20+5, 20+10, 20+15 or 20+20 lessons per week - 1 to 24 weeks - All levels
This course combines the subjects of the « Continuous French Course » with those of an « Individual Course ».
20 lessons/week of group tuition (in the morning.) and 5, 10, 15 or 20 lessons/week of individual tuition (in the afternoon),
tailored to suit your needs and wishes : General French, Commercial French, Law, Tourism, Hotel Trade, Translation and Interpreter ship (from English, Italian, Spanish or German into French ), Exam Preparation...
4 - Individual Courses
In the afternoon - 2 to 5 lessons per day
The programme of the course depends on your professional, academic or personal requirements.
Different programmes "à la carte" on request.
(Please indicate your wishes when sending your enrolment)
French Course Option D.E.L.F., D.A.L.F. or T.C.F.
Preparation and entry for the chosen examination
D.E.L.F - Diplôme d’Etudes de Langue Française
Combination Course with DELF option
Duration: 4 weeks - 20 + 6 lessons per week (see course n°3 - Combination Course)
Required level: depending on the diploma you are aiming to take
At the moment the D.E.L.F. is the only diploma of French as a foreign language which is officially recognised by the French Ministry of Education. It has been accepted by more than 150 countries and is widely recognised by administrations and firms.
The D.E.L.F. offers 4 diplomas which can be taken independently from each other and it squares with the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
D.E.L.F A1certifies your first knowledge, Level A1 « Breakthrough » of the European Framework
D.E.L.F A2 certifies an elementary knowledge, Level A2 « Waystage » of the European Framework
D.E.L.F B1 certifies an intermediate knowledge, Level B1 « Threshold » of the European Framework
D.E.L.F B2 certifies an advanced knowledge, Level B2 « Vantage » of the European Framework.
Tuition is organised according to the exam requirements. This means an approach to the main aspects of French language: grammar, vocabulary, standard of written and oral expression, knowledge of French culture and civilisation.
If your current language level is already the one you of your requested diploma, you can enrol directly for the 4 week preparation course. If your current level is just under the one of the requested diploma, you will have to do a 4 week Continuous
Course before your DELF Preparation Course (see course n° 1). Our Quick Test will help you to determine your level.
NOTES :
Mr Richez Pascal, Director of Alpha.b, as well as Ms Brenda Malalel and Ms Priscilla Hoor, teachers of Alpha.b, are members of the D.E.L.F. jury.
D.A.L.F - Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française
Combination Course with DALF option
Duration: 3 weeks - 20 + 15 lessons per week (see course n°3 - Combination Course)
Required level: C1 (see attached Quick Test)
The DALF C1 corresponds to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and certifies an independent language user.
This diploma allows entrance into a French University and exempts you from taking another language test.
(DALF Examination takes place at the University in Nice.)
The DALF Preparation course lasts 3 weeks and you are following a Combination Course 20 + 15. During the 15 private lessons per week you will be taught by a specialised teacher. This course covers the 4 tested language competences :
listening, reading, speaking and writing.
Description of examinations on request or on the CIEF Website: www.ciep.fr
T.C.F – Test de Connaissance du Français
Combination Course with TCF option
Duration: 2 weeks - 20+5 lessons per week (see course n°3 - Combination Course)
Required level: All language levels
The TCF is a standard graded test designed by the CIEP (Centre International d’Etude Pédagogique) and awarded by the French Ministry of Education.
It is intended for anybody who wishes to have their competency in French assessed and certified simply, reliably and quickly for professional, personal or academic reasons. Testing takes place in Nice and your Certificate of Achievement is valid for two years.
The TCF is a multiple-choice test that consists of 80 items divided into 3 sections:
- listening
- grammatical structures
- reading
The TCF also offers 2 optional tests assessing:
- speaking
- writing
Les épreuves obligatoires se présentent sous la forme d’un QCM comportant 80 items et qui sont présentés dans un ordre de difficulté progressive allant du niveau A1 au niveau C2 du Cadre européen de référence.
La passation de l’épreuve orale se présente sous la forme d’un entretien avec un examinateur/examinatrice.
6 - Executive French
Lessons take place form Monday to Friday
- 2 to maximum 5 students per class
- 1 lesson = 45 minutes.
- Duration : 1 week
- 30 lessons in a mini group
Lessons in a mini group : 9.00 - 10.40/11.00 - 12.20/13.45 - 15.15
Required level : B1 or higher
Equipment used during the course: came scope / video / phone / multimedia projector / computers / Internet
This course, purposely reduced in number of students, is designed to businessmen, engineers, skilled workers… wishing an intensive but short termed course to update or improve their language skills.
Course programme of the mini group lessons
MEETING THE COURSE PARTICPANTS
- First contact
Description of profession and responsibilities
Personal details
Countries and nationalities
PRESENTATION OF THE ENTERPRISE
Structure - Profile - Projects
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND COMPARISON
Different ways of describing a product (during a staff meeting, a conference or to clients)
Size …
Needs
Comparison of products and profit or loss of the different enterprises
TRADING RESULTS & FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF THE ENTERPRISE
Different ways of discussing profit and loss (during a staff meeting, a conference or to clients)
State events and targets
Balance sheets / Banks / Financing / Currencies / Payment methods / Insurances
HOW TO NEGOCIATE IN FRENCH
Discussions & Exercises
Disapproving a price
Pending invoices
Renegotiation of a contract
Justification of a price increase
Salary topics
Dealing with conflicts
MARKET REPORT AND TRENDS
Different ways of explaining curves and describing changes (during a staff meeting, in a conference or to clients)
FRENCH GRAMMAR
Essential grammar points are developed at the same time as the course modules.
7 - French for Teachers
- Lessons take place form Monday to Friday
- 2 to maximum 5 students per class
- 1 lesson = 45 minutes.
- Duration : 2 weeks
- 36 lessons per week (9.00 - 10.40 / 11.00 - 12.20/13.15 - 15.30 + workshop of 2 lessons the second week)
- Required level : C1/C2
This course is designed to French teachers from all over the world. It will allow to improve and/or update your linguistic skills and your knowledge of present cultural, social and economic aspects. Moreover several workshops are offered: Modern techniques and methods of teaching and their evolution / Pedagogic and group dynamic / Tools and games to use in class / Improvement, evaluation and control of skills / Nationalities and their specific problems in learning French language.
Programme détaillé
du cours
8 - A Level Course
30 lessons per week
(9.00 - 10.40 / 11.00 - 12.20 + 3 afternoons 13.15 – 15.45)
1 OR 2 weeks
Required level: 4 to 6 years of school French. (Size: 4 - 10 students per class)
This course is designed for high school students who want to improve their knowledge of French with a view to the examination, which marks the end of their school education.
Morning lessons are devoted to grammatical and functional aims according to the programme of the French Continuous Course (see course no. 1).
Afternoon lessons are reserved for résumé techniques and text analysis. This is also part of the next day's work to be corrected and analysed by the teacher.
1 to 2 hours per day after lessons for preparation or exercises.
All text material used in lessons deals with French literature and civilisation.
9 - Parcours Français (French + Culture)
- 5 à 8 personnes par classe - maximum 10.
- 1 leçon = 45 minutes.
35 leçons par semaine
(9H00 - 10H40 / 11H00 - 12H20 & 4 après-midi – horaires selon l’atelier)
2 soirées & 1 excursion
Cours de 2 semaines
Niveau requis : A2 et plus (cf Quick test)
Connaître la langue française, c’est aussi avoir une idée de ce qui fait la France d’aujourd’hui.
Ce cours vous apportera la connaissance de ce qui fait l’image de la France à travers le mode de la gastronomie, la mode, le cinéma, l’humour, la chanson et les arts…
En complément des cours de français général dispensés les matins (conversation, grammaire, vocabulaire), les cours de l’après-midi vous feront découvrir la vie à la française…
Au programme des après-midi…
Une initiation à la cuisine française. (2h)
Un vrai chef vous accueillera dans ses locaux et vous donnera directives et conseils afin de réaliser sur place des plats que vous pourrez réaliser à votre retour chez vous ! Le cours sera suivi de la dégustation des plats ainsi préparés avec l’ensemble des participants.
Le cinéma en France aujourd’hui (3h). Analyse d’extraits de films français contemporains, dans leur structure et leurs spécificités. Critiques, débats, échanges d’opinions...
Panorama de la chanson française des années 60 à nos jours (2h30). Extraits, points communs et différences, entre divers artistes et diverses générations. Définition de la chanson française. Ses points forts / faibles par rapport à l’étranger.
Visite guidée du musée Matisse, suivie d’une initiation à l’aquarelle, dans les magnifiques jardins du Monastère de Cimiez
Un après-midi créatif… où l’on parle aussi couleur, forme, lumière… (3h)
Un après-midi excursion dans le village historique d’Eze (3h). Visite guidée et commentée de la célèbre parfumerie Fragonard. Durant le transport jusqu’à Eze (30 minutes) notre guide vous fera l’historique du parfum, racontera des anecdotes, mais aussi ce qu’il faut savoir… (Activité ouverte aux autres stagiaires et limitée à 25 places)
Un moment de détente garantie sur le thème de l’humour français… ! Extraits de sketchs, de BD, de textes… bref Ce qui fait rire les Français (2h).
La mode homme / femme, les principaux courants des créateurs… leur influence sur le prêt à porter, les tendances.
En fin d’après-midi, petit « lèche vitrine » Hermes, Dior, Chanel, Lacroix, à deux pas de l’institut.(2h30)
Les règles du savoir-vivre… tout ce qu’il faut savoir sur le « bienséant » en société… lors d’un repas, d’une réception etc… comment se comporter avec les femmes, les hommes… mais aussi les absurdités et autres bizarreries… (2h)
Et en soirée
Un apéritif… quiz en équipe dans un pub « branché » de Nice. Testez ou enrichissez vos connaissances sur la France … « pas de stress, c’est cool! »
Une soirée dégustation vin et fromage. Vous découvrirez les secrets d’un bon vin, les conseils à suivre pour le choisir en fonction de ce qu’il va accompagner à table, comment le conserver etc… Quant au fromage, il sera décliné sous toutes ses catégories et particularités.
Dégustation de 3 fromages associés à 3 vins, selon leurs caractéristiques réciproques. (Activité ouverte aux autres étudiants mais limitée à 20 personnes maxi.)
- 35 lessons per week
- Duration : 2 weeks
- 5 to 8 students per class - maximum of 10
From Monday to Friday: (9.00 - 10.40 / 11.00 + 12.20) & 4 afternoons per week - timetable depending on the different workshops
Required level : A2 or higher (see Quick Test)
Does one can pretend knowing French language without knowing today’s French life ?
This course is designed to students interested in combining a French language course with workshops on French cooking, fashion, cinema, humour, chanson, arts, etc. Morning lessons are following the Continuous French programme, afternoons are devoted to discover the French way of life.
Afternoon programme…
Cooking lessons (2 hours) :
You are guided by a real “Chef” welcoming you in his professional cuisine.
French Cinema of today (3 hours) :
Analysis of contemporary French films.
Panorama of French chanson from the 60s until today (2.30).
Guided visit of the Matisse museum followed by an introduction to aquarelles. Painting lesson takes place in the splendid garden of the Cimiez monastery.
Excursion to the historical village of EZE (3 hours)
Guided visit of the famous Fragonard perfume factory.
(This activity is open to other students but limited to the number of 20).
French humour (2 hours)
You will have fun during these workshop ! Sketches, comics, texts… in short : all that makes French people laughing.
Fashion (2.30)
Main designers in France. Their influence on ready-to-wear and trends. This afternoon is ending with window shopping. Hermes, Dior, Chanel and Lacroix boutiques are just next door to the school.
Good manners in France (2 hours)
All you need to know about. Eating manners, how to act the right and proper way towards women/men… and also strange behaviour going along with it.
Evening programme...
Apéritif / Quiz evening in a pub. Test your knowledge on French culture. Don’t stress - it’s fun !
Wine and cheese tasting. You will learn all about a good wine and different cheese categories. How to
10 - Club 50
15 lessons per week - Course duration: 2 weeks - 5 to 8 students per class. (Max. 10)
Lessons take place from Monday to Friday 9.30 - 10.30 / 11.00 - 12.15
Activity programme 7 afternoons - 2 evenings - 1 whole day
Required level : A2 or higher (see Quick Test)
Details
This course is designed to senior students and combines practice of French language and different aspects of French culture.
Lessons .
Morning lessons are devoted to topics of cultural activities offered in the afternoon. Development with the help of plays, debates, documents by using different supports like newspapers, video, etc . Highly practical approach to the language while developing communication and comprehension. This course leads every participant to a highest possible independence when using and understanding French language.
1er Activities .
1st week
Monday 13.30 - 16.30 : visit of Nice old town, history and colourful places
Tuesday 13.30 - 18.00 : excursion to Beaulieu and Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, visit of the Kerylos and Rothschild villa
Wednesday 17.00 - 20.00 : Cuisine provençale, wine tasting .
Thursday 13.30 - 18.00 : excursion to Cagnes sur Mer, visit of the Renoir museum
Friday afternoon: free time
Saturday 09.00 - 18.00 : excursion to Entrevaux, visit of medieval village
Sunday afternoon : Classic music, concert of the Nice opera
2nd week
Monday afternoon : guided visit of the Chagall museum
Tuesday 13.30 - 18.00 : excursion to Villefranche sur Mer
Wednesday 18.00 - 20.00 : Salsa evening
Thursday 19.30 - 23.00 : Dinner in a restaurant with alpha.b staff
Friday: Shopping
Practical information
- Excursions take place by bus or train and the group is accompanied by a teacher or our social director (this isn't valid for the 1st Sunday and the 2nd Friday)
- For the visits of towns and villages we only chose short walking distances with several breaks .
- Besides the excursion to Entrevaux, tuition and activities are reserved to seniors only and no other student will be mixed to the group.
- Accommodation is carefully chosen near the school (less than 1 kilometre by walking)
- All activities are guided and commented in French language .
Activity programme during the February session is partly focused on Carnival events.
11 - Family course
20 lessons per week
(9.00 – 10.40 / 11.00 – 12.20)
1 or 2 weeks – All levels
This programme is designed to families, parents and children, who want to do a language stay.
Parents: You participate in our French Continuous Course (see course no. 1)
Kids: Our young learners, aged between 9 and 15 years, are taught in a mini group of 5 children with overlapping language levels.
To make learning more fun, the programme includes a lot of games, little excursions and visits.