Learn French in Bordeaux, Biarritz, Nice, Paris Opéra and Victor Hugo!
Frequently asked questions
OUR SCHOOLS
How many French schools do you have in France?
BLS has schools in Bordeaux and Biarritz. In Bordeaux you can choose from a wide range of French courses for adults (individuals or groups) all year round. In Biarritz, from April to late October we offer a range of French courses for adults together with programmes for young British students
Does the school have any official recognition?
BLS has the status of a French private school of higher education and is registered as such by the French Ministry of Education.
BLS Bordeaux has been awarded the “Quality Award for French as a Foreign Language”. It is one of the first French as a Foreign Language Schools in France to receive this accolade for the quality of its teaching, facilities and services (management, enrolment, accommodation, etc).
Read about our quality charter
Does each school have a telephone number to call in the event of an emergency?
OUR COURSES
When do courses start?
Most programmes can be started on any Monday, except for the certain courses:
Beginners, long duration courses and other fixed date programmes.
Please refer to individual course information.
Do you offer courses for all levels?
Yes, we offer a full range of courses from beginner level through to advanced.
Which course corresponds to my level?
Please refer to individual course information.
What happens if I cannot keep up with the programme?
At BLS there is no question of not keeping up with the programme. Throughout your course, the teachers and the Administration Coordinator closely monitor your progression, so that you move from one level to the next at your own pace. And if you feel that you are having difficulties understanding the lessons or find them too easy, we will find a solution to your problem.
Should I bring my own textbooks?
If you want to study a specific subject or if you have selected private tuition then yes, you can bring your own textbooks or professional documents. However, BLS supplies the manuals and documents required for your course, in return for a deposit of 20 euros
How quickly will I progress?
Progress depends on:
- Your current level in French
- The course you choose
- The duration of your course
- Your language learning ability
- Your knowledge of one or several foreign languages
- Your personal motivation
Does BLS arrange any extracurricular activities?
Yes, we suggest a wide range of cultural activities after classes. These cost between 5€ and 30€. There are also some free activities.
How long in advance do I need to enrol?
At least 3 weeks before the start of the course.
Enrolment
What should I not forget to bring?
Besides a dictionary we advise you to pack an electrical adapter and a converter (if required).
How can I pay for tuition?
Payments must be in euros by Visa or Mastercard credit card, bank transfer or cheque
Should I take out insurance before leaving?
Absolutely. It should cover personal liability, medical expenses, sickness, accident and injury, repatriation, loss or theft of luggage and valuables. We also strongly recommend you insure for inability to attend or finish a course at BLS.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Are there direct flights from my country to Bordeaux?
Bordeaux International Airport has more than 200 flights per week. Most direct flights are to European cities (London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Luton, Southampton, Dublin, Brussels, Madrid, Geneva, Basel, Munich, Stockholm, Barcelona, Oslo, etc.). A Bordeaux-Paris flight lasts 50 minutes. You can also travel by High Speed Train (TGV) – Paris to Bordeaux takes 3 hours.
Full information: Getting to Bordeaux
Air France | Air Lingus | BMI Baby | British Airways | Easyjet | Flybe | Lufthansa | Germanwings
Are there direct flights from my country to Biarritz?
Biarritz Airport offers a large number of flights every week. Most direct flights are to European cities (Paris, London, Dublin, Shannon, Frankfurt, Geneva). You can also travel by High Speed Train (TGV) from Paris to Biarritz.
Will I need a visa?
We recommend you ask the French Embassy or Consulate in your country for information about the type of visa you need for your stay in France
ACCOMMODATION
How close to the school is my accommodation?
The distance can vary from a 5 minute walk to 30 minutes by bus or tram. Please refer to individual accommodation details in Bordeaux and Biarritz.