Learn French in Switzerland - ESL Montreux - French Courses

A range of courses with varying levels of intensity are offered all year long at our Montreux and Lyon course centres. You can choose the number of lessons and module type that are right for you depending upon your needs, goals, interests and the length of your stay.

Our teaching method

The method used at our course centres is built around communication. To achieve this, our classes comprise a maximum of 12 students, which will allow you to take an active part in your lessons on an ongoing basis. We have based our approach to language not on the incorporation of exercises and rote phrases that do not fit the students’ context, but rather on the pursuit of linguistic goals that are both concrete and practical. You will thus develop your own know-how and not simply accumulate knowledge that you will only be able to apply in a specific context. We use a variety of recognised French as a Second Language (FSL) methods and incorporate the use of current topics and the richness offered by multicultural classes.

A level of learning for every one

Your French language skills will be assessed with a grading test, in order to place you in a class coresponding to your level of language proficiency. Our scale of levels is in line with the European Framework of Reference for Languages, which has become a standard framework in Europe for the teaching of foreign languages. Twice a month, your main instructor will provide you with a report assessing the progress that you have made and will meet with you to discuss points that need improvement in the
future.

Your teachers

Everyone knows that students initially need a good teacher if they want to learn a language successfully. Our qualified instructors have experience in teaching French to classes of international students. These teachers use a number of modern, effective methods that ensure that the lessons will be varied and lively. The instructors will guide you towards the best possible results using a combination of group projects, pair work, and individual attention given to each participant.

General French

20 lessons
  • Beginner to advanced levels
  • Course duration: from 1 to 52 weeks
  • 20 lessons per week // Available all year round
  • Courses start every Monday

Courses for total beginners only start on these dates:
03.03. / 05.05. / 02.06. / 04.08. / 01.09.2008

General French is our standard course that will enable you to gain a solid grounding in all key aspects of the French language while allowing you to dedicate much of the day to other activities.

Intensive French

25 lessons
  • Elementary to advanced levels
  • Course duration: from 1 to 52 weeks
  • 25 lessons per week
  • Available all year round
  • Courses start every Monday

By enrolling in the Intensive French course, you will be taking advantage of the opportunity to progress more rapidly as you learn French. In addition to the Standard French coursework, you will attend 5 additional communicationoriented lessons each week. However, you will still have plenty of free time for extracurricular activities.

Super Intensive French

30 lessons
  • Elementary to advanced levels
  • Course duration : from 1 to 52 weeks
  • 30 lessons per week
  • Available all year round
  • Courses start every Monday

With 30 lessons per week, the Super Intensive module allows students to progress as quickly as possible. With six lessons a day, you will quickly achieve the goals that you have set for yourself. If your time is limited, the 30-lesson course module may also be the right choice for you.

Private lessons

  • Beginner to advanced levels
  • Available all year round (except July and August)
  • One-to-one

To achieve your specific objectives, take a few private courses customised to suit your particular needs, goals and interests.

French course & Exam preparation

If you would like to finish off your coursework with a language diploma officially recognised by universities and employers around the world, you may choose to take one of the “language course and diploma” modules that will allow you to improve your language skills in 2, 4, 6 or 8 weeks before sitting an examination. All the examinations being offered at the end of our modules are recognised by the Ministère de l’Education Française (French Ministry of Education), universities, career training schools and the business world.

TCF - Test de connaissance du français

Standard course & 5 TCF lessons
  • Elementary to advanced level
  • 2, 4 or 6-week-modules
  • Standard course (20 lpw) plus 5 TCF preparation lessons
  • TCF exam fee (obligatory part only) included
  • Examination dates: last Thursday of each month

Please keep in mind the enrolment deadline of 1 month before the exam!

Our TCF module offers you considerable flexibility with regard to examination dates and is ideal for students who want to enrol in a relatively short course but still wish to sit a recognised examination.

DELF - Diplôme d'Etudes en Langue Française

Standard course & 5 DELF lessons
  • Elementary to advanced level
  • 4, 6 or 8-week-modules
  • Standard course (20 lpw) plus 5 DELF preparation lessons
  • Examination dates: 3 times per year (March, Mai/June, November)

Please keep in mind the enrolment deadline of 2-3 months before the exam!

Our three modules (4, 6 or 8 weeks) prepare students to sit the DELF examination offered at the regional examination centre during the last week of the module.

ESL - certificate

At the end of your session, you will be awarded a course certificate that lists all the details of the programme that you have completed and the highest level that you have achieved.

Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to sit one of the barometer-type examinations, such as the TCF or TEF, at the end of each month at our school, in order to receive an official certificate that is recognised by the Ministère de l’Education Française (French Ministry of Education) as well as internationally.

Apart from that you can also sit the DELF or DALF examination at the regional examination centre.