Elsbeth Wolfe
2 weeks Leaving Certificate & Surfing Course
I expected a very intensive learning environment. I was unsure as to what our teachers would be like and whether I would be able to understand them or not. I didn’t know the teachers at the French school in Biarritz were going to be so helpful and pleasant. My experience surpassed my linguistic and general hopes.
The French language lessons really worked for me. It was obvious the teachers put great effort into their lessons. I learnt more from talking to the teachers and asking questions that I did with a book. Good interaction with teachers, and they were fun! We repeated videos a lot, we would have gotten better exposure to vocabulary if there were more variety of videos shown in the oral class.
I was very comfortable at the school. All teachers and members of staff were very approachable. The location was good and whilst it would of course have been nice to be in the town centre we were really close to the bus line, which took us directly into the centre and the main beach, Grand Plage.
I loved learning to surf and being able to chill at the beach after class. Wasn’t so keen on the early morning starts though(!). Was really surprised at how well we were looked after by the hosts and how much fun we had and how beautiful I founed Biarritz.
I felt I could have taken another lesson each day, to make the most of my time, but then again the social activities were good so we had a good mix of free time, social activities and classes over the two weeks. Also I got on really well with the other students at the school. I loved that I put my language skills into practise a lot with local people. There was loads to do in Biarritz and I felt very safe.
I was so happy with my hosts. They were kind and chatty. Their apartment was beautiful and I flet very comfortable there and the food was delicious. Plus it was very clsoe to the centre of Biarritz, which was perfect!
CESA staff were very helpful and friendly and answered all my questions very well. They were very punctual when returning answers to my questions.
Would I go again?
Yes – every student learning French should go!
Before I arrived, I hoped to improve my French, particularly oral and listening skills. I also hoped that I would become more independent and have the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. My experience in Biarritz definitely matched up to my expectations! The course was excellent; I definitely felt that my French had improved by the end of the 2 weeks – not only did my oral and listening skills improve but I also learnt a lot of new vocabulary Read More 
