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Methodology: Montpellier

French language courses meet a wide range of general language needs across a broad range of linguistic abilities and are intended to help you achieve a variety of communication goals according to your current level of ability. Their great flexibility allows you to learn the French language according to your needs and time (multiple levels, flexible start dates, variable course lengths and intensity).

The main priority is to get you speaking French!

The interactive teaching methods used emphasises oral communication of the modern French language without neglecting the written aspects, through the use of modern audio-visual materials.
Of course you will cover the four core skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing, with plenty of grammar and vocabulary work included in order to develop all the essential French language skills. 

The curriculum is structured on six theoretical language levels, with a natural duration of between four and six weeks at each level.  There are classes in grammar, oral and written exercises, practice with video and audio material and conversation on subjects of general, social and cultural interest.
Special importance is given to the communicative aspect of the French language and its use in everyday life. For this reason, the college encourages students to speak French in class, and whenever possible out of class as well. 

A student of average linguistic ability should allow four weeks to complete the Beginner level and six weeks to complete the Elementary level, covering basic grammatical structured knowledge to be able to communicate in the practical situations of daily life plus an introduction to French customs.

Approximately six weeks will be required to complete the Intermediate level with its emphasis on grammar with reference to the past tenses and development of conversation skills (and at Intermediate 2 level, the subjunctive). 

An additional eight weeks covers the Advanced level (deepening grammatical skills, providing fluency in conversation and a deeper knowledge of French culture, also written expression and the creation of texts.  Finally, a further eight weeks to complete the Higher level with a specialised level of grammar and the study of French literature, art, sociology and the history of France. 

Current Level	A1 Beginner	A2 Elementary	B1  Intermediate 1	B2 Intermediate 2	C1  Advanced	C2 Superior
DELF A1	4 weeks	2 weeks	None	None	None	None
DELF A2	10 weeks	6 weeks	2 weeks	None	None	None
DELF B1	16 weeks	12 weeks	6-8 weeks	2 weeks	None	None
DELF B2	22 weeks	18 weeks	12-14 weeks	6-8 weeks	2 weeks	None
DELF C1	26 weeks	22 weeks	18-20 weeks	12-14 weeks	6-8 weeks	None
DELF C2	32 weeks	28 weeks	24-26 weeks	18-20 weeks	12-14 weeks	6-8 weeks

Are you interested in French DELF exam qualifications?
If so please note that each DELF / DALF exam level requires the following hours of tuition in the French language school in Montpellier for the avaerage student (following an Intensive or French DELF preparation course):

DELF A1 :   60 hours from Beginner level
DELF A2 : 160 hours from Beginner level (100 hours from DELF A1)
DELF B1 : 310 hours from Beginner level (150 hours from DELF A2)
DELF B2 : 490 hours from Beginner level (180 hours from DELF B1)

DALF C1 : 690 hours from Beginner level (200 hours from DELF B2)
DALF C2 : 890 hours from Beginner level (200 hours from DALF C1)

Language progress is based on a variety of key teaching elements:

Variety of different course levels
The French language school in Montpellier places great importance on providing an appropriate French language course level for each individual student.
The more levels are offered, the more homogeny classes are and the better your progress will be. They therefore guarantee a minimum of 6 different French language course levels year round, but most of the time they offer 8 - 10 different levels at the same time.

Competent, enthusiastic teachers
In order to reach your language targets, the French language school provides specially trained teachers whose mother tongue is French. All of the French teachers hold a special degree to teach French as a foreign language. Their experience, and dynamic stimulating way of teaching in connection with the interactive, direct method will enable you to progress quickly. The school in Montpellier offers a working atmosphere that is serious, but relaxed.

Efficient, effective teaching with a proven method
The language school's pragmatic and effective method provides you with all necessary language skills and cultural awareness enabling you to communicate in French language. They emphasise oral communication of the modern French language without neglecting the written aspects. The French teachers, who use a wide variety of authentic documents obtained from newspapers, TV news and documentaries as well as radio, involve all of the students actively in the classroom.

Small class sizes
The French school in Montpellier keep the number of students per French language course very low (maximum 10 students), because only small class sizes allow for the active participation of each student. This also allows the French teachers to follow each students progress closely and provide individual help.

Flexibility
and to reassure you - If a French language course level is too easy or to difficult for you or if you progress faster or slower than the other students in your group - no problem. The school will change you to a different level which suits you better.

Language Test
Students are asked to complete a language test on line, in advance of arrival in Montpellier.  CESA will provide the details once you've enrolled.

First Day
Only on the first day of your studies in Montpellier are you asked to arrive early (08:00am) to take part in a presentation on the French language school. During this presentation you will receive a course folder with lots of information for your stay including a map of Montpellier and the French school guide. After the presentation you will be introduced to you French teacher and start your French language course. In the afternoon of your first day there will be an orientation tour of Montpellier showing you the beauty of our city but also providing you with additional practical information.

Objectives for each French language level in Montpellier:

• French language course Level A1 (Beginner) :
Methodical learning and practise of fundamental language knowledge helping the student to learn basic communication skills.

• French language course Level A2 (Elementary) :
Revision and enrichment of basic language structures in order to communicate confidently and easily in discussion.

• French language course Level B1 (Intermediate 1) :
Enlargement of vocabulary and grammar structures allowing the student to cope with every day situations. Active introduction to French culture and civilisation by using authentic documents. 

• French language course Level B2 (Intermediate 2) :
In depth study of oral and written French enabling the student to participate fluently in conversation in most topics. Understanding of newspaper articles, writing of reports.
 
• French language course Level C1 (Advanced) :
Understanding of extended speech, news, complex factual and specialised texts. Effective use of French language for social and professional purposes.

• French language course Level C2 (Superior) :
Achieving a high degree of proficiency in the language. Study of different aspects of the language, idioms, analyses of French culture and civilisation.

In reality students chose to attend a Standard or Intensive course or a longer “Academic Year" or "Languages for Life” programme according to their linguistic goals, personal wishes and time constraints.

Return to: French language courses in Montpellier

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