Au Collège en France

"The Real Thing"


The Irish student is individually integrated into a regular secondary school, among French students, and is taught all subjects through French. The French curriculum offers a wide range of subjects which vary from one school to another. The minimum stay is a French school term, with the option of extending it for additional terms, up to the full academic year.

Irish students can be reassured that their starting level in French is not critical, as making friends soon helps overcome anxiety. To gain fluency, residing in a country does not suffice. Only a studious approach with substantial preparation and consistent support will make the difference. Progress in fluency is guaranteed by the placement of only one Irish student of our group in each (mostly private) school, with extensive preparation and follow-up.

Girl in class
  • An Initial test helps determine the French school year and evaluate personal needs.
  • A Briefing alleviates every parents concerns re-supervision, accommmodation, etc.
  • A Crash Course, held before departure, provides a head-start in elocution and communication skills.
  • A Preparatory Course, held on arrival in France in a boarding school, ensures smooth integration into the French school structure and secures a level of French sufficient to participate actively in class (homework in French and guidance).
  • A local contact, accessible to the Irish students, as well as their parents, monitors well-being, progress and integration.
Students hugging

A Natural Environment

Schools are located in the West of France (Loire Valley, Brittany, Normandy), Toulouse, Paris, Bruxelles and Liège (Belgium). Accommodation is either in a boarding school with weekends spent at a student’s home, or full time in families vetted by the school. This tailor-made type of placement, alongside students from the school, offers every advantage of an exchange, without any of the inconvenience.

Student studying chimistry

The Living Language Safety Net

  • Tailor made Individual Academic Placement
  • French Private Schools providing care and ethos
  • Boarding and/or at the Home of French students (not an exchange)
  • Full Assessment & Preparation
  • Regular Monitoring
  • Weekly Tuition and Support
  • Supervised airports collections & transfers

This individual placement dramatically improves the student’s fluency and becomes a bonus for oral and written exams and for life. Although a daunting experience at the start, our Irish students, with the preparation and full support of our local staff, enjoy their time in France, mature a lot and are upgraded in their French classes on returning to Ireland.

A "Diplôme d’Excellence" is awarded to students who have made outstanding achievements.

Design: Corentin Hatte Support: Eleanor Dubail