Fluency and Confidence
The Irish student takes advantage of Transition Year to join a regular French Secondary School, where they are individually placed.
The students attend all classes through French for a minimum period of 5 weeks (can be extended). Although a daunting experience at the start, the TY student makes new friends, discovers a new culture and matures a lot.
This individual immersion dramatically improves fluency, which becomes an asset for oral and written exams – and for life. The starting level in French is not critical and a final progress report is provided. Schools are located in the West of France (Brittany, Loire and Normandy)
ADDED SUPPORT
A Local Contact is assigned to each Irish student to ensure a smooth integration, liaising with the French school authorities, the host families and the Irish parents.
The Local Contact visits the student once a week and checks the homework (a vocabulary book of new words explained entirely through French, grammar and spoken French). The Local Contact also provides advice, emotional support (homesickness, adaptation issues etc.), and is available to parents and students to help resolve any issues or concerns.
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ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is either boarding and/or at the home of a French student selected by the school; thus helping with integration. Sharing family life is a moment of conviviality. This offers the best way to learn about the French way of life and maximises the exposure of the Irish student to the French language.
Keys to a Successful Stay in France
- The Initial Test helps determine the French school year, and evaluate personal needs
- The Information Meeting takes into account parents’ particular requests
- The Dublin Induction Course provides a head-start in elocution, communication skills and secures a level of French sufficient to participate in class
- The Preparatory Course ensures a smooth integration into the French school structure
- A wide range of schools, mostly private, guarantees welcome and good ethos
- Â Regular visits, with private tuition, by our Local Contact, help the student keep up with homework and provides emotional support.
Benefits of our Programme
Residing in a country does not suffice to gain fluency! Only a studious approach, with preparation, regular homework and qualified academic support can make the difference.
This placement is a lifetime experience thanks to our unique “safety net” of briefing, coaching, training,  supervision and weekly individual tuition.
Arrival in France
On arrival in France, all our students are welcomed by our French team and they are introduced to their Local Contact. They have a brief meeting and are provided with a Working File (Grammar and Vocabulary book, Verb book, a French novel etc.).
Each student is then accompanied to their host family where they meet their French counterpart with whom they will attend school.
Accommodation is provided on the basis of one young Irish person per host family. Our families are chosen and recommended by the schools. They are always recruited after verification and show a huge interest and great motivation in welcoming young Irish people. The Local Contact will help with the student’s integration into their family.
At School in France
Students attend a regular Secondary school (collège or lycée). They are fully integrated with French students in the school and all subjects are taught through French. The French curriculum offers a wide range of subjects which vary from one school to another. Compulsory subjects include French, Maths, History, Geography and Science.
The student is completely immersed in the French language from the start to the end of their stay. A Mentor (chosen from among classmates) helps and guides the Irish student, especially at the beginning of their stay. The student must attend all lessons and takes notes. They are not, however, required to do the French class homework during the first few weeks. Of course, if they feel confident enough to attempt it, this will be very much appreciated by the school.
Learning French is not always easy but, thanks to the support and assistance of the Local Contact every week, great progress can be made. It is important that the student makes every effort to converse with their classmates and host family as this is how oral fluency is achieved.Â
Location
Schools are located in the North-West of France (Brittany, Normandy and the Loire Valley)
Dates and Prices
2024/25
| Term | From | To | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Halloween |
14/09/24 |
19/10/24 |
€3.300 |
|
Christmas |
08/11/24 |
13/12/24 |
€3.400 |
|
January |
05/01/25 |
07/02/25 |
€3.450 |
|
Spring |
02/03/25 |
05/04/25 |
€3.500 |
|
Easter |
21/04/25 |
24/05/25 |
€3.500 |
How to Enrol
Complete and return the Application Form to us with the non-refundable booking deposit of 500€. Full balance is payable 1 month prior to departure. Due to limited places and depending on the time of year. Applications are accepted on a first-come-first-served basis.
Discounts for multiple term enrolment : contact us for details.
Early enrolments
- €200 for enrolments confirmed 8 weeks prior to one chosen term and limited to the first 8 students
- €150 for the next 4 students
- €500 for the full academic year, if confirmed 3 months in advance
land transfers
Supervised group transfer from French Airport to respective French Family/School and return to Airport can be arranged at €285 payable to Odyssée Internationale. Parents are at liberty to organize transfers independently (a discharge is required for unsupervised travel).
The price includes
- Full board Accommodation (at the home of a French student)
- All French Private School Fees
- Weekly private tuition
- Individual Support Guidance & Assistance Enrolment Test and Progress Report
- Parent & Student Briefing
The price does not includes
- Boarding School Accommodation (€140/Week)
- Air Fare & Insurance (EHIC /travel /public liability)
- Land Transfers & Public Transport
- Dublin Induction Course and Working File Extra-curricular Activities, School Excursions etc.
