Language programme in Arcachon
Located on the ocean with sandy beaches, pine forests and balmy breezes galore, Arcachon is a popular seaside resort among French and foreign tourists alike.
The town is only 1 hour drive to Bordeaux, historic, cultural and vibrant city, renowned for its “châteaux” and worldwide famous vineyards.
Our partner school is located in the heart of the city in a busy shopping street with plenty of public transport options nearby including the train station.
School facilities include:
- Fully-equipped classrooms
- Garden
- Free WiFi
French Course
15 French lessons per week (3 lessons per day)
- Lesson length: 50 minutes
- Class size: maximum 15 students
- Placement test: first day of lessons (written test)
- Certificate of completion at the end of the stay
- Qualified native French teachers. Our partner school follows a ‘Communicative Method’ syllabus, which works to develop all four French language skills – reading, writing, speaking and listening. Special attention is paid to speaking, grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. Students take part in in-classroom role plays, discussions and debates, and multimedia materials are also used in the classroom.
- Language level: beginner to advanced (no complete beginners – minimum 1 year of French studies))
On top of course, you can choose among the following activity options:
1. French & Activities
- 4 afternoons of local activities per week
- 1 full-day excursion per week
Some of the many activities include:
- Guided tour of Arcachon
- Beach games
- Treasure hunt
- Sports: cycling tours, basketball, football, tennis, volleyball, beach volleyball, introduction to canoeing and horse riding…
- Outings in the area: Aqualand Park, the Pyla Dune, the city of Bordeaux, boat cruise to Cap Ferret
2. French & Surfing
- 4 afternoons of surfing per week. The French & Surfing course includes 2 weeks of French courses and an introduction to surfing. The school provides the surfing gear (surfboard, wetsuit), including foam boards, ideal for beginners as they are totally safe.
- 1 full-day excursion per week
3. Combined French & Surfing + Activities option
Please note this course is available for 3 or 4 week stays only.
This option includes 2 weeks of French & Surfing and 1 or 2 weeks of French & Activities (as above described).
Typical day schedule (given as example and subject to potential changes):
Host family
Shared room with same-gender student from a different country and different mother-tongue, shared bathroom, full board
Travel time to the school: 15 to 30 minutes maximum by public transport. Host families usually live in small towns a short train ride from Arcachon. Your host family will drop you off and pick you up at the end of the day from the nearest train station.
Practical Information
- Full board includes breakfast and dinner “at home” and a packed lunch on days of tuition & activities (cooked lunch at home upon week-ends)
- Some students may stay in single rooms, depending on housing type and availability
- Wi-Fi is not guaranteed
- Students spend weekends with their host families. Additional fees may be charged for some activities and excursions with your host family (e.g. cinema or theme park entrance fees
- Laundry available according to the family schedule on a weekly basis
Travel
Arrival day: Sunday
Departure day: Saturday
Arrival airports or train stations:
- Nearest airport: Bordeaux-Mérignac
- Nearest train stations: Arcachon or Bordeaux
Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off (between the airport or train station of your choice and your homestay) are included. You must plan an arrival between 12:00 and 18:00 and a departure between 09:00 and 14:00.
Please note: do not make any travel arrangements until we have confirmed your enrolment in your chosen course.
Evening outings curfew rules
Students 15+ holding a valid parental authorisation will be allowed to go out in the evening until 21:00 maximum.
All students under 15 or those 15+ not holding a valid parental authorisation will not be allowed in any case to go out outside of the activity programme schedule. This all inclusive language lessons & activity programme is organised so as to keep the students fully occupied at all times.
Visa Information
You might need a visa for this course. For more information please visit our Visa Information page.
Do not hesitate to contact us by phone or email if you require any additional information.
Dates & Prices 2022
Dates 2022
All programmes ;
- 2 weeks : 03/07-16/07 ; 17/07-30/07 ; 24/07-06/08 ; 31/07-13/08
- 3 weeks : 03/07-23/07 ; 17/07-06/08 ; 24/07-13/08
- 4 weeks : 03/07-30/07 ; 17/07-13/08
Prices 2022
All taxes and enrolment fees included
| Programme price including French course + option + full board Homestay | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | French & Activities | French & Surfing | French & Surfing + Activities |
| 2 weeks | € 1.455 | € 1.795 | - |
| 3 weeks | € 2.005 | - | € 2.475 |
| 4 weeks | € 2.365 | - | € 2.725 |
Prices include:
- 15 French lessons per week
- Cultural, social and sports activities and outings according to programme
- Homestay full board
- Course materials and use of the school premises
- Attendance certificate
- Transfers from and to Bordeaux airport or train station (pick-up 12:00 to 18:00, drop-off 09:00 to 14:00), or Arcachon train station.
- All school taxes and enrolment fees
Prices do not include:
- Travel to and from Arcachon
- Transportation in and around Arcachon
- Optional insurances
- Visa fees (if any)
