French courses abroad
French language courses for students 16+ with Alpadia Language Schools
Our French courses for students 16+
A language of love, of literature, of fashion and of cooking, French is one of the most romantic languages in the world. It's also an important working language, as an official language of the United Nations, NATO, International Olympic Committee and more. Our French courses will enable you to master this wonderful language.
Great locations
Fantastic school locations - Lyon and Montreux
Small classes
Small class sizes - limited to twelve students or eight for mini-groups
Dynamic lessons
Teachers use recognised FLE (French as a Foreign Language) methods, as well as current affairs and media to provide engaging and dynamic classes
Pre-arrival testing
Pre-arrival online language placement test allows us to place you in the right level so you can make maximum progress
Choose your French course
We offer a wide range of French language courses in our year-round schools. Whatever kind of French language learning experience you're looking for, we have the ideal course for you.
General French Courses
Our French language courses are taught using a dynamic and interactive learning style, encouraging you to actively participate in classroom discussions on diverse themes, group exercises, debates and role play activity. This methodology allows you plenty of opportunities to apply your newly acquired French communication skills, helping you build your confidence in the language. We offer various language course types adapted to varying requirements and different learning objectives. Starting from our minimum recommendation of 20 lessons per week, we also propose intensive, premium, exam preparation and private classes. Or you can combine different classes to create your own customised structure.
Available courses
Private Lessons
Private Lessons
Tailor-made to meet your individual objectives. With your private teacher, you will work specifically on the skills you wish to develop and progress according to your needs, at your own pace. Specific topics covered include culture, business, finance and healthcare, preparing you for situations you may encounter in your field of activity.
Standard 20
Standard 20
This course framework helps you acquire general French linguistic skills that can be readily applied to day-to-day life. Benefit by developing your core language proficiency and by still having plenty of free time.
The minimum duration for A1* absolute beginners is two weeks.
Premium 30
Premium 30
As one of the most intensive French courses offered, this class gives you an in-depth and extensive learning experience, with extra classes dedicated to improving oral and written communication. The minimum duration for A1* absolute beginners is two weeks.
*Specific start dates for absolute beginners > A1.
Intensive 25
Intensive 25
With a core foundation built on general linguistic skills, extra attention is also given to verbal communication, helping you grasp the subtleties of the French language.The minimum duration for A1* absolute beginners is two weeks.
*Specific start dates for absolute beginners > A1.
Combi 5 & 10
Combi 5 & 10
If you want to combine a regular French course with private lessons, than this is the option to choose! With a solid foundation taught in groups, take advantage of the additional lessons alone with your teacher to concentrate on your specific level and linguistic requirements.
*The minimum duration for A1* absolute beginners is two weeks.
Specific start dates for absolute beginners > A1.
Get in touch for a free consultation in your local language.
We have the perfect course to match your personal and professional goals.
Exam Preparation
This French course is specifically tailored to training you for the DELF/DALF language exams. This special four-week class gives you the tools you need to boost your confidence and best prepare your exam.
Available courses
Exam Preparation
Exam Preparation
This French course is specifically tailored to training you for the DELF/DALF or TCF language exams. This special four-week class gives you the tools you need to boost your confidence and best prepare your exam.
Get in touch for a free consultation in your local language.
We have the perfect course to match your personal and professional goals.
Work & Study
With our work internship, employment and volunteer programmes, you can take your language courses to a higher level and truly expand your professional development. Whether you are interested in sports, tourism, accounting or design, we have ties with local businesses and charities that can offer you exciting opportunities to expand both your career and personal development.
- Languages & work experience
Expand your professional development and CV - Languages & internship
Experience a professional environment while expanding your knowledge - Languages & volunteering
Develop your sense of community and active citizenship within a non-profit organisation
Get in touch for a free consultation in your local language.
We have the perfect course to match your personal and professional goals.
Pathway Programmes
Our Academic Pathway programme is designed for international students interested in pursuing a degree in Europe. The programme will help you build your language skills, adjust to living and studying abroad, and give you a better chance of admission to your dream university.
Get in touch for a free consultation in your local language.
We have the perfect course to match your personal and professional goals.
Online Private Lessons
Learn French in private one-to-one lessons with an Alpadia teacher. Our skilled language teachers will guide you through the same syllabus that we follow in our schools from the comfort of your own home. You'll work on your listening, reading, writing and speaking skills in our fun interactive classes through a mixture of online learning materials, including quizzes, assignments and tests. Find out more!
Get in touch for a free consultation in your local language.
We have the perfect course to match your personal and professional goals.
Get in touch for a free consultation in your local language.
We have the perfect course to match your personal and professional goals.
I went to look on the internet for the best French school in Switzerland. Luckily I found Alpadia Montreux. I stayed there for 3 weeks and it went by very fast. I lived with a host family, which I enjoyed. At school the staff are very nice and the teachers professional and really know their subject. With Hugues, my private course teacher, I was able to take advantage of discussing themes which I chose. I also really liked the activities with Nina as they provided an excellent opportunity to practice my French. On top of that, she introduced us to Swiss culture. The activities were diverse: sport, cooking, cultural and entertaining evenings. Life in Switzerland is very interesting. The people are really nice, the weather pleasant and the food (especially the cheese that I adore!) is delicious. The multicultural aspect and landscape appealed a lot to me. It was an experience that I will never forget.
Ahmad
Additional Information
Why choose a French language course with Alpadia?
French is a linguistically beautiful and professionally useful language to learn. As one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, and as one of the official languages of the United Nations, embarking on a French language course can open new doors and help fulfil your personal goals.
Alpadia’s French language courses consists of Swiss-quality education in a location where French is the official language. This immersive style of learning allows you to deepen your understanding of the language, as well as practice and utilize your new skills at all times – even when you’re not in class!
What are the best language schools to learn French in France
Want to learn French in France? We don’t blame you. Studying a language in its native country creates an immersive learning experience like no other, one that exposes you to all the language’s nuances to help further deepen your understanding.
Luckily, Alpadia has a great range of schools for students aged 16+ where you can learn French! If you want to learn French in France, then our Lyon school is perfect – as the ‘gastronomical capital’ of France, you’ll have a lot of fun eating your way through the city as you learn. However, if you’d rather learn French in Switzerland, by Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps, then our school in Montreux is ideal.
Immersive French language course online
If you’re not able to travel to one of our in-person schools, then don’t worry – we also offer fantastic French language courses online. Whether you choose our intensive, standard, or private one-to-one programmes, you’ll be able to improve your French skills no matter where you are.
Online learning really is a revelation! No matter if you’re a parent, a carer, a busy businessperson, or just a busy person in general, our French language courses online ensure that no one has to miss out on the opportunity to improve.