Is this program for you?

The Mature Teen Homestay Program in Montpellier is suited to the student who is looking for a high-quality language immersion program close to the Mediterranean Sea. The program is ideal for students who want to combine daily French language classes with afternoons, evenings and weekends that are free to join optional activities and excursions or spend time exploring Montpellier on their own, with their host family or with new friends. The program is intended for students who are independent, have some travel experience, are comfortable taking public transit, are used to time away from family and are able to effectively manage and advocate for themselves in new and unfamiliar situations. Please see the About Mature Teen/Gap Year Programs page for more information.

Location

Capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon region in the south of France, this lively University city with its infectious atmosphere and year-round sunshine has something to offer all tastes. The beautiful and historic old town has a dedicated pedestrian area filled with trendy shops and open-air cafes. A short walk away is the modern and impressive Antigone area with an Olympic-size swimming pool and stunning architecture. Just a short tram ride away from the main square is the Odysseum fun park with an ice-skating rink, aquarium, planetarium, bowling-alley and multiplex cinema. Let's not forget the sandy beaches and warm waters of the Mediterranean accessible by tram. And Paris is only one hour away by plane.

Program

The program offers an ideal mix of French lessons and French culture, including exposure to cuisine, history and art as well as fashion and cinema.  See the schedule page for more information. It also offers the unique opportunity to meet and make friends with students from all over Europe, Latin America and Asia, making this a very popular program for students who are looking for a truly international experience. Depending on how intensive you want to make your studies, you can choose from 20 (standard) or 26 (intensive) lessons per week. 

Level Placement

On the first Monday of the program, you will take both an oral and written placement test to determine which class you will be placed in.  All levels are offered from absolute beginner to advanced following the Common European Framework for languages for levels A1 to C2). If you have no previous experience with the French language, you typically do not have to take this test and will automatically be placed in the beginner class.

Teachers

All teachers are French native speakers, have a university degree and the FLE (French as a Foreign Language) qualification. They are experienced in teaching French as a foreign language and provide high quality French courses for all levels, answering all your needs. You'll find that teachers are enthusiastic, friendly and very competent, which makes learning French fun!

Activities and Excursions

Year-round, and especially in the summer, there is a full and varied activity program in which you may participate in a pay-as-you-go basis. Typical activities organized may include welcome parties or mixers, a meal in a local restaurant, wine-tasting, bowling, ice-skating, visits to local museums, beach trips, excursions to near by towns and places of interest…   For a sample weekly schedule and list of possible activities and excursions please visit the sample schedule page.

Accommodation - Homestay

You will be accommodated by welcoming local families, in a single room. Another student from the program may be staying in a separate single room with the same host family. Host families live in apartments or villas in Montpellier or the surrounding area, no more than 35 minutes from the school by public transit. For your meals you have the option of choosing between half-board and bed and breakfast.  If you have chosen the half-board option you will receive breakfast and dinner with your host family.  The bed and breakfast option includes breakfast each morning.  There are numerous cafes and super-markets close to the school and your host family will help you find local super-markets near the home.

For general information on homestay accommodation please visit our Homestay Q & A page.

The following program features are included in the price:

• 20 or 26 lessons per week
• Study materials
• Language level test on first day of classes
• Certificate of attendance
• Homestay accommodation in a single room
• Your choice of breakfast only or breakfast and dinner
• Return airport transfer for Montpellier (see the Getting There page for more info)
• Comprehensive Medical & Travel Insurance (Only available for US citizens/residents)