Category: Blog

Preparing for My A-Level French Exam at ACCORD Paris: A Success Story

By Nigel, an English student who studied French at ACCORD Paris

My name is Nigel, and I’m an English student who last year spent two incredible weeks in Paris to prepare for my A-Level French exam. I had some weaknesses in both written and oral French, and I knew I needed a focused and intensive course to help me get the best possible marks when it came to taking my A-Level French exam. Thanks to the excellent reviews and recommendations from other parents and Active Languages Study Abroad Services, my family chose the ACCORD French Language School in Paris, and I can confidently say it was the best decision they could have made!

Why We Chose ACCORD’s Intensive French Course G

When my parents and I started looking for a French course to help me prepare for my A-Level French exam, we read reviews for several language schools. ACCORD stood out immediately because of its excellent reputation and the glowing recommendations from other parents. Many highlighted the school’s experienced teachers, structured courses, and supportive learning environment, and their children’s success in their A-level French exam. After careful consideration, my parents booked the Intensive French Course G for me, which offered 32 hours of French classes per week.

The course was perfectly tailored to my needs. Every morning, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday to Friday, I attended 20 hours of general French lessons. These classes were engaging and interactive, covering all aspects of the language, including speaking, reading, listening, learning new vocabulary and working on some grammar points, etc.

In addition to these morning general French classes, the French course G included four specialized afternoon classes:

• Two sessions dedicated to written French and grammar on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Two sessions focused on French oral communication on Monday and Friday afternoons, also from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

These specialized classes were exactly what I needed to address my weaknesses. The writing and grammar sessions helped me improve my sentence structure, verb conjugations, and overall written expression. The oral communication classes, on the other hand, gave me the confidence to speak without being afraid of making mistakes and express myself much clearly in French.

The Progress I Made

In just two weeks, I noticed a real significant improvement in both my written and oral French. The intensive schedule and the focused approach of the course allowed me to make rapid progress. And that’s what I needed! My grammar became more accurate, my written exercises more structured, and my speaking more fluent. The ACCORD teachers were all very pleasant, never hesitating to spend a little more time going over certain grammatical rules for me, because I must admit that I find French grammar very difficult.

What I also appreciated was the balance between the morning general French lessons and the afternoon classes. The morning classes kept me engaged with the language as a whole, while the afternoon classes targeted my specific areas of improvement. This combination was incredibly effective, and I felt well-prepared for my A-Level exam by the end of the two-week course.

I also loved the fact that I shared the experience of improving my French with other students from Japan, Mexico, Germany, etc. and the atmosphere was great. We continued chatting in French at break time over a café and a croissant bought from the fantastic local boulangerie.

Passing My A-Level French Exam

Thanks to the skills and confidence I gained at ACCORD, I successfully passed my A-Level French exam and got the marks I wanted to go the university I wanted to go to! The course not only helped me improve my language skills but also gave me the tools to approach the exam with confidence. I’m incredibly grateful to my teachers and the staff at ACCORD for their dedication and support.

Why I Recommend ACCORD’s Intensive Course G

If you’re a British student preparing for your A-Level French exam, I cannot recommend ACCORD’s Intensive Course G enough. The course is designed to address all aspects of the language, with a special focus on writing and speaking, which are crucial for the exam.

My parents and I are thrilled with the results, and we strongly recommend this course to any student who wants to succeed in their A-Level French exam. ACCORD provides the perfect environment to improve your French quickly and effectively.

If you’re considering a French course in France, don’t hesitate—choose ACCORD French Language School and enrol in the Intensive Course G. It’s challenging, rewarding, and absolutely worth it.

And you make great friends in the process and get to live in Paris… Need I say more!

I’ll definitely go again to ACCORD to continue optimising my French language skills.

Nigel (Harrogate – UK)

 

Long-Term French Courses in France – Learn French in Paris

Long-term French courses in France are designed for students who want to learn French over a longer period and improve all four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), prepare for a French exam or prepare for higher education in France. The duration of these courses can be one term, one semester or one academic year, but it can also be just one or two months.

ACCORD French language school in Paris offers a wide range of long-term French courses, whether you need to learn French for private or professional reasons, or to start or continue higher education studies in France.

Starting Dates: Long-Term French courses at ACCORD language school are open all year round and students can start a course any Monday if they are not complete beginners (starting dates for complete beginners: one starting date beginning of each month – Contact us to receive the course dates).

Intensity and duration: The number of course hours of the Long-Term French Courses in France range from 20 to 46 lessons per week and therefore vary in intensity and duration:

You can choose between two semi-intensive courses of 20 lessons per week and 7 intensive courses of 26 to 46 lessons per week. Three course programs to prepare for French exams (DELF, DALF, Abitur, ILS, GCSE and A/AS levels) are also offered, from 34 to 38 lessons per week.

For those who want or need to significantly improve their written French, a course of 38 lessons per week is offered, with three afternoon lessons dedicated solely to written French and grammar.

For those who want or need to improve their oral communication, an oral communication course of 34 lessons per week is offered, with two afternoon lessons solely dedicated to oral comprehension and oral expression.

Total flexibility guaranteed: no ACCORD French language program requires you to follow the same course throughout your stay and you can decide at any time to add additional lessons or change programs.

For example, you can register for a term (i.e. 12 weeks) in an intensive course of 26 lessons per week and ask at any time to add lessons in writing and grammar, for example, or oral communication to this course. You will only have to pay the small difference in price between the course you registered for and the more intensive course which includes these writing-grammar lessons. And you can do this for two or three weeks only, if you wish. You can of course choose oral communication lessons and not only take grammar writing lessons.

You can also, if you wish, change your course program by choosing to follow, for example, the DELF preparation course for the last 4 weeks of your stay. This time again, you will only have to pay the small difference in price between the course for which you registered and this DELF exam preparation course.

On the last day of their stay at ACCORD French Language School, each student is given a certificate indicating the duration and level of the course(s) taken, based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Learn French in Paris

Our ACCORD French language school in Paris uses teaching methods for students of any level, from complete beginner to advanced. Learn French in Paris and get a taste of the French and the Parisian lifestyle. Whether you’re studying French for an academic, professional, or personal reason, there is something in Paris for everyone.

When you attend our ACCORD French language school in Paris, you can select an accommodation in a selected host family, in one of our selected residences (Family residence, ADAGIO, Stay City…), and of course you can find your own accommodation in a hotel or a shared apartment. Our recommendation: choosing a host family in Paris will give your French an extra boost.

Homestay in Paris – Accommodation in a Host family:

Single room with breakfast
Single room with breakfast & access to kitchen
Single room with 5 dinners
Single room with half-board
VIP single room with half-board (single room with en suite shower or bathroom)
Download 2025 Pricelist

If you do not know which French language course to choose, do not hesitate to contact us and ask us to make you program proposals and their prices. So you can decide with complete peace of mind which course you are going to register for to start your stay in France… knowing that you can add additional lessons at any time, and for a very low price.

Contact us

 

The PSG Academy UK Residential Football Camp is back this summer!

Do you want to play football this summer? Do you want to attend a renowned football camp to improve your game and play football with (and against) teenagers of many different nationalities and English teenagers?
Don’t hesitate and book your place at the PSG Academy UK Residential Football Camp in summer at Rossall School.

Paris Saint-Germain Academy UK are running a Residential Summer Camp at Rossall School based in Fleetwood.
Have a look at the video of the summer campus:

Players will train the PSG way and will also have workshops in nutrition, strength and conditioning etc. An ideal way to train before the new season begins.

Players will stay on site in single or twin accommodation with meals all included. A trip every week is also included to a local Premier League stadium.

Full Paris Saint-Germain Academy Kit, Player Report & Certificate are all included.
During a typical week at the PSG Academy UK Residential Football Camp in summer, training will include:

• Ball Mastery, running with the ball & dribbling
• Passing/receiving and receiving to turn
• Shooting from short and long distance
• Defending/ tackling/ marking
• Aerial control, heading and goalkeeping
• Developing social/ physical/ technical/ psychological awareness
• Understanding tactics, formations and styles of play

PSG Academy UK Football Camp
Dates: from July 6th to August 2nd 2025

Residential Football Camp
Prices: 2025 prices

PSG Football and English Camp: £1,400 per week, £2,600 per 2 weeks
(25 hours of football & 15 hours of English lessons per week)

Pro English Camp: £1,800 per week, £3,400 per 2 weeks
(25 hours of football, 15 hours of English per week + PSG Academy Polo shirt, Tracksuit, Training top, & Data Analysis Pack & Vest)

The PSG Academy UK Residential Football Camp in summer: A great way to spend your summer holidays and make new friends!

Contact us now

 

See you in France to Learn French: A Language Adventure Awaits

Do you want to learn or improve your French? Venez en France et venez à Paris! Welcome to the land of baguettes, croissants and breathtaking sites like the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Élysées or the Louvre Museum. If you’re considering learning French abroad, there’s no better place to immerse yourself in the language and culture than France itself. And it’s impossible not to come to France without staying in Paris and learning French at ACCORD.

“City of Light”, the French capital offers you an impressive number of places and monuments to visit, including those which have made and still make Paris famous. There is of course the Eiffel Tower, near which is the ACCORD French school, but also the Opéra Garnier, the Trocadéro, the Louvre museum, the Latin Quarter, the Notre-Dame cathedral, the Sacré-Coeur basilica, Montmartre and its Dali Museum, its Place du Tertre, its magnificent view of Paris… and so many other Parisian sites to see and visit absolutely.

Why Learn French in France?

Immersive Learning Experience: Learning French in France provides an immersive environment where you’ll be surrounded by native speakers every day. Ordering a café and a croissant in a Parisian Bistrot and navigating daily life in the French capital will accelerate your language skills.

Cultural Enrichment: France boasts a rich cultural heritage, from its art and literature to its gastronomy, literature, and cinema. By studying in Paris, you’ll have the opportunity to explore world-renowned museums (musée d’Orsay, le Louvre, musée Rodin, le Petit Palais, and many more), savour delicious cuisine, and enjoy the Parisian night life – especially the Jazz Clubs in the Rue des Lombards.

 Choosing the Right French Course

See you in France to learn French – Academic Excellence: Paris is home to some of the most prestigious language schools and universities. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, you’ll find a wide range of programs tailored to your needs at ACCORD French Language School, taught by experienced instructors. Then, follow higher education at a French university or in a higher institute offering MBAs, such as IKI-PGS for example.

Select your French course in Paris.

Select your Accommodation in Paris – Homestay vs. Dormitory: Living arrangements can significantly impact your immersion experience. While residences or aparthotels provide a social atmosphere and opportunities to meet other students, homestays offer a more intimate setting for practicing French with a Parisian family. The host families are used to welcoming foreign students and, therefore, know how to help them familiarise themselves with the Parisian way of life and culture.

Preparing for Your Trip and See you in France to learn French

Visa Requirements: Depending on your nationality and length of stay, you may need a visa to study French in France. Research visa requirements well in advance and ensure you have all necessary documentation before departing. As ACCORD is member of ATOUT FRANCE, CAMPUS FRANCE and is accredited Qualité FLE, you should have no problem obtaining your visa for France.

Health Insurance: It’s essential to have an health insurance that covers you during your stay in France. Pay close attention to what your insurance covers, or not. Do not hesitate to take out additional insurance.

Making the Most of Your Experience

Practice, Practice, Practice: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they’re a natural part of the learning process. Seize every opportunity to practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing in French, both during your French course and outside your ACCORD classroom. Don’t hesitate to talk to Parisians, in cafés, bars… Quick progress and a lot of fun guaranteed. Read our Tips to Learn French Fast in France and in Paris!

Explore Beyond the Classroom: Take advantage of your free time to visit museums, famous sites, make a boat cruise on the Seine river, read magazines and organise outings with other ACCORD students.

Connect with Fellow Students: Building friendships with fellow international ACCORD students and Parisians alike can enhance your learning experience and provide valuable support during your time abroad. At ACCORD the multicultural environment of the school will enable you to be placed in a French class with students of many different nationalities who have the same level of French as you and who also have the same aim as you: learn French fast. In the class as well as during the coffee break or at lunchtime they will talk to you in French as the common language to all ACCORD students is… French.

Embarking on a journey to learn French in France is an exciting and rewarding experience that will not only expand your language skills but also enrich your perspective on the world. And Paris offers a treasure trove of opportunities for linguistic and cultural exploration. So pack your bags, brush up on your French, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime – we’ll see you in France to learn French.

Contact ACCORD

 

Study in France at the Paris Graduate School and ACCORD

Dreaming of studying abroad? Paris Graduate School offers you an incredible opportunity to live and learn in one of the most iconic cities in the world – Paris!
Kingsley Institute of Management, our UK School and strategic partner will help you in your application process.

Immerse yourself in a vibrant academic environment while enjoying the rich culture, history, and beauty that Paris has to offer. From the Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe, your everyday life will be surrounded by the charm of this extraordinary city.

The ACCORD – PGS campus is located 3bis rue Jean-Pierre Bloch, 75015 Paris. The 15th arrondissement is a very lively neighborhood and foreign students will find everything they need for everyday life there. The nearest métro stations are “La Motte-Picquet Grenelle” (on lines 6, 8 and 10) and “Dupleix” (line 6) and the French campus is just a 5-minute walk from metro stations.

The Paris Graduate School is accredited by California University FCE

California University FCE (CUFCE) is a reputable higher education assessment institution in the State of California Educational System and has an active agreement with Innovative Knowledge Institute Paris Graduate School to evaluate our graduates upon completion, ensuring high-quality educational attainment. CUFCE assessments are accepted by federal agencies, state goverments, local municpalities, private companies, non-for-profits, and universites. CUFCE operates the Beverly Hills RC School as well as the California University FCE Adult Education Assessment Evaluation programs. CUFCE has agreements with a consortium of accredited colleges and universities that accepts assessments of adult education studies for college degree programs.

Why Choose the Paris Graduate School?

– Innovative academic programs tailored to your future success.
– Live and study in a city renowned for its art, cuisine, and fashion.
– Connect with a global network of students and professionals.
– Gain a world-class education in one of the most prestigious European cities.

“My doctoral experience at PGS has been excellent. I received a huge amount of support from my supervisor, Dr Bakht. The School offers the platform to work in collaboration with academic experts whilst also providing the freedom to think differently and work with new ideas.”
Oj Faghani, Doctoral student
Thesis title: A study of emotional intelligence of leaders and its relationship to transformational leadership.

Admissions are Now Open!
Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime chance to advance your education and experience the magic of Paris. Apply now and start your journey towards a brighter future!

For more information write to Dr Syed Kenan Ibrahim Bakht, Director of Academic Affairs and CEO Kingsley at bakht@parisgraduateschool-edu.fr or bakht@kingsleyinstitute.co.uk

Or contact the PGS-Paris Graduate School through its website (using the contact form) or the ACCORD-Langues website.

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IARP – Innovative Academic Research Publisher

IKI is also thrilled to unveil its brand new platform dedicated to fostering research and cutting-edge publications in the fields of International Relations & Geopolitics, Business & Management, Sciences, Health, and IT!

Join us on this exciting journey of knowledge exchange, exploration, and collaboration. Together, let’s elevate the field of research and make impactful discoveries.

Follow the link to discover our new platform.

Our articles, books publication website is dedicated to serving as a dynamic platform for individuals and communities to engage with a wide range of informative and thought-provoking content. We aim to empower our readers by offering diverse perspectives, insightful analysis, and valuable insights across various topics including but not limited to technology, science, culture, arts, lifestyle, and current affairs.

And don’t forget that Paris is the Best City to Study French in France!

 

Partner of the famous Blue Bayou Radio, the ACCORD language schools participated in the votes which awarded the 2024 Jazz Awards by this radio. The awarded musicians are all exceptional and all deserve a standing ovation. Go to the page dedicated to these Awards and read the reviews of the awarded albums and order them!

Press realease on Bayou Blue Radio and PARIS-MOVE websites: “The editorial staff of Paris-Move and Blue Bayou Radio are pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 JAZZ Awards. For each winning musician and group, a link is provided to the album review on Paris-Move which determined the Award nomination. We invite you to reread these reviews and give us your comments and opinions on the 2024 JAZZ Awards.”
Frankie Pfeiffer – Editor in chief, PARIS-MOVE
Thierry De Clemensat – Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News

Webpage of the 2024 Jazz Awards

Follow PARIS-MOVE on X

Paris-Move, ACCORD and Blue Bayou Radio 2024 Jazz Awards: 

JAZZ SINGER
Michael Mayo – Fly
Album reviewed on Paris-Move here

JAZZBAND
Ben Wendel – Understory: Live At The Village Vanguard
Album reviewed on Paris-Move here

JAZZ HISTORY
Cannonball Adderley – “Poppin’ in Paris: Live at L’Olympia” (1972)
Album reviewed on Paris-Move here

JAZZ DUO
Jan Lundgren & Yamandu Costa – Inner Spirits
Album reviewed on Paris-Move here

JAZZ SAXOPHONIST
Melissa Aldana – Echoes of the Inner Prophet For Wayne Shorter
Album reviewed on Paris-Move here

JAZZ CLARINETIST
Harry Skoler – Red Brick Hill
Album reviewed on Paris-Move here

JAZZ ACCORDEONIST
Frédéric Viale – Cameleon
Album reviewed on Paris-Move here

JAZZ VIBRAPHONIST
Joel Ross – nublues
Album reviewed on Paris-Move here

JAZZ PIANIST/ORGANIST
Satoko Fujii Quartet – Dog Days Of Summer
Album reviewed on Paris-Move here

JAZZ TROMPETER
Médéric Collignon – Arsis Thesis
Album reviewed on Paris-Move here

JAZZ TROMBONIST
Michael Dease – Grove’s Groove
Album reviewed on Paris-Move here

JAZZ HARMONICIST
Randy Weinstein – Harmonimonk
Album reviewed on Paris-Move here

JAZZ GUITARIST
Mike Stern – Echoes and Other Songs
Album reviewed on Paris-Move here

JAZZ BASSIST
Christian McBride – Edgar Meyer: But Who’s Gonna Play The Melody?
Album reviewed on Paris-Move here

JAZZ FLUTIST
Jamie Baum Septet – What Times Are These
Album reviewed on Paris-Move here

JAZZ CELLIST
Nesrine – Kan Ya Makan
Album reviewed on Paris-Move here

JAZZ DRUMMER
Sanah Koudara – Duality
Album reviewed on Paris-Move here

SMOOTH JAZZ
Kirk Whalum – Epic Cool
Album reviewed on Paris-Move here

FUNK
Paul Allen (Paul B Allen III) – Lost Anthology volume One
Album reviewed on Paris-Move here

FOLK
Ilene Martinez – Plume
Album reviewed on Paris-Move here

COMPOSER
Yelena Eckemoff – Romance Of The Moon
Album reviewed on Paris-Move here

BLUES
Sean Taylor – The End Of the Rainbow
Album reviewed on Paris-Move here

FRANCOPHONY
Térez Montcalm – Step Out
Album reviewed on Paris-Move here

 

 

Can you find a job in France if you’ve just started learning French?

Moving to France or considering a job in this vibrant country is an exciting opportunity, but for English-speaking professionals who have only just begun learning French, the prospect of entering the job market can seem daunting. The big question is: Can you find a job in France if you’re still working on your French skills? The answer is yes, but with a few strategic approaches suggested by career adviser Marina Delmotte.

1. Target multinational companies and English-speaking roles

If you’ve only just started learning French or don’t feel confident to work on it, the best place to begin your job search is within multinational companies or industries where English is commonly used, such as technology, finance, or tourism. These companies often operate in English and actively seek out professionals with global experience. Highlight your bilingual abilities on your CV and during interviews, and focus on roles where English proficiency is a key requirement.

2. Leverage your existing skills

Even if your French is at a beginner level, your professional skills and experience are still valuable. In many cases, companies in France are looking for specific expertise that you might already possess. While you work on improving your French, focus on what you can offer immediately. Tailoring your CV to emphasize your strengths in English, along with any relevant technical or managerial skills, can make you a strong candidate even in a French-speaking market.

3. Start building your network early

Networking is essential in the French job market, and it’s never too early to start. Even if your French isn’t perfect, many professionals in France speak English. Attend industry events, join professional groups, and connect with colleagues on LinkedIn.

4. Show your commitment to learning French

While some roles may not require you to be fluent in French, showing a commitment to learning the language can significantly enhance your job prospects. French employers appreciate employees who are eager to integrate into the local culture and are making efforts to improve their language skills. It is recommended to take a French course in a Quality FLE-certified school such as the famous ACCORD French school in Paris which offers a wide range of intensive and semi-intensive French language courses.

5. Adapt your job application materials

Even if you’re just starting to learn French, it’s important to adapt your job application materials to the French market. Consider translating your CV and cover letter into French, or providing a bilingual version, to show your willingness to integrate.

6. Consider temporary or part-time roles

If you’re struggling to find a full-time position due to language barriers, consider applying for temporary or part-time roles. These positions can provide valuable experience, improve your language skills on the job, and help you build your network in France.

With the right strategy, it’s possible to begin your career in France even if your French skills are still developing. However, navigating the French job market as a beginner in French isn’t without its challenges. Professional guidance can make all the difference. For personalized career coaching and expert advice on succeeding in the French job market, especially if you’re just beginning to learn the language, visit Marina Delmotte’s site. 

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Recommended by Marina:

ACCORD French Business Course

Semi-intensive course in Paris

Study in Europe at IKI-PGS Paris Graduate School

Olivia, student at ACCORD French Language School, gives you her advice for finding your student accommodation in Paris:

Finding accommodation in any big city can be a long and difficult process, especially if you are a student… In this blog, I will share my tips and tricks for finding a comfortable and well-located apartment in Paris!

I have been living here for just over two months while participating in the Work Experience Programme at ACCORD, and I managed to find a flat-share located only ten minutes from the school.

• I found my flat on a popular flat-share website called Chez Nestor. I would really recommend this site to students as it is very easy to navigate. Everything was extremely straightforward, it almost felt like I was just booking a hotel room!
• You are able to browse available rooms by arrondissement at varying prices.
• All the flats on Chez Nestor are shared by multiple people. For example, my flat has four bedrooms so I share with a French girl, a French boy and an Italian girl. This was a great way to get to know other students when I first arrived in Paris. We share a bathroom and kitchen, but the bedrooms still feel very private.
• I pay my rent each month via the Chez Nestor.
• If you have any problems concerning your student accommodation in Paris, it is easy to contact an agent online to help amend this.
• Chez Nestor also operates in Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Montpellier and Toulouse.

Finding your student accommodation in Paris: It is also important to consider which area of Paris you would like to live in. My flat is situated in the 15^th arrondissement. I really enjoy living here as there are lots of shops, restaurants and bars. The area feels very safe and is well connected to the rest of Paris by metro and bus. The area has great views of the Eiffel Tower, and it only takes me ten minutes to walk to ACCORD each morning.

Many travel guides recommend that tourists or study-abroad students avoid the following areas when searching for accommodation:

• The 10^th arrondissement, near Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est – although this area is generally safe during the day, at night it can feel a bit uncomfortable, especially if you are not a native French speaker.
• The 18^th arrondissement – although this district is home to the popular Montmartre, certain areas can feel unsafe.
• The 19^th arrondissement – this is another district which is a great place to visit during the day, but is perhaps to be avoided at night.

You shouldn’t worry too much about feeling unsafe when moving to Paris. Generally, I have always felt safe and comfortable! However, I would recommend finding a flat in an area which you are able to feel confident in.

Overall, finding a student accommodation in Paris may seem like a daunting process, but it can easily be done if you know where to look. Paris is a big city, so there are plenty of available apartments for students. My main piece of advice would be to look for flat-shares rather than living alone. Moving abroad can be scary, so it is nice to share the experience with other young people who can support you.

Olivia – June 2024

 

My Work Experience Programme at ACCORD Paris

My name is Olivia and I have been participating in the work experience programme at ACCORD Paris since the beginning of April. I’m from Edinburgh, in Scotland, but live in Glasgow where I study French and Spanish. For my university degree, I had to spend one year in Spain, and then three months in France. The Work Experience Programme at ACCORD Paris has been the perfect way to spend these three months, as I have had the opportunity to learn many professional skills while simultaneously improving my French!

How does the Work Experience Programme at ACCORD work?

I have really been enjoying the work experience program at the ACCORD French Language School. The school is located 3bis rue Jean-Pierre Bloch in the 15^th arrondissement of Paris, only ten minutes from the Eiffel Tower! All the staff made me feel very welcome so it was easy to settle in.

From Monday to Friday, I spend the mornings (08:30-12:30) working in the office alongside Malo, Nathalie and Alexandra. My tasks include welcoming new students, replying to emails and phone calls, registering new students for classes and exams, and processing payments. I definitely found the first couple of weeks challenging, but everyone in the office was happy to help me with my tasks, and also helped me with my French. Now, I feel much more confident in both my professional and French language skills and look forward to work every day!

In the afternoons (14:00-17:00), I attend French classes at ACCORD. In these classes, grammar, writing and oral skills are taught. The teachers provide engaging classes and are always happy to answer questions. The class sizes are small and organised by students’ level of French, so lessons feel tailor-made. At ACCORD Paris, there are students from all around the world. I have had classes with people from Mexico, Iran, Sweden and many more! It is really interesting to learn about different cultures, especially in our oral classes. After only a week of classes, my French had improved hugely and I felt much more confident in my comprehension and speaking.

How have I benefitted from the Work Experience Programme at ACCORD?

The work experience programme definitely has many benefits. Aside from improving my French, I was also able to get a taste for the working world. As a student, I had only ever worked hospitality or retail jobs prior to my internship at ACCORD. This was my first experience of office life, and I have really enjoyed it!

As I am coming to the end of my studies in Scotland, I am currently thinking about my future career. Through this work experience programme, I have realised that I would like to explore career options within the field of marketing. I have learnt the importance of customer service and relations within the workplace. I have also loved working in a language school, so I would like to look in to options here as well, at home in the UK or abroad. My time in Paris has provided me with both clarity and experience concerning my future career.

Overall, I would recommend the work experience programme at ACCORD to any French student seeking an immersive and enriching stay in Paris. I cannot fault the experience!

 

Learning French can be an exciting adventure, especially if you want to continue this linguistic adventure by coming to France to take a French immersion course. Here are our 10 Best Tips for learning French and to help you gain confidence.

Do you want to learn French? Our advice for learning French with confidence.

Our 10 Best Tips for learning French

1. Start with the basics: Familiarize yourself with basic vocabulary and pronunciation. Learn common phrases and greetings to initiate conversations. Learn how to say hello, thank you, goodbye, please, how are you, and… excuse me, I speak very little French.
2. Immerse Yourself: Surround yourself with the French language as much as possible. Listen to French music, watch French movies, read French Newspapers and French magazines. If you can’t find one at your newspaper merchant, don’t forget that you can find almost all the articles from these French newspapers on their website.
3. Practice Regularly: Dedicate some time each day to practice reading, writing, speaking, and listening in French. Consistency is key to progress. Above all, don’t fall into the trap of justifying yourself with the excuse “I don’t have time”.

Bonus Best Tips for learning French: Read regularly and read aloud! Read texts in French starting with the simplest ones, then you will gradually be able to read longer and more complex texts. Texts that are easy to approach are, for example, poems by Paul Eluard or Jean de La Fontaine. If possible, always read aloud, and regularly. Take the time to do this a little every day. You will see that you will make big progress, and quickly!

4. Try to Avoid Translations: When you are an absolute beginner, some translation is unavoidable, but try as much as possible not to use it too frequently. Using translation software too often slows down the learning process because your brain no longer makes the effort it takes to search for the right word. By translating you will have the impression of learning faster, but it is quite the opposite.
5. Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable goals for yourself, whether it’s mastering a certain number of vocabulary words, completing a lesson, or holding a conversation in French.
6. Celebrate your progress: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements along the way, no matter how small. Recognizing your progress will keep you motivated to continue learning French.
7. Be patient and persistent: Learning a new language takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks or slow progress. Stay motivated and keep practicing.
8. Bonus Tip: Believe in yourself! You can achieve your French language goals with dedication and a positive attitude.
9. Take a French course in France: it’s undoubtedly the best way to learn French and make lots of progress, quickly. In complete immersion in France, you will absolutely have to speak French to say hello to the people you meet, order a coffee, buy a croissant or a pastry, read the menu of a bistro or restaurant, buy your ticket to get on top of the Eiffel Tower or visit the Louvre Museum.
10. Select Your French Language School: Choose the French school that offers you the course that best meets your expectations. Do you want to take an intensive French course, a very intensive course, a course focused mainly on oral communication or more focused on grammar? But perhaps you would like to take a less intensive course, which leaves you plenty of free time to visit museums and other famous sites, such as the Champs Elysées, the Latin Quarter, the Marais district, Notre-Dame Cathedral or Montmartre…

Bonus Best Tips for learning French: Always choose a school with the FLE Quality label. This official French label is a quality assurance of what the French school you choose offers you. ACCORD Paris is certified ‘Qualité FLE’ with the best grades in all areas!
Contact ACCORD to find out about their entire French course offering and you will be advised to choose with complete peace of mind and confidence the course that best meets your expectations. Contact ACCORD Paris.

Enjoy the process and keep our Best Tips for learning French in mind: Learning a language can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Embrace the journey, have fun with it, and enjoy discovering the beauty of the French language and culture.

Contact ACCORD Paris

Also look at the complete French course offering from the ACCORD school: French courses in Paris

Also read these articles published by the PARIS-MOVE editorial team:

• How to choose the Best French language course
• The Best French courses in France
• How to select a high-quality French language course
• The Best French courses in Paris