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3. Should I bring Euros with me? 6.What if I decide to leave early? 7. I might want to take a few days off to go somewhere, is that ok? 8. What is the average age of students? 9. How long is the average stay? 10. How much can I expect to progress? 12. Is there access to the Internet? 13. Do I have to start my (our) course on the blue or red dates? 1. Q: Should I rent a car? A: Renting a car is always a very good idea, although it isn't absolutely necessary. The closer you're staying to school, the less need you may feel for a car. We have some mountain bikes available for student rental. We also offer transportation to and from school as an OPTION. Click here for details. Sometimes students come without plans to rent a car and then later a couple of students may decide to do so together thus reducing the individual cost. (We maintain a list of students interested in renting a car together.) With a little planning ahead, it's usually possible to find very good rates via the Internet (click on our Links page to visit some sites). See other question below.2. Q: Are there age limits for attending Coeur de France? A: There is NO maximum age. There IS a minimum age: you must be at least 16 years of age to attend the Group or One to One programs. Of course younger children are welcome to attend the Family Program with their parents or other family members.3. Q: Should I bring euros with me or change money when I'm there? A: Either way is fine. It's a very good idea to arrive with at least 100 euros in your pocket for unanticipated expenses if they pop up. If you need more cash, you can change money (or travelers checks -- we recommend American Express) at any local bank. There are also many automatic teller machines here and you can make a withdrawal from your bank account at any one of them. Using your credit card for other purchases is also a very shrewd idea since you'll benefit from the best exchange rate and usually avoid commissions.4. Q: Do I need insurance? A: You should consider travelers insurance which would cover cancellation of your program, repatriation, and any medical service you might need. Ask your local travel agent or insurance agent.5. Q: Do I need a visa? A: Depends on your nationality and how long you'll be staying here. If you're American and will be here for a few weeks or a couple of months, you don't need a visa. If you're a citizen of the European Union you won't need a visa. If you're not sure of your status, visit this official French government visa website (in English). If you're still not sure, please check with your nearest French consulate.6. Q: What if I decide to leave early (not complete the class)? A: Well, we'd hate to see you go but we don't want you to be unhappy either. That's why we spend a lot of time and effort planning your program so that you'll maximize your time and potential for success -- which is precisely why we're unable to make any refunds. Coming to France to participate in a total immersion program is a big step. Give it the thought it deserves. If you're a beginner, ask yourself if you can really tolerate hearing only French spoken around you for your entire stay here. Think about lodging arrangements. Are you prone to loneliness? Are you easily frustrated? It basically comes down to knowing how adaptable you really are -- and only you are the best judge of that. A: Unfortunately, missed classes are not made up and we are unable to refund or credit any of your fees. However, if you let us know well in advance of your arrival, we'll do our best to plan around your schedule so that you will not miss any classes. (This is easier to do for One to One students than for Group for obvious reasons.)8. Q: What's the average age of students at Coeur de France? A: All ages. While the average age of students may be thirty-something, at any given moment we usually have students here ranging in age from twenties to sixties or more. Children are welcome to study with their parents in the special "Family Program".9. Q: How long does the average student stay? A: The "average" student stays 2 to 4 weeks. Many students stay longer - - some up to several months. A few students with limited time stay just 1 week.10. Q: How much can I expect to progress during my stay? A: The BIG question. The vast majority of students progress more than they ever imagined. We promise to provide you with all the resources and personal attention you should expect from a quality language program. We'll be patient, we'll explain and re-explain until you "get it". We'll speak to you in French and expect you to answer in French. We'll take you on cultural excursions where you'll meet and interact with native speakers. The rest is up to you. Would you be able to arrive as an absolute beginner speaking no French and leave 2 weeks later, fluent? No. But if you're a motivated beginner, patient, using conscientious study habits and making every effort to speak, speak, speak, you will be able to hold up your end of a conversation with a native French speaker after two weeks.11. Q: Is there homework? A: Of course. With Family & Couples or One to One programs, the amount is negotiable with your teacher.12. Q: Is there access to the Internet? A: We have free WIFI Internet access for student use at Coeur de France You may use one of the school computers or bring your own notebook / laptop computer for use with our wireless network.13. Q: Do I have to start my course on one of the blue or red dates? A: Family & Couples and One to One programs may start on any Monday, subject to availability. As for Group classes, Blue dates indicate starting dates for Level I classes (Beg. I, Int. I); red dates indicate starting dates for Level II classes (Beg. II, Int. II,) and Advanced. For example, each session is two weeks long. If Level I classes start on, say, Monday June 11 they're over two weeks later on Friday June 22. So Monday June 25, Level II classes start and also run for two weeks ending on Friday July 6. Then the Level I classes start over again. The cycle repeats throughout the year. A: Like airlines and hotels, Coeur de France offers special promotions. We encourage you to check the "Special Offers" page for the latest offerings. Once you have confirmed your registration by payment of your deposit, we regret we are unable to modify your program or fees. |