Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ )
- Should I rent a car?
- Are there age limits?
- Should I bring Euros with me?
- Do I need insurance?
- Do I need a visa?
- What if I decide to leave early?
- I might want to take a few days off to go somewhere, is that ok?
- What is the average age of students?
- How long is the average stay?
- How much can I expect to progress?
- Is there homework?
- Is there access to the Internet?
- Can my class start on any date?
- I registered and confirmed for a certain class and some time later I noticed it being offered for less than the price I paid. Why?
- Does Coeur de France have host family stays ("home stays")?
- May I arrange my own accommodation elsewhere?
A: If you are staying for several weeks or coming with friends or family, renting a car is always a very good idea, although it isn't absolutely necessary. For stays of less than 2 weeks and if you have accommodation in Sancerre, a car is not recommended unless you are coming with a family with children. The closer you are staying to school, the less need you may feel for a car. 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 and 6 years-old for Family Program of Petit 1:1 program.
3. Q: Should I bring euros with me or change money when I'm there?
A: 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, there are 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. DO NOT BRING FOREIGN MONEY (such as US dollars)! Most French banks NO LONGER change foreign cash into euros unless you are a customer of that bank. This is the case in Sancerre too.
A: Coeur de France recommends that all students obtain appropriate 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.
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: We understand that unexpected things can happen and that you may decide to leave early. However, we cannot make any reimbursements for unused classes or accommodation. For this reason we recommend obtaining appropriate travel insurance that would reimburse you.
7. Q: I might want to take a few days off during my program for personal reasons. Can I make up the classes?
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 in their 30s or 40s, at any given moment we usually have students here ranging in age from 20s to 70+. Children are welcome to study with their parents in the special "Family Program" or in the children's tutorial "Childrens One to One".
9. Q: How long does the average student stay?
A: The "average" student stays 2 weeks.
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. If you choose, 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.
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 at the school and all accommodation. In addition, there are computers reserved for student Internet use at the school.
13. Q: Can my class start on any date?
A: Family & Couples and One to One programs may start on any Monday, subject to availability. As for Group classes, starting dates for Level I classes (Beg. I, Int. I) are every 4 weeks, as are starting dates for Level II classes (Beg. II, Int. II,) and Advanced. Please see our 'dates' page for more information.
14. Q: I registered and confirmed for a certain class and sometime later noticed it was being offered for less than the price I paid. Why?
A: Coeur de France periodically 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 that we are unable to modify your program or fees.
15. Q: Does Coeur de France have host family stays ("home stays")?
A: In a word: No. And here's why.
After providing host family accommodations for several years, we decided to discontinue this kind of accommodation because we believe that the positive aspects of it are outweighed by the significant negative aspects.
The following are just some of them:
- lack of privacy
- adjustment to the family's household rules and routine
- student's dietary needs unable to be met by families
- presence of household pets in most families
- smoking/nonsmoking environment cannot be guaranteed
- environment not conducive to studying
- distance from school
and more...
We understand that students seeking host family accommodations are motivated by their belief that they will have more opportunity for social interaction with native speakers and thus improve their language skills. Unfortunately, the realities of daily life with a family often make this impossible.
Think About It...
In most French families, children attend school and both parents work. You as a Coeur de France student have class and perhaps an optional excursion during the day. When you returns home in the late afternoon you have at least a couple of hours of homework to do.
The parents of the host family usually return home around 6:30 pm. The family sees each other for the first time since early morning and would probably like some private time to catch up on their day. Then Madame must begin preparing dinner and Monsieur has a few chores he needs to take care of....
Unfortunately, the reality is that a student's only QUALITY contact with the host family would be during dinner (which for most French families is from about 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm). The majority of the stay with the family would be limited to such things as sharing the bathroom and having a quick slice of toast and coffee for breakfast!
Most of our students are mature adults and while the notion of living with a family is charming, the actual experience can be problematic for someone accustomed to their independence and free choice. Coming and going when you please is usually not allowed; smoking or nonsmoking accommodations, food, comfort, etc. are simply beyond Coeur de France's control and so cannot be guaranteed. The potential problems are many. Thus, we discontinued the host family option.
A (Much) Better Alternative
Enjoy the freedom to live like an adult, not a child or a tolerated house guest. Learning to manage on your own (with a little help from us if needed) is a step in the right direction for gaining confidence in your French skills. With your own apartment including your own private kitchen (apartments are not shared with other students), you can prepare your own meals whenever you wish. Students often invite other students -- and new French friends -- for a lunch or dinner "chez moi"!
At Coeur de France, we want you to interact with native French people and gain confidence in your own abilities. Shop with the local people, discover new recipes, eat what you want to when you want to, experiment with French cuisine, entertain friends and fellow students. Experience real, authentic French living in a winemaking village -- just like one of us. Bienvenue chez vous !
16. Q: May I arrange my own accommodation elsewhere?
A: You are of course free to arrange your own accommodation elsewhere and be a Non-Resident Student (NRS). Please note that Coeur de France requires Non-Resident Students to pay a NRS surcharge of 100 euros per week.
