FrenchAmericanExchange.com
Home | FAQ | Contact us | Registration | Photos | Links
Program Options
University Students
Semester Study Abroad
Summer Study Abroad
Adult Programs
Learning Vacations
Teacher Programs
Immersion Weekends
Teenagers
Junior Programs
 
Program dates and prices valid for 2008
 
Language Learning Vacations in Bordeaux
 
About the city
 

Situated on the Garonne River in the Aquitaine Region of southwestern France, Bordeaux is by far one of the most well-known wine-producing areas of the world. Whether you prefer the rich flavors of the Medoc and Saint Emilion wines, or the sweeter taste of the white Sauternes, you will enjoy the numerous opportunities to visit some of the best vineyards and chateaux of the region. Bordeaux is the fifth largest French city and has become a major cultural center of France. In addition to being able to explore the lively neighborhoods and magnificent building facades of the Old City on foot, an excellent local transportation network will take you anywhere you would like to go. Plus, the high-speed TGV trains provide daily service to and from Paris in about 3 hours.

About the program
 

The program is open to students from around the world and includes 15 hours of instruction per week. Classes are held at an accredited language institute located in the heart of the city center.

The faculty is made up of native French professors experienced in teaching French as a Foreign Language. All classes are taught in French. Class size varies from 8 to 12 students. Groups are set up by levels (beginner to advanced), determined by proficiency tests given the first day of each session. Classes are held every morning, Monday-Friday, from 9:00am to 12:30 or 1:00pm. Computer stations, study room, and DVD films are also available to students for additional practice after class. A daily schedule of activities is available from the institute at final registration in France. Additional services are also available from the Office du Tourisme in town.

General Language Program
 
Morning Classes
9:00am-12:30/1:00pm
(Open to all levels - 15 hours a week)
Grammar Review
Conversation & Vocabulary
French Civilization & Culture
Discussion of French Literature & Selected Texts
Pronunciation & French Phonetics
 
Session dates (valid for 2008)
 
A new session begins every Monday and continues for the number of weeks of your choice. A 2-week minimum is required for students only attending the morning session. Courses for beginners start on the following dates: January 7, February 4, March 3, April 28, May 26, June 23, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 13, and November 10.

Note: FAE also offers intensive Language Learning Vacations throughout the year in Aix-en-Provence, Paris, Tours, Montpellier and Nice.
::No classes are held on the following national holidays: Maarch 24; May 1 & 8; July 14; August 15; November 1 & 11, and from December 19 to January 5. Class time missed for school closings will not be made up.

Specialized Programs

Discover Bordeaux Activity Program - a two-week summer activity program designed to introduce you to the regional specialties and traditions of Bordeaux and the Aquitaine Region. This program combines the morning French language course with a pre-arranged schedule of afternoon activities and excursions. Open to students at the elementary to advanced levels. Activities are organized three afternoons per week. Participants visit local vineyards, Chateaux, museums, and visiting exhibits. The program also includes a guided tour of Bordeaux, wine-tasting seminar, and cooking class.
Program dates: July 21-August 02 and August 04-15.
Cost of program: add $345 to the 2-week prices listed below.
> for information about accommodations

Discover The Wines of Bordeaux - a one-week language and culture program for students interested in learning more about Bordeaux wines. This program combines the morning French language course with daily afternoon wine seminars and excursions to the most famous vineyards of the region (Medoc, St Emilion, Mouton-Rothschild, etc). Open to students at all levels.
Starting dates: June 23, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 13.
Cost of program: add $940.00 to the "Additional Week" prices listed below.
> for information on accommodations

Individual Wine Appreciation - a one-week course that combines the morning French language course with an additional 7.5 hours of afternoon workshops with a private wine specialist. Students learn how to identify the various Bordeaux wines, and how to match them with the right food. Course includes wine-tastings.
Starting dates: every Monday for elementary to advanced level students. Beginner level students may also register for this course on the dates for beginner courses listed above.
Cost of program: add $995 to the "Additional Week" prices listed below..
> for information on accommodations

French For Seniors - aa two-week course designed specifically for seniors. Program includes 15 hours of French classes, 6 cultural activities/excursions, 2 evening activities, and one full-day excursion. Open to students at all levels except beginners.
Starting dates: May 19 and September 1.
Cost of program: add $80 to the 2-week prices listed below.
> for information on accommodations

French For French Teachers - a 2-week refresher course using French society, culture and language to develop practical teaching techniques. The program includes 36 hours of instruction with a selection of cultural activities.
Starting dates: July 7, July 21 and August 04.
Cost of program: For current prices visit the Teacher Training Program section.
> for information on accommodations

Registration
 
1. F.A.E. accepts adult travelers of any age.
2. No previous language skills are required for the General Language Program. Please verify starting dates for beginner courses.
3. To register, send in your completed F.A.E. Registration Form along with a $500 deposit towards the total balance due (payments accepted by major credit card).
4. Attach two 2x2 photographs (one if sent by e-mail).

> Go to the registration form

Note: We require 3-5 weeks to complete your bookings so be sure to return your Registration Form as soon as you have set your travel dates. Health & travel insurance must be provided by each participant.

Accommodations
 

Available housing includes your choice of a private room with shared bath in the home of a local resident (with daily breakfast & dinner), a hotel with continental breakfast, or a fully furnished apartment. Accommodations may be arranged for more than one person. Linens and bath towels are provided with all options. Please indicate your housing preference on your Registration Form and specify if it is for more than one person.

Expenses (valid for 2008)
 
All prices below include 15 hours of instruction per week, fees and taxes. The total cost of your program is based on your choice of accommodation. A security deposit (imprint of a major credit card) is required for all apartment rentals at check-in. Prices are listed in US dollars.

Two
Weeks
Add'l
Week
Private home (Half-board) 1555.00 515.00
2-star hotel (+continental breakfast) 2195.00 865.00
3-star hotel (+continental breakfast) 2365.00 950.00
Efficiency apartment (2-star rating) 1645.00 590.00
Efficiency apartment (3-star rating) 1865.00 700.00
One-bedroom apartment (3-star rating) 2240.00 890.00
Accommodation options:
Additional expenses [Not included]
 
  Dollars Euros
Additional Classes 4.5 hours per week $90.00/week €60.00/week
Private classes $75.00/lesson €50.00/lesson
Round-Trip Transportation: USA-Paris-Bordeaux See the links section for referrals
Bordeaux Airport Transfers:
    Jet Bus Shuttle $9.75 €6.50
  Local Taxi into town $27-33 €18-22
TGV Train Fare: Paris CDG Airport - Bordeaux $111.00 €74.00
School Internet Access Card Unlimited Service $30.00 €20.00
Course Materials (Paid Directly to School) $30.00 €20.00
Daily Activities and Excursions $7.50-38.00 €5-25
Health/Travel Insurance See the links section for referrals    
 

Note: Prices are subject to change and may vary with fluctuating exchange rates.

Optional excursions
 

A daily schedule of activities and excursions is arranged by the institute. Students sign up and pay for the activities of their choice once in France. Ask for a complete list of options at final registration. In addition to the activities and excursions organized by the institute, the Office du Tourisme offers a wide selection of guided tours and events. Activities range from a walking tour of the city or a visit of the Grand Theatre, to bus tours to one of the vineyards or Chateaux of the Aquitaine Region. You may also take a short train ride south of Bordeaux to visit the ancient city of Bayonne or the surfer's paradise of Biarritz (Atlantic Coast). Wherever your passion lies, you will find just the right place in and around Bordeaux to make your Language Learning Vacation an experience you will want to repeat!

Payment of fees
 
1. A $500 deposit is required upon acceptance into an FAE program.
2. Full payment is due 30 days prior to program starting date.
3. Refunds are authorized for cancellation up to 30 days prior to program starting date (less $250 programs fees). No refunds are granted after 30 days prior to program starting date.
4. A late fee of $50 is charged for any late or overdue payments.
5. Payments accepted by major credit card (V, MC, AE), or by check payable to: French-American Exchange
Find out about ...
the program
language program
session dates
specialized programs
registration
accommodations
expenses
additional expenses
optional excursions
payment of fees
 
Language learning vacations in other cities ...
Aix
Montpellier
Nice
Paris
Tours
Comments, questions? Send them to  
Website designed by Mikael Latreille ©2003-2007.