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Program dates and prices valid for 2008
 
Language Learning Vacations in Paris
 
About Paris
 

Paris is without doubt one of the most beautiful European cities and continues to rank among the top five tourist destinations in Europe. The abundance of art and culture found throughout Paris provides an ideal setting for learning French. Each of the 20 arrondissements of the city has its own unique charm and character. Whether you find yourself wondering through the Latin Quarter, the Marais, St. Germain or Montmartre, every day will bring you something new to discover. Although Paris has a seemingly endless selection of museums, exhibits and monuments to visit, perhaps the most pleasant pastime is to sit at a table outside a café and watch the world go by. For the price of a café crème, you may linger as long as you like, read the paper, have a meal, or plan your next move.

About the program
 

The program is open to adult students from around the world and includes 15 hours of instruction per week. Classes are held at a private language institute in an 18th century mansion located in the heart of Montmartre. 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 3-6 participants. Groups are set up by levels (Beginner to Advanced), determined by proficiency tests given the first day of each session. The institute is equipped with a student lounge, private outdoor terrace, DVD-viewing room, vending machines, computer stations and free internet access. You will find a unique diversity of participants enrolled in the program, creating an international atmosphere at the institute. A weekly schedule of afternoon activities and supplemental classes is available from the institute at final registration in France. Additional services are also available at the Office du Tourisme in town.

General Language Program
 
Morning classes: Mondays 10am-1pm / Tuesdays-Fridays 9am-12pm
(Open to all levels - 15 hours a week)
Grammar Review
Conversation & Vocabulary
French Civilization & Culture
Discussion of French Literature & Selected Texts
Pronunciation & French Phonetics
language courses
Note: Additional hours in afternoon classes are available upon request.
Session dates (valid for 2008)
 

A new session begins every Monday and continues for the number of weeks of your choice. Courses for beginner students are offered the first Monday of every month. Students at this level are required to register for a minimum of 2 weeks. No classes are held on the following national holidays: March 24; May 1, 8, & 12; July 14; August 15; November 1 & 11; and December 25. Classes missed for holidays are made up during the week. No classes will be held from December 22 - January 2, 2009.

Note: F.A.E. also offers intensive Language Learning Vacations throughout the year in Aix, Bordeaux, Montpellier, Nice, and Tours.

Specialized programs
 
The following list of activities are offered once a week as part of the activity program organized by the institute. Students may sign up for the seminar or workshop of their choice directly with the admissions office in Paris.

Civilization Seminar + Excursion (4 hrs) - This seminar provides students an in-depth view of the various neighborhoods of Paris. A professional guide begins with an historical overview and examines contemporary life of a specific area of Paris (ie: Montmartre, l'Opéra Garnier, le Marais, les Passages, Saint-Germain des Prés, l'Ile de la Cité, or the Latin Quarter). After the seminar, the students are taken on a walking tour of the neighborhood. Open to intermediate and advanced students only.
Price: €55 per person ($80).

Art Appreciation Workshop + Excursion (4 hrs) - This workshop focuses on the artistic side of Parisian life. Students are presented with a specific theme, which may include Art, Literature, Cinema, or Music, in the form of a brief lecture at the school and are then escorted on a site-visit to a local atelier of Paris. Open to intermediate and advanced students only.
Price: €55 per person ($80).

Wine Tasting Seminar (2 hrs) - This seminar is held at the school by a specialist who light-heartedly introduces the students to wine tasting. The course teaches the basics of wine appreciation, explaining the different flavors and appellations of wine. Students learn how to inspect, smell and taste the different wines. A selection of cheese and cold meats is served in the wine-tasting session.
Price: €45 per person ($66).

French Cooking Class or Demonstration (2.5 - 3 hrs) - Students interested in learning more about French cuisine may select from two programs. One option includes an informal gathering in the home of a local Parisian where you prepare and taste a typical French dish. The other option is a formal demonstration held at the Ritz Escoffier School of Cuisine where students watch a professional chef prepare a typical French dish. The demonstration is conducted in French with simultaneous English translation.
Price: prices per person for these programs are €45 ($66) for the informal class, and €60 ($88) for the professional demonstration.

French Etiquette Workshop (3-4 hrs) - Students are welcomed into the private home of native Parisian woman to learn and discuss proper French etiquette. If you ever wondered what life in Parisian society was like, what etiquette to observe when invited to dinner, or how to avoid faux-pas when among the French, this is the workshop for you! Students are given practical advice on how to avoid the usual clichés, and get a chance to see the interior of a private apartment of the "Haute-Société".
Price: €50 per person ($74).

Excursion with a Staff French Teacher (2 hrs) - If you would like to continue practicing your French while discovering a typical neighborhood of Paris in the company of a staff instructor, this is a wonderful opportunity.
Price: €35 per person ($52).
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 process your registration so be sure to return your Registration Form as soon as you have set your travel dates.

Accommodations
 

Available housing includes your choice of a private room with shared bath in the home of a local resident [with daily breakfast (B&B) or breakfast & dinner (Half Board) meal plans], 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 listed below include 15 hours of instruction per week, accommodations, fees, taxes, course materials and internet access. Additional hours in afternoon classes are available upon request [see Add'l Expenses for prices]. 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.

One
Week
Two
Weeks
Add'l
Week
Private home (B&B) 1180.00 1870.00 690.00
Private home (Half-board) 1310.00 2120.00 820.00
2-star hotel (+continental breakfast) 1505.00 2610.00 1110.00
3-star hotel (+continental breakfast) 2030.00 3750.00 1720.00
Efficiency apartment (3-star rating) 1950.00 3360.00 1510.00
One-bedroom apartment (3-star rating) 2520.00 4560.00 2160.00
Accommodation options:
Additional expenses (not included in Program Expenses)
 
  Dollars Euros
Round-Trip Transportation: USA-Paris See our links section for referrals
Paris CDG Airport Transfers:
  Airport Shuttle Bus $15.00-18.00 10-12
Private Chauffeur $118.00 €80.00
Additional Afternoon Classes (5 hours/week) $500.00/wk
Private lessons with instructor $100.00/hour
Activities and Excursions   $0-44.00 €0-30.00
Health/Travel Insurance See our links section for referrals    
 

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

Optional excursions
 

In addition to the specialized programs listed above, the Office du Tourisme offers a wide variety of guided tours and events. A sample selection of activities includes a narrated motorcoach tour of the city, a boat ride down the Seine River, a guided visit of a museum, or half-day excursions to the Palace of Versailles, Fontainebleau, Vaux Le Vicomte and the Cathedral of Chartres. Wherever your passion lies, you will find just the right place in and around Paris to make your Learning Vacation an experience you will want to repeat!

Payment of fees
 
1. A $500 deposit is required at time of reservation.
2. Full payment is due 21 days prior to starting date of program.
3. Refunds are authorized for cancellation up to 30 days prior to departure date (less $250 booking fee).
4. A late fee of $50 is charged for any late or overdue payments.
5. Payments accepted by major credit cards (V, MC, AE).
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-en-Provence
Bordeaux
Montpellier
Nice
Tours
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