Study Abroad Language Learning Courses and Homestays - Eurolingua Institute

Testimonials

Little did I know . . . . I was in for the experience of a lifetime at my Eurolingua one-on-one homestay in Avignon, France. I had never taken a commercial French home tutoring class before - ever. Sure, I had taken high school french and a few college classes and even had a tutor once in a while come to my home but that was centuries ago. This was different. I would be living, breathing, learning 24/7. I would be staying for a week in the home of my instructor, Roselyne, and her family, captive - no place to go...

Would I like them? Would they like me? What if they cooked weird food? What if she was so strict and tough on me I'd feel like I was back in 3rd grade grammar school with Sister Ines whacking my hands every time I said something out of turn? After all, let's face it, language learning is a good portion memory retention and at 51, I was no spring chicken. My memory had long ago been "misplaced" and I find it difficult to remember some English words -- let alone French words.

After a delightful and picturesque one and a half hour TGV non-stop train ride from Paris, I arrived in central Avignon with anticipation but of course, some dread and hesitation. With my own audible "whew" at the site that greeted me at the train station, I was met by my instructor with a large white sign with my first name, Robin, written across. Not "Mrs. Katsaros" or "Mme. Katsaros" but Robin - now THIS was a good sign! I was graciously met with a big smile and open arms by Roselyne. She was just like the picture but her smile and welcoming personality set the tone for the week that what was to come....

... I cannot say enough about my week long learning experience . It was the best thing I've ever done for my own personal growth and learning. Roselyne was kind, gracious, and had a talent for transferring her knowledge that motivated me to do my best. She had such an interesting array of tools to work with - textbooks, written exercises, Audio exercises and recordings, French songs and poems and of course, my personal favorite, going outdoors in the Avignon community to practice what I had learned....

... It really was fabulous. And I also feel that I have made life long friends with my "Avignon" family, not only Roselyne, but her husband and chef Jean-Paul (his chocolate and orange mousse was to die for) and their lovely daughter, Flore. My only regret is that my stay was only one week. I wish I had more time to spend with Roselyne. But I truly enjoyed every moment of time and toil I spent with Roselyne. And I hope to return sometime in the near future to further enhance and update my French language skills. Merci beaucoup! •

Returned to the US in fine style, and passed my exam with flying colors. According to the US foreign service, I have achieved professional (plus) competency, and have therefore graduated from the George Washington University and will be moving to Scotland (as planned) at the end of August. Give Anne an extra special thank you … Her preparation definitely stood me in good stead for the exam. Best wishes from a very relieved student... Alexa

Thanks for the great experience in Montpellier. I really learned a lot and will continue my studies back in NYC. My last weekend, my cousin and I went to Arles to visit the restaurant founded by the Gypsy Kings … we met a Gitan fortune teller who did our cards....but the funny part was I bumped into her again on the train back to Montpellier and we ended up going for a drink.....I managed to use some French … so it was very interesting and definitely something I couldn't have experienced a month earlier. It is always nice to see some progress. Much love and thanks again....Lisa

French for Tourism Certificate (CFTH)

The Certificat de français du tourisme et de l’hôtellerie (CFTH) programme is for people working in the hotel, tourism and restaurant industry or for students preparing for employment in the general hospitality sector, who wish to acquire an intermediate level of French. The programme inludes a 15-week professional French course followed by the possibility of practical paid work experience in a hotel in France.

Students prepare for the French Hotel and Tourism Certificate (Certificat de Français du Tourisme et de l'Hôtellerie), an internationally recognised examination course validated by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It provides students with the linguistic skills required to work in the hotel and tourism industry in any French speaking country - France, Canada, Belgium, French Caribbean, French Pacific Islands, West Africa, North Africa etc.

Duration of the CFTH programme: 15 weeks

Duration of the 'stage en hôtellerie': 3 to 12 months

Location: Montpellier, South of France

Programme: the 15-week CFTH (Certificat de Français du Tourisme et de l'Hôtellerie) programme takes place in Montpellier, South of France, and consists of 350 hours of French language training and speciality training for the hotel industry, bringing participants upto a B1 Level on the recognised Council of Europe Grading Scale (http://www.eurolingua.com/content/view/52/106/lang,english). This means that candidates with only an elementary knowledge of French may start the programme and success in the Paris Chamber of Commerce examinations will certify a B1 Level in French. Registration fee: 100 Euro per person.

Minimum Requirements: 16 participants arriving together, taking the programme and sitting the Paris Chamber of Commerce examinations (in Montpellier). However, we can admit 64 students per session.

Accommodation: during the programme accommodation can be arranged with our local French host families.

Examination: at the end of the French course, students will take the examination at the official Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry examination centre in Montpellier. The Certificat de Français du Tourisme et de l'Hôtellerie is a language examination based on competences in professional situations with which the candidate is already familiar in his native language or which can be acquired during the programme. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate that they are able to communicate effectively with a French-speaking client in a professional work situation in 3 main areas : hotel, tourism and restaurant/catering. Duration: 1 week. Location: in summer the exams take place in Montpellier. In winter the exams take place in Paris.

Examination Fees: students need to budget for and pay the Paris Chamber of Commerce CFTH examination fees.

Hotel Placements: students who are awarded the CFTH by the Paris Chamber of Commerce will be eligible to undertake a 'stage en hôtellerie', usually from 3 to 12 months, including staff accommodation and meals provided by the hotel. Students will take a work placement in order to give them first-hand experience of the hotel and catering industry in France. The working week is 39 hours and may be on straight shift or split shift basis. Positions available are - breakfast service, waiter/waitress, bar, kitchen assistant, housekeeping. Reception work is for students with an advanced level of spoken French.

Accommodation during the Placement: hotels provide food and lodgings during the period of the placement. Accommodation is in staff quarters (usually shared) and meals are provided at pre-set times. Students accepted on placements are known as "Stagiaires" and receive a net allowance (stipend) of 200 Euro, in cash, per month.

Examination Syllabus and Objectives
The Certificat de français du tourisme et de l’hôtellerie addresses those professionals who have, or will have, direct contact with a French-speaking clientele in such sectors as:

Businesses promoting tourism – Tourist Offices
Tourist associations
Travel agents, tour operators, ticket offices, group organisers
Holiday clubs, leisure parks
Theme parks
Tourist transport businesses
Independent hotels
Hotel chains
Holiday accommodation organisers
Youth hostels
Restaurant, cafes

FR-Sete(Food_01)175.jpg The Certificat de français du tourisme et de l’hôtellerie (CFTH) requires candidates to have a B1+ level on the Common European Framework for languages. The exam is validated by the Chambre de Commerce et Industrie de Paris (CCIP).

Programme Syllabus (three main elements):

(1) Tourism
Reply to the requirements of a client (individual or group) asking for a service to :

suggest appropriate tourist routes
organise a local tour
make reservations for a trip or a journey
arrange hotel accommodation
make reservations at a hotel

Reply to a request for information from a client:

help a client to choose, to buy or to reserve something
change, cancel a reservation or service
write a letter, a telex, a fax in response to a relevant tourist situation
design and prepare a short information document - newsletter, customer information or promotion for tourist services
present and annotate an itinerary for a touristic visit
write a general information sheet on his country for use with foreign visitors

(2) Hotel

welcome clients and escort them to and settle them into their rooms
explain the terms and conditions for a reservation; make, change or cancel a reservation individual or group)
prepare an invoice, ask for payment, deal with (orally) a minor complaint
write a letter, telex, fax, in reply to a given situation relevant to the hotel
design and prepare a short information document or newsletter to promote the hotel’s services

(3) Restaurant

Welcome clients (individual or group) and escort them to the table
Take the order from the client (individual or group)
Resolve minor complaints relating to the restaurant
Suggest special or adapted menus (groups, set menus, children, special diets)

Programme Fees

DETAILS OF NET WHOLESALE PRICES (for groups of minimum 16 students)	Price in Euro
Registration fee	100
15-week programme fee	3750
Accommodation search and service fee	100
15-week French host family accommodation with breakfast and evening dinner	3675
Paris Chamber of Commerce examination registration fee (guide)	350
Placement fee (stage en hôtellerie)	900
TOTAL BUDGET WHOLESALE PRICE	8875

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