Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

• Your subscription

What are the conditions for an admission to the Alliance Française Bordeaux Aquitaine?

There are no requirements in terms of qualifications to study at the Alliance Française Bordeaux Aquitaine. We accept people aged from 18 years old.
How far in advance do I need to register to the courses?

We recommend that you register at least two weeks before classes begin.

To register, you need to send us: the completed enrolment form + payment for the course (including course price + enrolment fee) + bank charges (if paying by bank transfer outside Europe) + your completed level test.

If you need a certificate of enrollment to apply for a visa, you must enroll at least one and a half months in advance.

You can register directly on the page for the course of your choice here.
How can I pay for my stay?

You can pay in euros, by credit card (online or on site), by cheque, bank transfer or cash (on site). Payment must be made before the beginning of the course.
How can I pay for my training?

Erasmus students and/or students at the University of Bordeaux, as well as Au Pairs, are eligible for reduced rates upon presentation of valid proof of status.

Young Europeans who have a European Youth Card are also eligible for a 10% discount.

You can have your French classes and exams covered through your CPF account, France Travail, or your employer. In addition, our training programs are accessible through initiatives such as Erasmus+, the Carta del Docente in Italy, the CSN in Sweden, and other specific government scholarships.
Can we make the payment on the first day of the course?

No, you must have paid the course beforehand.
Can we get the certificate of enrolment without making the payment?

No, you must have paid for the course in order to receive a certificate of enrollment from the Alliance Française.
Where can I make a bank transfer?
Here are our bank details:
- Banque BNP Parisbas Bordeaux Chapeau Rouge – 40 cours du Chapeau Rouge – 33 000 Bordeaux
- IBAN code: FR76 3000 4003 2000 01 01 94 77 670
- (bank code 30004 – branch code 00320 – account number 00010194776 – RIB key 70)
- BIC CODE : BNP AF RPP BOR

• Your arrival in France

How do I obtain my visa?

We recommend you to contact the French Embassy or Consulate in your country to find out how to obtain a visa.

The Alliance Française issues a certificate of enrollment that allows you to apply for a long-stay student visa at the Embassy or Consulate. To do so, you must enroll in the intensive courses for a minimum of 3 months and pay the full cost of the program in advance.

You can consult the website of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Will I be reimbursed if I don't get my visa?

Yes, your payment will be refunded upon proof that you were unable to obtain a visa. We deduct a flat fee of 60 euros to cover the registration fee.
Do I need to take out insurance before my departure?

Yes, you must take out insurance to cover your civil liability, illness, accident and medical repatriation.

You can contact our insurance partner.

• Your arrival in Bordeaux

How to get to Bordeaux from abroad?

You can travel to Bordeaux by train, plane, or bus.
Who is in charge of welcoming me when I arrive in Bordeaux?

If you are staying with a host family, the family will pick you up at the train station or the airport (see the conditions for staying with a family).

If you are accommodated in a hotel or residence, you must organize yourself. The student housing offices can provide you with information on bus and tram routes in Bordeaux.
What activities are available outside class ?

We offer a wide range of cultural activities outside of class (tours of Bordeaux and its landmarks, wine and cheese tastings, exhibitions, concerts, sports activities, excursions, and more). A monthly program of activities is available; check it out on our culture page.
If I choose an accommodation with a family, how far will I be from the Alliance Française?

Our host families are located mainly in downtown Bordeaux. The distance can range from a 5-minute walk to a maximum of 30 minutes by public transportation.
Can I work at the same time as I take classes at the Alliance?

If you have a long-stay student visa, you are allowed to work up to a maximum of 20 hours per week.
Is there an internet access in the school?

Yes, the school has Wi-Fi and a resource center with self-service computers connected to the internet.

• Your lessons

How can I find out my French level?

After you register, we will send you a written placement test to complete at home in one hour. The tests are corrected by our teachers. If necessary, we will contact you by phone to assess your speaking skills as well.
Do you have classes for all levels?

Yes, we offer courses for all levels of French, from A1.1 to C1.4. For beginners, we offer 9 session start dates per year.
When can I start my courses?

Courses take place all year round. The Alliance Française in Bordeaux operates on a 4-week level-based session schedule. Classes always start on a Monday. You can register for a minimum of one week. You can view our session schedule here.
Combien d'étudiants y a-t-il dans une classe ?

A class accommodates between 7 and 16 students maximum.
What is the average age of the students?

We welcome international students of all ages, from 18 to 80 years old. The average age is 25–30 years old. The minimum age required is 18 years old.
What teaching method is used?
Depending on the course chosen, the teacher uses French as a Foreign Language textbooks whose content aligns with the methodology and progression defined by the CEFR: Inspire (Hachette), Edito (Didier), or Défi (Maison des Langues). The teachers also use all types of teaching materials (audio, video, etc.).

Your teacher will tell you which book to buy (cost: about 35€) after your first class.

You can buy these manuals in paper or digital form:
- At the Mollat bookshop if you are staying in Bordeaux
- Looking for a distributor or purchasing a digital version while living abroad: Inspire (Hachette), Edito (Didier), or Défi (Maison des Langues)
You should also use paper and a pencil!
Can I take holidays or change my course dates?

When you register, you can let us know in advance of any breaks you plan to take during your training. Once established, these terms may not be modified except in cases of force majeure.
How many times can I apply for a course postponement?

You may reschedule your stay once, provided you submit supporting documentation. For more information, please see our terms and conditions here.
Do you have special courses for au pairs?

No but we have a special Au Pair pricing.
How to make a complaint?

You can fill out the complaint form and submit it at the front desk or email it to us at inscription@alliance-bordeaux.org.