Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

• Your registration

What are the conditions to be accepted at the Alliance Française Bordeaux Nouvelle-Aquitaine?

There are no prerequisite diploma requirements to be able to study at the Alliance Française Bordeaux Nouvelle-Aquitaine. We accept all people from 16 years old (with parental authorization).
How far in advance do I need to register?

A minimum of two weeks before the beginning of the course.

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

If you need a registration certificate to apply for a visa, you must register 1 month and a half in advance.
How can I pay for my stay?

You can pay in euros, by credit card (online or on site), by cheque, Eurocheque, Traveller Cheque, bank transfer or cash (on site). Payment must be made before the beginning of the course.
Can we make the payment on the first day of the course?

Non, you must have paid the course beforehand.
Can we get the certificate of enrolment without making the payment?

Non, you must have paid the course beforehand.
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 will provide you a registration certificate which allows you to apply for a long-stay student visa at the Embassy or Consulate.

You can consult the website of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Please note that if you wish to apply for a residence permit upon your arrival in Bordeaux, you must apply for a student visa.
Will I be reimbursed if I don't get my visa?

Yes, your payment will be refunded. We will deduct the sum of 60 euros for administrative costs.
How many times can I apply for a postponement?

You can delay your stay only once
Dois-je contracter une assurance avant mon départ ?

Oui, il faut contracter une assurance couvrant votre responsabilité civile, la maladie, l’accident, le rapatriement sanitaire.

Vous pouvez contacter notre partenaire en assurance.

• Your arrival in Bordeaux

How to get to Bordeaux from abroad?

You can come to Bordeaux by train, planeor coach.
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 residences can show you the bus or tramway connections.
Quelles sont les activités en dehors des cours ?

We offer many cultural activities outside of class (visit of Bordeaux, wine tasting in castles, trips to the beach, evening at the theater…). A schedule of activities is proposed every month.
If I choose an accommodation with a family, how far will I be from the Alliance Française?

Our host families are mainly located in the city center. The distance can vary from a 5 minutes walk to 30 minutes by bus.
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, there are 4 computers with 30-minute free access period and a WIFI network. Our resource center is equipped with 8 connected computers.

• Your lessons

How can I find out my French level?

When you register, you will take a written test to find out your level. The tests are corrected by our teachers.
Do you have classes for all levels?

Yes, we have courses for all levels; for beginners, there are 6 sessions per year.
When can I start my courses?

Courses take place all year round. The AF operates in 4-week sessions and courses usually start on a Monday. You can register for a minimum of one week.
Combien d'étudiants y a-t-il dans une classe ?

A class accommodates between 10 and 16 students maximum.
What is the average age of the students?

The average age of the students is 25 years old. The minimum age requirement is 16. A parental release of responsibility is compulsory for underage students.
What teaching method is used?

En fonction du cours choisi, la méthode utilisée est Alter Ego + (Hachette). The teachers also use all types of teaching materials (audio, video, etc.).

You will need to buy your book and exercise book at the Mollat bookshop, your teacher will tell you which book to buy (cost: about 26 €) after your first lesson. You must bring sheets of paper and a pencil!
Can I take holidays or change my course dates?

La période indiquée sur le certificat d’inscription ne peut pas être modifiée sauf cas de force majeure.
Do you have special courses for au pairs?

No but we have a special Au Pair pricing.