Centre Linguistique Pour Etrangers - France

  France

Tours

Dates: throughout the year

Description: Centre Linguistique Pour Etrangers (CLE) is located in the heart of the lively old town of Tours, which is a historical, lively and picturesque area. The houses and buildings in this part of Tours were built mostly in the 15th, 16th and 18th centuries, the majority of which underwent a period of renovation during the 70's and 80's. Most of the old quarter has been pedestrianized, which adds to the charm of the area. A multitude of restaurants and terrace cafe's can be found just steps away from the school in the shade of the quaint medieval buildings. CLE is an independent institute for French language studies founded in 1985. Today CLE occupies a magnificently renovated 18th century building which even has a 15th century cellar. From your classroom windows you can admire Charlemagne tower, one of the town's oldest monuments and the impressive Saint-Martin Basilica. Students will study in one of 10 spacious and comfortable classrooms, and during the summers many students enjoy relaxing on the rooftop terrace. The school also has a library and multimedia room, 7 individual language laboratories, and all students have free access to the internet.

From a quality standpoint, CLE is an excellent choice. Whether it is to improve your French language skills for exam purposes (A' levels, Abitur, Matura, INSEAD, etc.), to obtain a job position , to communicate more easily with your French speaking business associates, with an aim to residing in France or simply for pleasure, CLE puts the students specifications first every time. All the French language courses are taught by qualified teachers, who specialize in teaching French as a foreign language. Their competence and enthusiasm will make learning a pleasure. To accelerate your learning there is never more than 7 students per class. Smaller class sizes allow students to receive more attention in class and have more opportunity to practice their French language skills with their teachers. In addition to excellent French language classes, CLE offers a variety of interesting cultural activities and excursions. By participating in the many excursions and cultural visits offered you will discover all that Tours and the other nearby regions have to offer. For students arriving at the beginning of a regular or summer session, CLE organizes a free guided tour of the city, its monuments and its historical restorations. In addition CLE organizes weekly visits to the renowned Renaissance chateaux of the Loire Valley: Chambord, Chenonceau, Azay-le-Rideau, and others, medieval fortresses, Fontevraud Abbey (where Henry Plantagenet II and Richard the Lion-Heart are buried), as well as the homes of Ronsard, Balzac and Leonardo da Vinci. Throughout your stay you will have ample opportunity to taste, in local cellars, the famous wines of Vouvray, Montlouis, Bourgeuil and Chinon. CLE also organizes visits to other regions of France, where you will discover such architectural treasures as Mont-St-Michel, Versailles, Chartres Cathedral and also La Rochelle. Excursions are organized for a minimum number of participants, thus reducing costs. If you prefer to go on your own, a multitude of guides and suggested itineraries are available and the staff is always on hand to advise you and make suggestions.

Quick School Facts

-The minimum age for a student is 18 years (17 years during the summer months).
-The facilities are ideally suited for small group and private instruction.
-The school is located in a beautifully restored 18th century building.
-It is very easy to combine this program with any of our French language programs
-CLE has a series of very comprehensive books and materials.
-The school offers an extensive array of cultural activities.
-Students can send and receive email for free.
-Students have access to the internet for free.
-Students have as a standard accommodation package, the choice of staying with local host families. It is possible to set up a studio or an apartment. Pricing for studios and apartments vary so contact our office. For those wanting something a little more romantic the school can set you up in a chateaux outside the city. You will need to rent a car for this option.

Highlights: - One of the more beautiful cities in France.
- A smaller city that still offers the amenities and services one would expect of a much larger city.
- Due to the university, the city has a a very lively feel to it.
- The Loire Valley is one of the most beautiful regions in France.
- This part of France contains an abundance of historical sites and towns, some of the more interesting of course are the many beautiful chateaux.
- Paris is less than 2 hours away.
- The central location of Tours means that it is easy to get to most other points of interest in France in a relatively short period of time.

Cost in US$: Inquire for more info.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no