At what time do lessons start on the first day?
On the first day, your level test begins at 8:45 AM. You can arrive at the school from 8:30 AM.
How do I get to school on the first day?
To get to the school, you will have reviewed the documents sent to you by the Alpha.b registration office. If in doubt, feel free to ask your host family or hotel residence for guidance. In any case, please note that the Institute is easily accessible by bus, tramway, or on foot.
What is the school's timetable?
Our continuous classes take place Monday to Friday from 8.45 to 12.00. During high season and whenever necessary, there can be an alternative schedule with lessons from 15h30-18h45.
Afternoon classes for the Intensive French and the Combination French Course start at 13:15.
Your precise timetable will be sent to you on the day of your arrival and will be available on the school’s mobile app.
Can I choose between morning and afternoon classes?
During the high season, the continuing course may take place from 3:30 PM to 6:45 PM. Depending on your test upon arrival, you will be placed in a class at your level, whether it takes place in the morning or afternoon.
For your individual lessons, you can communicate your preferences, and we will do our best to accommodate them.
Once I have arrived, can I change the type of course?
When you book and begin a Continuing Course (20 lessons/week), you can switch to an intensive course (28 lessons/week) or a Combined course (20+4 or 20+8 lessons/week) based on availability and by paying the price difference.
What do I need to bring to do the course?
Paper and a pen! A dictionary can also be useful.
For your first day of classes, we provide access to our alpha.book, a grammar book created by our teachers, in digital format.
All other documents are provided by the school: authentic document copies*, newspapers, etc…
(*Alpha.b Linguistic Institute contributes a photocopying fee to C.F.C – French Center for Copying Rights)
You are also welcome to bring your laptop and connect to our free Wi-Fi network.
What kind of certification will I get at the end of my French Course?
Alpha.b provides all its students with a certificate of attendance, detailing the duration of your stay, the number of courses attended, and their level.
Minor students receive an attendance certificate.
Accommodation
When must I book my accommodation?
Our advice is to book as early as possible, as availability decreases 3 to 4 weeks before the start of the stay, depending on the chosen option.
Will the host family give me lunch?
No, and it is also not included in the general terms for students to use the kitchen. You can purchase hot and cold beverages at Alpha.b, as well as take meals at nearby cafes and restaurants for 5 to 15 €. We provide all the information on your arrival day and during our free guided tour of Nice.
Is my host family going to have breakfast with me?
Depending on everyone’s schedule (work, children, etc.), breakfast can be taken alone. The evening meal, however, is taken with the host family.
Can I stay with a French Family if I am vegetarian, vegan or gluten free ?
At Alpha.b French school, we take into account all your dietary allergies and specific requests to best match you with a host family. We regularly welcome vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free students, and our host families are aware and accommodating of various dietary restrictions.
Upon registration, please inform us of any allergies or dietary preferences so that there are no issues during your stay in a French family with half-board. For any questions, feel free to speak with the administrative team who will be happy to assist you.
Supplement for special diets (vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free): 45 euros/week
What is the composition of the host families?
It is becoming increasingly difficult to find host families with a “complete” family unit (father, mother, children). Many of our host families are single-parent households.
Can I invite my friends or parents to the host family’s house?
This arrangement is at the discretion of your host family or French host. Some may not accept it, others may do so exceptionally, and some may require compensation. In all cases, please discuss it with them.
Will my host family wash my clothes?
For minor students whose stay exceeds 1 week, one free laundry service is provided per week. You simply need to ask your host family.
For adult students, this is not included in our general terms, but many families will offer to do your laundry for free or for a fee. In any case, there are self-service laundromats available in every neighborhood.
Who does the cleaning?
In a host family, everyone is responsible for tidying their room daily so that your host or hostess can access it and keep the space clean. Additionally, a little help is always appreciated. In the “French host” option, you are responsible for cleaning your room and the common areas (kitchen and bathroom) that you have used. Your host will provide the necessary cleaning supplies and equipment.
Life in Nice
Do I need a visa to go to France?
Citizens of the European Union do not need a visa. Special agreements with certain countries outside the EU do not require a visa either.
For more information, please visit this site: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/venir-en-france/
Who comes to find me once I have arrived at the airport or station?
In the family formula with half-board, your host will provide a free transfer upon arrival. Please note: no transfers between 9:00 PM and 8:00 AM and no transfer for the return.
For other formulas, it is very easy to reach your accommodation once you arrive in Nice. The airport is approximately 20 minutes by taxi from your accommodation (around 50 €) or 20 minutes by tram (10 €). The train station is centrally located, and a tram (1.70 €) or taxi (20 €) will take you there in less than 15 minutes.
Regardless of the chosen accommodation type, it is important to provide your arrival time and train or flight number at least 3 days prior to ensure your welcome. (All this information will be detailed in our confirmation letter sent after receipt of your registration form.)
How much money do I need to bring with me?
The currency in France is the Euro. To give you an idea of your budget…
1 coffee: 2 € // 1 coke: 4 € // 1 pizza: 12 € // 1 sandwich: 6 € // 1 lunch: 15 € // 1 nightclub entrance with a drink: 20 € // 1 weekend car rental: 150 € // 1 movie at the cinema: 13 € // 1 museum entrance: between 5 € and 20 € // 1 bus and tram ticket: 1.70 €.
Is it expensive in Nice?
Nice is not more expensive than other European cities of the same category. Of course, as in any city with attractive spots, if you take your coffee in a very popular place, you will pay “the location,” which is 30 to 70% more than if you were in a neighborhood café. The same goes for your meals, evening outings, or drinks in trendy pubs.
Where can I find my consulate?
All information at the “General Secretariat of the Consular Corps of Alpes-Maritimes” in Nice.
Phone: +33 4 93 88 01 49 or
http://www.nicecotedazur.org/
