Frequently asked questions

What documents do I need to enrol?

When you arrive, you will need to provide a passport photo for you student card.

When can I begin a course?

Only the beginner courses start on fixed dates, with a new session starting every three weeks.

For the other programmes, students can begin on a Monday and continue for as long as they like.

For how long should I attend the courses?

Only complete beginners must enrol for a minimum of four weeks.

For the other levels, you are free to choose the length of your programme according to your availability and objectives (minimum length: 1 week)

How long in advance should I enrol?

We recommend you enrol at least 2 weeks before the start of the course. You can however enrol at any time during the year if there is a place available.

How can I enrol?

Complete the application form on our website, or come to the Institut, from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Do I need a visa to enter France?

Please contact your local French consulate or consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website www.france.diplomatie.gouv.fr/venir/visas/index.html

What must I do to obtain a certificate of enrolment for an intensive course?

Students who are not citizens of a member country of the European Union and who will spend more than three months in France must enrol on an intensive course (15, 20 or 25 hrs).

When we receive your deposit (50%), we send you a pre-enrolment certificate to present to the French consulate in your country.

When you arrive in France and as soon as you pay the outstanding balance we issue an enrolment certificate to present to the French immigration authorities.

General conditions “Intensive courses”

What must I do to obtain a certificate of enrolment for an au pair programme?

You are entitled to a pre-enrolment certificate of 10 hours per week (you must have au pair status to pre-enrol).

When we receive your deposit (€100), we draw up and send you a pre-enrolment certificate to present to the French consulate in your country, the French Department of Work and Employment (DDTE) or your au pair agency.

When you arrive in France and as soon as you pay the outstanding balance we issue an enrolment certificate to present to the immigration authorities.

General conditions “Au pair programme”

How many students are there per class?

All the intensive courses are limited to 10 students. The au pair language courses are limited to 12 students.

Are the teachers native French speakers?

Yes, all our teachers are native French speakers and qualified French as a foreign language teachers.

Where do your students come from?

Each year we receive students from the world over.

Is there a minimum age to study at the Institut Parisien?

To study French at the Institut Parisien you must be aged 16 or over.

What is the average age of the students?

The average age is 35, but we have a lot of young students (particularly during the summer period) and many older participants throughout the year.

What is the minimum age to benefit from homestay accommodation?

To benefit from homestay accommodation you must be aged 18 or over. Only the “half-board” option is available for those aged 17 and over.

Do you prepare your students for exams (DELF, DALF, etc.)?

Although we do not prepare our students for any specific exams, the course content gives you all the required skills and knowledge needed to sit a French as a Foreign Language exam.

Can I modify my course dates?

From the moment you enrol on a course your place is reserved. We do however accept changes in dates if you inform us at least 10 days before the course begins and if there is a place available in another course.

Do you organise extracurricular activities?

The Institut Parisien organizes numerous activities which complement French courses. Activities take place at the school or elsewhere and are offered at special rates.

• Several times a week, in the morning or in the afternoon, teachers organize tours to different areas of Paris and to museums. The goal always being to develop cultural awareness.

• Evenings out are organized by the Institut Parisien: operas, concerts, theatre and dance.

• Each month, students can participate in on site “tastings” and cooking demonstrations. They can also go to a live radio show at the Maison de Radio France.

• Once a month different day trips around Paris are organized. In the summer, the «Fêtes de nuit» at the Château de Versailles, candlelight dinners at the Vaux-le –Vicomte castle and picnics...

• Weekend excursions are organized to Brittany, Normandy, Burgundy, the castles of the Loire, the Christmas markets in Alsace, the Champagne region...

• Students also are asked to use their artistic talents (musical, culinary...) to organize, at school, evening activities - concerts, buffets...- which create a festive atmosphere.

Moreover, the Institut Parisien has negociated rates for many activities in Paris: cruise on the Seine river with the Bateaux Parisiens, a day at Disneyland Paris…