Q : Where is ILA located?

ILA French language school is very centrally located in the heart of the historic centre in a private mansion house dating back to the 18th century. All sites of interest as well as boutiques, bars, restaurants, cinemas etc. are just minutes on foot away.

Q : What is the minimum age of students at ILA?

We can accept students as of 16 years.

Q : What is the average age of the students at ILA?

The majority of our students are between 17 and 45 years old. We also always have students being older attending our school.

Q : Is there a mix of student's nationalities at the institute?

Yes, we welcome every year students from more than 60 different countries.

Q : Can I have access to the internet?

Yes, we have 22 computers with flat screens and high speed internet and email access. You can use these computers whenever you want during the opening hours of the institute. This access is free of charge. We have additionaly wireless access (WIFI).

Q : What type of facilities and equipment do you provide the student with at ILA?

All the classrooms are air-conditioned, clear and nicely decorated. The Institute is equipped with TV's, VCR, CD player, retro-projector, and has his small own library, where student's can borrow books and magazines. Also, access to internet (WIFI) and e-mail is free of charge.

Q : Is ILA internationally recognised?

We are member of the quality association IALC (International association of Language Centres). Our Institute is additionally recognised by the Swedish government for further education (CSN) , for Bildungsurlaub (further education for professionals) in Germany as well as by Maison de la France. Many cultural institutes, Universities and specialised language tour operators have been working with us for many years.

Q : Can I contact former students for references?

Yes, many former students are pleased to give you feedback of their stay.

Q : When is the institute closed?

We are open year round with the exception of three weeks over Christmas and on bank holidays.

French Bank Holidays 2008 :

Q : What type of accommodation should I choose?

This is a personal choice. If you want to put the emphasis on cultural exchange and the possibility to speak French all the time, we advise you choose a stay with one of our carefully selected host families. We recommend to take a half board formula as dinner time is a good way to enjoy sociable moments with the host family. If you like to have more independence, the student residence or the aparthotel*** would be more appropriate.

Q : How do you choose the host families?

All our host families were visited and are carefully selected on criteria such as sociability and kindness, location of their home, cleanliness and comfort. All host families have to sign a contract with ILA in order to ensure high quality. Our accommodation officer is in permanent contact with the host families and we get continuous quality controls via feedback in our quality questionnaires filled in by former students.

Q : How do you find a host family that suits me?

Once you choose to stay in a host family we send you a questionnaire on which you let us know your preferences (smoking or non smoking family; with or without children, teenagers, allergies you might have, space needed to park your car, hobbies and interests, etc...) Further to getting this questionnaire back, we choose a host family which suits your needs best.

Q : If staying in a host family should I bring my sheets and towels?

No, all these will be provided by the host family.

Q : Does the family wash my cloths?

yes, either the family washes your cloths or you will have access to the washing machine.

Q : I am over 50 years old and I would like to stay with a French family. Would you have any host family suited for a mature person?

Yes, we have a large panel of host families, with or without children, professionally involved or retired, from 30 to 70 years old. Our accommodation officer is dedicated to find for you the family that matches the best your profile and with whom you will be able to have a real cultural exchange.

Q : I would like to be fairly independent, but not stay in a residence. Would you have a family to propose?

Yes. Some families can welcome 4-6 students at one time. It is more a student's atmosphere accommodation, still, with the advantage of being in a French home. In case you wish to book this type of family, please specify on the questionnaire you receive with the booking confirmation that you wish this type of family.

Q : What is exactly the aparthotel***?

This three star accommodation offers a fully equipped studio (with kitchen and bathroom, TV and telephone) of approximately 25m2. An outdoor swimming pool is also available. Sheets and linen are provided and changed weekly. Studio get cleaned weekly as well.

Q : Do I have to share my accommodation at the student residence?

No, you will have at your disposal a fully equipped studio of approx. 18m2 for individual use. You will have your own kitchen facilities and bathroom. The towels, linen and sheets are also provided and clean up is being done every 15 days.

Q : How far will I be from the school if I choose a student residence or the aparthotel***?

The student residences are just a few minutes away on foot from ILA. From the aparthotels***, it takes between 8 - 15 minutes by tramway.

Q : Can I stay in a hotel?

Yes, we book hotel rooms at all categories and price level for any length of stay. For many hotels we can offer preferential rates.

Q : Will I need a visa to study in France?

For any information regarding visas, passports and authorisations to stay in France, please consult a French consulate or embassy in your country. Click "Représentations diplômatiques et consulaires à l'étranger", then choose your country).

Q : If I need a visa for coming to France, will the school provide me with the necessary documents?

Yes, as soon as you have booked your French language course and if you need a visa we will send you a letter stating you are well registered at the our institute and which you can forward to the embassy. Most French embassy require original documents and do not accept faxes, so please do book early enough.

Q : Where could I get useful information to prepare my trip to Montpellier?

Please do consult here for all information.

Q : If I need any help or assistance prior to arrival, what do I do?

Please do contact us. We can help you for all questions you might have.

Q : Is it easy to get to Montpellier?

Travel to Montpellier is very easy. Montpellier has its own airport with some international connections as well as 14 or more daily direct flights from both Paris airports. Montpellier is also connected to the high speed train TGV.

Q : What kind of weather can I expect?

You can expect sunny weather year round. Montpellier has more than 300 days of sunshine per year!

Q : How can I get to my accommodation upon my arrival in Montpellier?

If you are staying with a host family, your family will pick you up and bring you back at the airport, bus or train station. If you are staying in a student residence or an aparthotel***, we will send you all the information on how to get there.

Q : How will I recognize my host family on arrival?

Your family will have a sign with the name of our Institute on it as well as your own name.

Q : Do you provide us with any information on Montpellier, what to see, useful address for us etc?

Yes, on your first day at ILA, a teacher will give you a presentation on the institute, the city of Montpellier, and all the logistics aspects of your stay will be covered. We will also give you a folder with Montpellier's map, and a booklet with all the addresses you might need (bank, post office, bus station, etc...).

Q : Will I be able to take part in some leisure activities with the institute?

Yes, we propose to our students a weekly changing activity program. You enrol locally at ILA for all activities or excursions you wish to participate in.

Q : What can I do in Montpellier in my spare time?

Montpellier is a university city full of places to go out, but also has a rich historical heritage as well as beaches and mountains. You can do all kind of activities and sports.