FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I need help choosing a course.
Pas de problème!
This is why we are here. Email
us with your ideas and we will help you find the course and destination
to match your requirements. Alternatively you can call us on
+33 476 342 515.
I
am not sure what my level is.
Have a look at our What
is my level page.
Once you have booked with us your teacher would usually ring you to test
your level, to make sure we have the correct study books and material here
for you.
And at the end of your course we will send you our written assessment of
your level.
How much progress will I make?
This is very difficult to say as it depends on your current
level of French, the course you have chosen, the duration of your
course, your learning ability and also your motivation. People who
have already studied a foreign language usually pick up a new language
faster. Here are some tips for learning French.
What type of accommodation would you recommend?
We
strongly recommend staying with a host family. It is not only better for
your French but also less expensive! Living with a family you experience
full immersion in French life and culture, and you get a chance to savour
some typical French cooking.
Have a look at the information on our accomodation pages for CHAMONIX
or MENS; and choose MENS for
your Homestay accomodation.
Is Homestay accommodation for all ages?
Oui, bien sûr.
Tell us about yourself or yourselves, and we’ll
match you with a host family.
Can I find my own accommodation?
You can choose to enroll
on a language course only and find your own accommodation. No problem. We
can help with lists of accomodation options, just ask
us.
How do I get from the airport/station to the place where I am staying?
Ask us for information and we will let you know the different
transfer options: taxis, trains or buses. Car hire is sometimes a
good option. With some of our course packages transport is included.
Ask us for details of the nearest airport too, if you are not sure.
I suffer allergies / I am vegetarian
Make sure you let
us know in advance if you have any special religious or medical dietary requirements
so we can let your host family know. It is also very important that you tell
us immediately if you suffer from any allergies.
Do I need to buy any specific book(s) before I go?
No,
we supply your study books and cd’s as part of your course. You
may like to have your own English/French dictionary with you.
One to one courses are expensive!
Yes, but they are an extremely effective way to learn the
French language.
There are 2 main problems with group courses:
1. In order to learn a language you need to speak
it. The time YOU spend speaking is directly related to group size.
On a 1:1 course there is only you speaking!
2. On a group
course you will often work in pairs or 4’s,
with other students. Between yourselves you will speak a sort of “Franglais” and
you will have the impression that you understand each other because you are
not speaking with, or listening to, a real French accent. That major problem
does not arise on a 1:1 course as you are only speaking with and listening
to a real French person.
Group Courses: What happens if the level of my class
is too easy or too difficult?
We will have tested your level before you arrive
to ensure you are with students of a similar level. If you feel that you
have been put in the wrong class, talk to your teacher who will try and
move you to a more suitable level.
Who can I contact if there is a problem or if I have a complaint
to make?
If you have a problem or a complaint whilst on the course,
talk with your teacher. If that does not resolve the problem the school
Director, Ian Joiner, is there to quickly find a solution. We aim for 100%
satisfaction.
How do I pay?
Altiplano Training Ltd is a UK registered company and we
accept payment in £ sterling, by cheque or bank transfer. Payment
details are included in the quote that we'll send you. To reserve
your course you simply need to pay a deposit.
If
we have not answered your question(s) above, please email
us and we will answer your queries as soon
as possible.
