Altiplano Training French language school - 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,
CHAMONIX or MENS, 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 offer a range of accommodation to suit different budgets
and tastes. More information is on our CHAMONIX
and MENS
pages here
For our intensive courses in CHAMONIX
we offer Hotels (choice of several), or apartment rental or gite.
For our immersion courses in MENS
we offer Chambre d'hôtes (choice of several), a chalet on the
campsite or homestay.
Intensive or Immersion courses, what's the
difference ?
Both have the same high-quality intensive 1:1 teaching but
in addition an immersion course adds a real contact
with local French people.
You mix and eat with your host family and other French guests every
day. You are totally immersed in a very French environment.
Your children - especially on the campsite or at our local Children's
Centre - will meet and play with French children; a great way for
them to learn.
Can I find my own accommodation ?
Of course. 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. Our teacher will normally come to you.
How do I get from the airport/station to where I'm
staying ?
Ask us for information and we will let you know the different
transfer options: taxis, trains or buses. It will not be a problem.
For our courses in CHAMONIX,taxi transfer (private or group taxi)
is usually included.
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 doesn't happen on our 1:1 courses as you are only speaking with
and listening to a real French person - your personal teacher.
Group Courses ?
We don't do groups, just 1:1 custom made courses.
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 €uros, by 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.
