Accord French Language School
The teaching method
To communicate efficiently, correctly and appropriately:Our main objective is to develop an individual's learning strategies. This enables the students to transfer communication skills already mastered in the native language to the new language. Verbal communication is a priority: learning to listen and understand, to express oneself correctly and with good pronunciation.
The final objective is to raise students' language level to an efficient standard of communication. This requires not only a perfect command of the language but also a profound understanding of the cultural context.
How?.....By communicating in an authentic and communicative situation and practice:
Listening: Using audio-visual materials, taped listening exercises, film extracts, television and radio programs, songs, etc.
Speaking: Through:
- role-play, games and debates.
- meetings, excursions and exploration.
- heatre workshop: drama exercises and improvisations to make speaking easier and overcome inhibitions.
- Work on pronunciation, gestures and fluency.
Reading: Understanding and analyzing authentic documents, such as newspaper articles, professional texts, administrative forms and literary extracts, etc.
Writing: Varied writing activities with a distinct communicative aim leading to an enriched knowledge of the language.
Grammar: Is taught through language games and varied exercises during these moments of communication.
Special: To put an end to the fear of speaking, the theatre workshop!
Run by an actress, drama exercises and improvisations help to overcome inhibitions and to improve oral expression by stressing gesture and intonation. . . . with communication specialists!
Assessment - Certificates - Examinations
Information before arrival: Our reception will help you in the choice of your course and your accommodation; you will be given all necessary information to obtain a visa.
You can begin a course every Monday (except local holiday) if you are not a beginner. For beginner, consult the schedule.
Orientation: Personal attention is given to each student to ensure that the course will be well suited to his/her needs.
On arrival: On the first day of your stay you will take a written test and an oral test in order to ascertain your level. An interview with the examiner ensures that your needs are taken into account and that you get the best possible advice concerning your choice of program.
During the Course: At any point during your stay you can discuss your progress with your teachers or with the Director of Studies. They may then guide you towards a type of course that is more appropriate to your needs. If your learning speed allows it, you can move into a higher level group during your course.
On Finishing the Course: You will be given a course certificate specifying the number of hours of attendance. If you so wish, you may also obtain an assessment certificate, which includes a detailed analysis of your competence in the language.
Examinations and Diplomas: Accord – Language School will deal with your registration at an examination center if you require it. At Accord – Language School – you can prepare the following exams:
- D.E.L.F.
(Diplôme d'Etudes en Langue Française). Following our intensive course will prepare you sufficiently for this exam which requires no specific training. - D.A.L.F.
(Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française). Students with this diploma no longer need to take language exams for university entrance. - C.C.I.P. examinations
(Paris Chamber of Commerce)
Academic Credits
Receive Academic credits from Benedictine College to transfer to your home institution.
Students who wish to receive credits for ACCORD French language courses have two options:
- Pre-approval through your college or university: Contact the study abroad office or French language department at your college or university prior to starting the program.
- Transfer credits secured through the accredited U.S. College: Benedictine College
From 5 to 16 academic credits with Benedictine College. All levels of French
6 PROGRAMS*:
- 5 hours credit - 3 weeks
- 8 hours credit - 5 weeks
- 12 hours credit - 7 weeks
- 15 hours credits - 9 weeks
- 15 hours credits - 10 weeks
- 16 hours credits - 12 weeks
Credits can be earned for courses taken at ACCORD, but these credits are only good if your institution will accept them. If your school does not have an active program with ACCORD it is imperative that you check with your department head or professor BEFORE attending classes. Usually it is just a matter of providing detailed program descriptions, or actual syllabi, CV's of our professors, etc.
Credit is usually earned by; 1 credit hour for each 15-20 classroom hours. Some institutions grant extra credit for cultural experience or for projects such as "critical thinking" papers.
An original official copy of your transcripts with grades, signed by ACCORD Education Administrator, will be sent to the registrar's office of your school upon completion of your program.
If your home school does accept ACCORD (which is your best situation), expect to possibly pay at least a nominal application fee.
