Is there a minimum age?
Except for high school groups with group leaders, the minimum age is 18. IFALPES French classes are geared to adults.

How many levels of classes are offered at any one time?
There is normally a group of complete beginners, plus the 6 groups of the European framework: A1 Breakthrough, A2 Waystage, B1 Threshold, B2 Vantage, C1 Effectif Operational Proficiency, C2 Mastery.

When do beginner courses take place?
Beginners must start at the beginning of a programmed session, for the intensive 20-hour course. If there are fewer than 6 students enrolled, IFALPES may cancel the course or reduce the number of classroom hours.

 Is it possible to prepare and pass certifications?
Yes, you can prepare for the DELF and DALF exams (and take them in our partner school in Lyon) and the CCIP exams (and take them in IFALPES Annecy). There is a minimum of 5 students required to open the course.

How big are the groups?
An average of 10 for the complete beginners, an average of 14 and a maximum of 18 for the others.

How long is a class?
A class lasts 4 hours and takes place either in the morning or in the afternoon. One hour = 55 minutes of teaching and 5 minutes break.

If classes fall on a bank holiday, are they made up?
No, they are not made up, but most often an optional day-trip is offered instead.

Who organizes the cultural activities?
The association Loisirs du Monde organises them for the students of IFALPES. The Institute keeps the students informed of other activities and local happenings of interest.

Is IFALPES situated in the town centre, on the outskirts or on a campus?
IFALPES is very near the centre of town, an easy 10 minute walk. Bicycles can be rented, and buses also run from the town centre to the school.

Do the students have access to a room to study, free use of internet?
Yes, the computer room allows free access to internet during the institute's opening hours. The lounge is a wireless space. A small room is available for independent or small group study. The city has a large library where the students can study and check out material.

Is the student picked up on arrival at the train station or the airport?
The accommodation service can arrange this if requested. Consult them for prices.

Is health/accident insurance proposed?
Yes, subscriptions possible in the IFALPES office.

Are registration fees, manuals, and transfers included in the price?
There is a 40€ registration fee and a non-refundable course deposit. The school provides the activity sheets (there are no textbooks). Transfers and insurance are optional and not included in the price.

Which text books do the teachers use in class?
The teachers work with several different text books and authentic documents.