Program Overview: BLS
Junior Program

Population: 27,000
Location: Southwest Part of France (Aquitaine)

Biarritz's prestige and elegance dates back to the beginning of the century, thanks to Napoleon III and still today the rich and famous frequent its beaches, luxurious hotels casinos and golf courses. A fun and very lively town for teenagers in summertime, there's always something going on: a band playing, jugglers in the street, painters in the old port, skate boarders or roller skaters showing off their talent.

Biarritz also provides a perfect environment for sport lovers, its long sandy beaches and incredible waves attract surfers from all over the world! Biarritz is situated at the foot of the Pyrenees Mountains in the heart of the Basque region, which extends into Spain. Biarritz is full of strong traditions and rich culture that have been able to preserve a certain quality of life in one of the most beautiful regions of France.

Important note for all parents and legal guardians: This Summer Course for Teenagers and accommodations provided by the school are NOT SUPERVISED! (There are activities during which there is no supervision and the students are allowed to go on their own). The student needs to act like an adult, and will be treated as such. It is the legal guardian's responsibility to determine if his/her child has the maturity level and independence required for this program.

Junior Program Information

Classes are held during the mornings on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday for 15 lessons of French language instruction per week. (Each Wednesday there will be an excursion for the students instead of French language classes). The lessons are a good balance between conversation, grammar, reading, listening and writing. Although this is an academic program, the emphasis is very much on the pleasure and benefits of learning a language, so that you return home positively motivated and eager to improve. There is a minimum of two weeks and courses start on any Monday during the specific dates. Arrival should be on Sunday and departure on Saturday.

Teachers: All teachers are of French nationality with French as their mother tongue, many of them have lived and taught French abroad and speak several languages, therefore relating easily to different cultures. Together with their enthusiasm and spontaneity, they guarantee lively and effective lessons!

School: Located in a very pretty area of Biarritz, 5-10 min. walking distance from the sea front, beaches and town centre. The school offers bright and spacious classrooms.

Levels/Groups

From beginners to advanced. On the 1st Monday of the course you will be assessed on your written and oral level in French. Based upon this test you will be placed in the appropriate group. Each class/group has a maximum of 6-12 students per class.

Sports Activities

These activities take place in the afternoon two times per week. Activities include surfing, horse riding, golf, rafting, ping-pong volleyball, swimming in a 'sea water' swimming pool, pelote Basque, etc. Students will also get plenty of opportunity to spend time on the beach as well.

Excursions

Frequency: 1 afternoon per week plus all day on each Wednesday. Options: Museums such as the extraordinary 'Musée de la mer', famous 'Kakouette' canyon in the Pyrenees mountains, rafting in the Pays Basque region, visit to natural reserve of wild horses, hiking in the mountains, guided tour of a chocolate museum, guided tour to Basque villages such as St Jean-de Luz, St Jean de pied-de-Port, visit to Lourdes, etc.

Host-Family Accommodation

Generally there are 1 or 2 students per room and per family. Students are separated by language so as not to place English-speaking students together. If you prefer to be on your own, then please advise when booking. The families are located between 5-20 minutes walking distance from the school and town center. If you have any specific medical treatment or particular allergies, please let us know before you arrive so that we can advise your family.

On the 1st Monday of the course a member of the host family will accompany you to the school. Biarritz is very friendly, safe town and easy to get about by foot, bike or bus. The host family provides all meals. At lunch time you will eat a packed lunch with the other students and your teachers. On Wednesday everyone joins in a picnic during the excursion.

Don’t forget the host family will do their very best to make you feel at home so consequently don't hesitate to ask them if you need any assistance!

Travel Arrangements

Travel arrangements should be made to either Biarritz airport or train station where your host family will meet you upon arrival. Arrivals are on Sunday and departures are on Saturday from 9.00 am to 10.30 pm. To get to Biarritz there are daily, direct one-hour flights from Paris with Air France or direct trains from Paris that take four and a half hours.

If you cannot find a flight into Biarritz you can fly into Bordeaux and the school will transfer you to the train station upon arrival. Once in Biarritz your host family will meet you at the train station.

Insurance

All students should make insurance arrangements for civil liability, accident, illness, repatriation, loss and theft of personal belongings. Ask A2Z Languages for prices and details.

Cancellation Fees

More than 4 weeks prior to arrival: No charge
Between 2-4 weeks prior to arrival: $225
Less than 2 weeks prior to arrival: the deposit of $450

(Cancellation fees can be credited to future sessions) Without prior approval from A2Z Languages, participants who attend a course but do not finish it will not be entitled to a refund. The school (BLS) will also retain the cost of one week's host family accommodation.

Program Prices

Start Dates

High School Program: April 1 to April 22 AND June 17 to August 28. Students can start any Monday between these two dates.

Essential Things to Bring

Two week Program - Sample Schedule

Please consider the activities as examples - there may be slight modifications.