Studying French in Paris With EF Paris
Last Updated on Aug 21, 2024
Paris is usually one of the most popular destinations in Europe that every tourist wants to visit. I visited Paris for the first time at the age of 16 but ended up coming back many times. I was fortunate enough to also study French in Paris with EF.
Study Abroad at EF Paris – Review
While there are plenty of language schools in the city, the majority of them are not only expensive but also provide no accommodation. Hotels in Paris are extremely pricey and hostels aren’t cheap either, and more importantly, they aren’t for everyone. This is why I decided to study with EF – Education First language school in Paris.
Staying with a host family
I chose the option to stay with a host family with half-board meals, as I wanted to interact with local French people. Unfortunately, I have to say that after my third attempt, I will never do it again.
When my host family picked me up from the bus station, I found out that they actually didn’t even live in Paris. Moreover, they lived in a closed Gendarmerie (French police) district, so to enter I had to get a special permit.
The family dropped me off and informed me that they’re actually never at home. After I spent over 2 hours on the train, Metro, and bus to get to school, I decided to change. Probably not something you’d like to experience when studying in Paris.
None of the other host families had space, so I got a placement at the student residence without extra charge.
Living in a student residence
The location of the EF Paris student residence was perfect. It was right in the center of Paris, and only a five-minute walk away from the school. Unfortunately, the praise ends here. The moment I arrived at the reception instead of a friendly, ‘Bonjour, ca va?’, I heard ‘Hello, you’re the new student?
Here are the rules to sign and the deposit to pay!’.
There was a deposit of 300 euros and the rules indicated:
- The kitchen was closed between 10 PM and 8 AM, meaning I had no access to my fridge. Not only that, there was a 50 euro fine to pay for keeping food in my room.
- No visitors were allowed from school or outside, or there was a 50 euro fine to pay.
- Persons of the opposite sex could not enter the room and if he/she did, there was a fine of 150 euros.
- Friends could not ever visit, or you would pay 100 euros, etc, etc.
I think you can get a sense that the place was quite strict. It sounds terrible, but I still had plenty of fun. Even though I had to pay a 100 euro fine because my classmate entered my room for only 10 minutes!
By living in the residence hall, I think I also bonded with other students way better. I made more friends than those who lived with host families and had to go back home for dinner every day. One can see this as an advantage, but because most of the students were from Mexico, I ended up speaking more Spanish than French. So it totally depends on what do you want.
When Parisians heard us speaking Spanish in restaurants, they wanted to practice their Spanish instead of giving us the opportunity to practice our French. So if you want to practice French, don’t use any Spanish. Anywhere.
Studying at EF language school
Because the language school was located in the center of Paris, this gave all of us the opportunity to easily get lunch or hang out after classes. On our first day, we had to take a written and oral placement exam to determine our language level.
If you fail a test and end up on the wrong level, you might end up wasting a week of classes. I was put in a class where the level wasn’t high enough for me. But there was a stupid rule that I could only change my level after a week, regardless of your teacher’s opinion.
Besides this small issue, the school was more than fine and I couldn’t really complain. The teachers were French native speakers and only spoke to us in French, with no English at all. However, if you really want to learn a language quickly, I would never recommend taking a language course with a group and sign up for individual classes. This is how I’ve learned Spanish in 6 weeks.
It might be more fun to study with other people and it’s definitely less costly. But I think individual classes can give you much more in a shorter time. At EF you could also do courses with a few individual classes on top of a regular group course.
Free time
The school was organizing activities for their students every week. I attended various nights out to best nightclubs in Paris, gatherings with locals, and weekend trips. Trust me, you won’t be able to attend everything. While I missed out on some weekend trips, I remember the school arranged a trip to Mont St-Michel, Loire Valley castles, and Amiens.
Advantages of studying at EF Paris:
- Studying in Paris can give you the unique opportunity to live in the French capital. All of that without going through a ton of trouble finding accommodation and getting a residence permit.
Would I study at EF again?
I’d surely recommend EF to anyone wanting to learn a new language. It’s a professional organization, one of the best out there, and even if you experience any issues, they’ll fix it for you. I would totally study at EF Paris again.
I was not sponsored by EF to attend the course and write about it. All opinions are my own as usual. Don’t be afraid of asking any additional questions in the comments below?
Looks like you had fun even tho it does seem like it was more fun than studying
I remember these digital photographies like the one with you in front of Notre Dame… it was much more fun to wait to get your photos back!
I totally agree with this! I still print my photos even tho I have them in a digital form 😉
I’m gald that despite the difficulties that you encountered, overall you enjoyed the experience of studying French in one of the most beautiful city in the world. I studied French in Mexico City at the Alliance Française in 2001 and in the summer of 2003, at the age of 22, I went to Paris to take an intensive course at the same school, and when I mean intensive it was intensive, from noon to 5 pm. What I loved about my exprience was that after class I was able to interact with locals and practice the language. Just once, when I was on board the urban train heading to Versaille, a French woman was explaining to me in French about all of the atractions that I could see in the Château de Versailles. I was understanding everything she was saying, but all of the sudden she asked me if I speak English, my biggest error was saying yes, because she started explaining everything in English. In a Bristrol, once I’ve told the owner that I was from Mexico, he began telling me in French all the thing he likes about my homeland. I stayed in the student residence in the Cité de la Université, I did not had any problems. Since I began planning my trip, I decided not to stay with a host family, I wanted to have all the freedom to move around and not be limited by the daily rutine of the family. In the month I was in Paris, I think I was able to see every corner of the city. During the Fête de la Musique, a classmate and I spent the whole day walking around Paris, seeing and listening to all the musicians that were playing on the streets and interact with the locals until the next day. Around 6 am I got back to the the student residence, and I did not have any problems nor I had to pay any sort of fine. I don’t recall if there were any rules, I think it was keep the room clean, and that was all.
Would you recommend this program to someone? I am interested in signing up and doing about 4 weeks in Paris. What age were you when you went? Would you recommend not even trying a home stay? Thank you!
Hi Lin! I’d definitely recommend a homestay, just make sure that your accommodation isn’t outside of Paris like it happened in my case. It definitely give you more opportunities to speak French. When I went I was 23 – there were many people my age. I’d recommend these courses for sure, but you need to throw yourself out there to speak French outside of classes as obviously everyone speaks English 😉
Hi! I am also thiking on going to France with EF this summer but I’m still not sure if I would rather go to Paris or Nice. Do you recommend me Paris more? PS: Thanks for the info in this blog entry!
Oh and I was wondering how were EF activities after classes…? Because I went to Dublin last year but I didn’t really go to the activities.
Hi! I’m interested in doing a similar thing next summer, however I’m pretty young (17 but will be almost 18 by next summer). I’m concerned there won’t be any kids my age. Were there high schoolers when you were there? Merci!
There definitely will be! I haven’t hang out with any, but I know there were 🙂
Hi! I’m new to your blog and I absolutely love it! I have a couple of questions, I plan to go to EF paris after this summer (I will be 18). However, my french is quite poor, very low, I practically do not know anything besides introductions haha. Do you know if there is a class for people with such low level? I do plan on staying for quite a while, the time that is necessary to learn at least a moderate level. Also, how long is the average stay of students? Thank you so much! Greetings from Venezuela.
Hi Valeria! Yes, there are always classes for beginners. I think you’ll actually benefit more than people with intermediate knowledge of French as you’ll be immersed with French. When I was there people were staying from 2 weeks to 3 months, so it varies 🙂
Which program did you do? Was it the intensive, general or basic? I am thinking of traveling to Paris for the French Intensive. I’m wondering if the intensive will give me enough free time to explore the city. Thanks!!!!
I did general, but intensive is definitely best. You’ll have plenty of time to explore don’t worry! 🙂
Hi Miss Anna! I’m new to your blog and I’m pretty sure I’ll keep on reading some more, I love your life stories and experiences. I’d like to ask if 15 years olds are qualified? I have a really low knowledge about the language but would love to learn it. I want to start next summer (April to May here in Philippines) can a beginners course last for only two months? — I’d really love to go, I’m pretty sure it won’t be easy encouraging my parents, but for future plans and such– and other than French, can there be other schools in Europe that would teach their language? Like Spanish or Italian. Safe Travels Miss Anna!
Hi! You will be fine. I’m just not sure if you need to be 16 to attend the course, as that’s how it used to be in the past. I’d recommend to check their website or send an enquiry 🙂
And also, did you have a part-time job while you were in EF? Or did the school give you allowance? Thank you!
In Paris? No, I didn’t, but if you have a European passport I don’t see why not. Do you mean allowance in terms of money? If so, then no.
I am considering EF Paris. But if I did it I would like to stay with a host family. Were you able to contact your host family before you got there? Where you given any information about them?
Yes, they give you an email 🙂
Hi Anna, I am considering doing a semester or academic year abroad with EF and I was just wondering if it would be worth it? I.E. did your understanding of French advance sufficiently / are you fluent? Obviously, it differs between people but for all the people you studied with at EF Paris did most of them become fluent? All of them?
Thanks!
I wasn’t starting from zero when I did the course. The course is one thing, but practicing on a daily basis with French native speakers is the most useful part of it. But I also became fluent in Spanish in 6 weeks, while some take years, so I’m prob not the best person to ask ;-(
Hi Anna I was wondering if you would let me know what the price range for the school was? I am interested in doing EF once I finish with my bachelors here in the states (so summer of 2019). And I know by that time I would like to have saved enough to do something like this, do you have any advice on whether or not this is a possibility? I will also be 25 by this time, I am not sure if there is an age limit at the school. Any information from someone who has personally experience EF would be so greatly appreciated.
There’s no age limit, so don’t worry about that! Prices vary depending on the length of your course, time of the year and where you live – host family is way cheaper than their student residence.
That’s really cool thank you!
Hi Anna! I’m a 17 year old girl going and was hoping to do the Paris homestsy for 2 weeks in march. I was wondering what kind of excursions/ how much freedom you get while you’re there. Also was it hard to travel from the homestay to the school. Thank you!
Since you’re under 18 you probably will have a curfew. However, apart from it you’re free to explore as much as you want 🙂
Very interesting review.
I have stayed a few months ago in a homestay in Paris thanks to https://www.homestay-in-paris.com
The host family was very helpful. I recommend it to everyone.
Did you enroll in intensive courses? I am looking to join, but I want to be able to also go out and do things…. I wasn’t sure if the intensive courses would be too much, and I wouldn’t be able to go out and do anything… I was also wondering if you know how much a residency is? I try to look on their website but I can’t find anything.
Yes, and it’s definitely not too much. Residency in France? You’d need to live there for a few years first.
Oh, no I meant Residence through EF! But, I have found the prices.
Ahhh, sorry 😛
im graduating early and im going to be 17 years old, will there be kids my age there? And will they be strict with curfews and residencies even if you’ve graduated high school and in your gap year? Thanks so much.
Plenty of people 16-18! You’ll have a curfew since you’re under 18, there’s no way around it. The residency was more strict than host families.
What is the normal curfew for people under 18 at the residence?
I was also wondering the curfew for students under 18?
Hello Anna,
I am in my 40’s. Are there people my age and are there any other housing options other than host family or EF dorms? Also, if I travel with a friend of the opposite sex, will we be able to house together?
Absolutely! You can do just arrange your own apartment like AirBnB.
Hello!!
do you know the timetables??
What do you mean? Each student has a different class schedule.
Hey Anna, do you know if it’s possible to just do the course but not necessarily stay at the residence or host family that EF supplies? Like can I find an independent one on my own? I want to do the general course for 5-6 months so I don’t know how expensive that will be. Also, do they help you out with your visa application?
Yes, you can arrange your own housing 🙂 They send you all the necessary paperwork, but then you need to go to the Embassy yourself.
Hello, I am a 16 year old girl who is interested in studying. I have a few questions if you don’t mind 🙂
1. What is the curfew for students under 18?
2. Are there classes on the weekend? If not, what can you do on the weekend?
3. At the EF Residence, do you share a room with someone? If so, are they around your age?
Thank you so much!!
To answer your questions:
1) If staying with a host family it’s up to them and your parents. At the residence it’s more relaxed.
2) No classes on weekends. You can hang out with friends or sign up for some organized excursions from school.
3) Yes, you share a room with 3 roommates normally (2 bunk beds). Everyone in the room is more or less a similar age (give or take 2 years).
I wanna go to Paris this upcoming January 2021, but I have clearly no idea of how much does it costs in total, like from arrival in Paris to departure for your home country, xoxo. Thank you!
With EF? You mean on top of their fees? It depends on the plane tickets, what you want to do in Paris, excurions etc.
Hi Anna,
Thank you for your review! Very helpful. I’m wondering if there was a meal plan at the EF Paris student residence? Could you briefly describe how meals worked? Do you know if anyone who wasn’t a resident had meals via the residence? Thank you!
Everyone was getting their own food, there was no meal plan at the residence at all. We had a kitchen downstairs with a microwave and fridge. Everyone was simply eating out 😉
Hello,
My husband and I are interested in sending my daughter to EF next summer 2023. We were planning for 6 weeks. How long did you go for? We are also planning for her to stay with a host family, hopefully they have improved that, they now place 2 students in with the same family so they will be roommates & will have a friend from another country so that they can only speak French to each other. Did you take another course besides French?
Any information is appreciated
Thank you
JAMIE CONNELLY
6 weeks should be plenty as most students do 4 weeks.
In regards to speaking French to each other with a roommate I’ll say this: don’t count on that for sure. Students speak their best language among themselves and groups are always formed by nationalities & languages, so the host family will speak French but outside it’s always tricky.
How rigorous were the classes if new students come in every week? Do they build on each other?
I’m worried it’s just easy classes and you don’t get much out of it. Are there 30/40 something’s or is it entirely young people?
Classes itself aren’t rigorous and they follow a book structure so when new people are joining you’re joining a specific chapter of that level (it works the same way at any language school, not just EF), but that’s not the most important thing: you get the most of it by being immersed in the language. When I was there there weren’t any 30-40 to be honest.
Hi,
I’m thinking of doing a French course and I’d rather live in the city than far way with a host family. I’ve lived in Paris before for my study abroad program 10 years ago.. I’m 30 now would you still recommend staying in the residence ? How many people do you share a room with and is everything clean?
I wouldn’t stay at the residence at 30 honestly. It’s fun but everyone is young and it feels like living in a dorm. You share the room with 3 people (2 bunk beds), so if it’s clean depends on your roommates.