France | Bordeaux | Work and Study
Work and Study
Our unique package provides opportunities for language students to study intensive lessons abroad whilst taking on a short-term work experience at one of our varied work placements. Working with our partner language schools across Europe, we provide a package tailored to suit your needs; study, work placement, accommodation, transport, transfers, insurance.
Work and Study packages are available for students studying at A Level or equivalent or higher. It is also suitable for Gap Year students and for university students or adults looking to improve their languages skills, even if it has been some time since they last studied languages formally.
Work placements are available from a range of business categories. Students state their preferences as part of their application and our Placement Coordinators match students to the available placements. Work and Study work placements take place in the afternoons / early evening depending on the sector.
The Work and Study programme runs every Monday to Friday throughout the year. Accommodation is available from Sunday to Saturday. Students can travel for a week, two weeks or longer. We are able to tailor packages to suit your requirements and the time you have available.
Please note that students must be at least 17 years old to join this course. Although similar courses are available in other destinations, please enquire for more information.
Location
Bordeaux, in the South-West of France, is famous throughout the world for its unique wines. However, delve deeper into this city’s UNESCO World Heritage listed urban and architectural heritage and you will find that it has so much more to offer. With a huge variety of squares, parks, cafes, monuments, museums and art galleries, Bordeaux is the perfect destination to study French.
Located in a superb town house typical of the 19th century, the language school in Bordeaux is in the heart of the historic city centre with its breathtaking architecture and unique atmosphere. The school has 6 well equipped and spacious classrooms, free WiFi and a kitchenette. The school is centrally located and easily accessible via public transport. Bordeaux landmarks such as the Grand Théâtre and the Monument aux Girondins are all within walking distance. You can reach Place de Quinconces, Place Gambetta and Place de la Bourse with their bustling cafés and shops are all within a 15 minute walk. Bordeaux is a destination with something for everyone.
Language Course
The course comprises 20 lessons which concentrate on learning and actively using French. The tuition is very much practice-oriented. You will participate in group sessions alongside other students of a similar level, with lessons focused on improving all aspects of the language: speaking listening, reading and writing. There are four 45 minute lessons per day and these take place during the morning.
You will be given a written assessment before you travel and a speaking assessment on the first morning before lessons in order to place you in the group most suited to your ability level. Classes have an international flavour and a lively feel because they are grouped by ability not nationality or age.
Work Placement
There is no substitute for using your language skills practically in real life situations in the country where the language is spoken. On a Work and Study trip you will have the opportunity to improve your language skills in the morning lessons and then be exposed to the language in a practical work situation for the afternoons/evening. This gives you the optimum chance to gain confidence in all areas.
We arrange work placements in various Business Categories. Placements include shops, restaurants and hotels, nurseries, radio stations, sports facilities – almost anything that you will find in a big city! Have a look at our Gallery to see the types of placements we offer.
Our placement team take great pride in securing placements that meet our students’ needs.
Optional Social and Cultural Programme
The school offers a range of activities during the week, such as a film club, meal out at a local restaurant, cultural tour of the city and an excursion to one of the many local vineyards. Some of the activities incur an extra cost (payable on the week of your stay directly to the school) however some are free. All activities are optional.
Accommodation
For students wanting to completely immerse themselves in the French language and culture we recommend that you stay with one of our carefully selected French hosts. They will not only introduce you to the French way of life and help you practise the French language but will also give you a taste of local and delicious regional specialities. Host Accommodation is situated within 45 minutes’ total journey time to the school and provide half board (breakfast & evening meal) from the Sunday before your course starts to the Saturday after it finishes. Subject to availability, an extra day on one side of your trip may be available on request to accommodate flight dates. A surcharge is payable for any extra nights.
You can read more about what it means to stay with a host in our Host Accommodation Guide.
Centrally located residence accommodation with a private bathroom and kitchen is available for students aged 18+.
Transfers
The school is easily accessible via Bordeaux’s excellent transport system and we are happy to provide details on request. We can also arrange private transfers for you from Bordeaux’s airport or train stations for a supplement.
Availability
Language courses
Monday–Friday all year (closed over Christmas)
Accommodation
Sunday–Saturday
School closures 2025
| Month | Closures |
|---|---|
| April | 21st |
| May | 1st, 8th |
| June | 9th |
| July | 14th |
| August | 15th |
| November | 1st, 11th |
A discount of £30 is offered for any days where the school is closed. Naturally there is no shortage of ways to spend a day in Bordeaux exploring the sights, galleries, museums (many with free entry) and shops.
Insurance
Travel and Medical Insurance is available as an optional extra with this package. For more details please see our Insurance page.
Included in the Package
- 20 Core French lessons per week (Mon–Fri)
- Individualised follow-up on homework / tasks / performance to ensure the best progression
- Work Placement (afternoon/evenings)
- Welcome meeting and snacks
- Guided tour of the area
- Accommodation (Sun–Sat) (optional)
- Social & Cultural Programme (optional)
- Course Certificate
- 24/7 Emergency support from UK office
- Comprehensive Travel and medical insurance
Longer stays
Students are welcome to book into the school for any number of weeks. Many students will travel to the school for a longer duration (12 weeks+), even starting from limited or no level in the language. We have prices for between 1 and 4 weeks on our website. We are able to arrange any duration of stay at the language school. Contact us if you would like a package that we have not listed.
