Choosing Your French School: Alliance Française, University, Private.

Start with JARI.

Choosing your French school means weighing up a nonprofit network, a university center, or a private school — based on your budget, your goal (speak fast, aim for a diploma, prepare an exam) and your city. JARI's Professional Services help you compare schools, check their credibility, and steer you toward the program that truly fits your level and means.

The main types of school.

• Alliance Française: a nonprofit network across France, well regarded and often affordable. Courses from general to intensive, and an exam center.
• University FLE centers: attached to universities (e.g. CUEF in Grenoble, CLA in Besançon, Sorbonne courses). Demanding programs, university diplomas (DU/DUEF), ideal before studying in France.
• Private language schools: often more flexible (hours, small groups, one-to-one), with variable quality — hence the importance of the label.

The "Qualité FLE" label: the key marker.

Look for the "Qualité FLE" label, awarded by the State, which guarantees a level of quality (teachers, support, premises). It's a reliable first filter to avoid unserious schools.

Intensive or extensive?

• Intensive (15-25 h/week): fast progress, ideal for a stay dedicated to the language.
• Extensive / evening: a few hours a week, compatible with a job or studies.
• Many schools also offer online or hybrid courses.

Comparing well before enrolling.

• The target level (A1 to C2) and placement by an entry test.
• The group size (the smaller, the more you speak).
• Whether the school is an exam center (DELF/DALF/TCF) — handy to link courses and certification.
• The price (varies by format and city) and what's included (materials, activities).

Watch the enrollment (visa).

If you're coming from Korea to study French, the school's enrollment certificate is required for your visa application. Choose a recognized school and enroll early to meet the deadlines.

Get support.

Comparing Alliance Française, university, and private schools, checking the label and exam-center status, choosing the right format: ask JARI's Professional Services for advice to invest your time and money in the right place.

Going further.

Find the overview in The language-stay guide, the DELF/DALF/TCF/TEF exams, and, if needed, the language-stay visa.

Useful links.

• Alliance Française
• France Éducation international