During my stay
Accommodation
What happens if I dont like my host family?
See the secretary who will sort out the issue, and find a replacement family. Please note that in the summer time, families can be very hard to find.
If I rent a studio, can you organise airport transfers?
No, transfers are only organised for students staying with host families.
If I don’t arrange my transfer through the school, what other way is there to get my accommodation?
There are taxis at the airport that can take you to your accommodation this costs around 30-35 euros . There are also 2 buses that run from the airport to the centre of town, the 98, which goes to the Gare Routiere (bus station), and 99, which goes to the Gare SNCF (train station). These will cost you 4 euros, but the ticket may be used for the rest of the day on the tram or buses.
If I rent a studio, what are the regulations and what deposit is required?
A deposit of 400 euros is required, which must be paid straight to the landlord on arrival. 100% of this will be returned on your departure, unless damage to the property has occurred.
Are towels and bedding provided in all accommodation?
Host Families : all bedding is provided.and usually towels.
Residences and studios : Bedding is provided, but towels are not always.
You should bring your own beach towels with you.
How long will it take to get to my host family from the school?
All host families are carefully chosen. 50% live in central Nice, the others are rarely more than 20 minutes away by bus or tram. In fact most students walk to school but situations can vary when the school is full, particularly in summer.
May I ask the host family to take me to the airport when I depart?
Again as with the transfer from the airport to the family, it is better to ask for this service when the course is booked, but it may be possible to arrange this personally with the family. If arranged directly with family payment must also be made directly.
The school and lessons
Can I pay my tuition fees and accommodation costs on arrival?
No Tuition fees must be paid 4 weeks in advance of the start date of the course. If there is a problem with the secure payment on the website, you may pay when you arrive with the school’s permission.
What happens on the first day at IH? – Will I be tested?
Yes, on the first day you need to arrive at the school at 9am, and all new students will be tested to ensure you are placed in the correct group for your ability. Lessons will usually start after the test or very rarely the following day.
What happens if the first day of school is a bank holiday?
You will arrive with the family on the Sunday, then inquire with the school whether something has been organised for the Monday, such as a excursion.
What should I do if I find the level of my class to high or too low?
Have a chat with the director who will discuss the best solution with you and your teacher.
How many social activities are organised each week?
Again, this depends on the time of year, in the busy summer months there are a minimum of 2 organised activities per week, this is reduced to 1 in the winter months.
May I add extra classes to my programme?
Yes, of course! Just talk to the enrolment officer or the director and we try our best to fit you into the class you wish to take.
If I am taking the DELF exam, how do I get to the examination centre in Cannes?
It is possible to take the train to Cannes, this takes around 40 minutes from Nice. The centre is just a walk away from the train station. A map will be given in advance.
If I am absent for DELF exam or for health reasons will I be reimbursed?
No, any absence from the DELF exam or lessons will not be refunded.
Will I be in a class with other students the same age as me? - What do I do if they are all much older or younger than myself?
Most of our students are between the ages of 18 and 40, but we do have older students.
All students are here with the same objective, to improve their french, so whatever their age, you are sure to find something to talk about.
Will I be given all the learning materials that i need?
Beginners can buy a book for 15 euros or alternatively borrow it, providing they pay a 15 euro refundable deposit.
Other levels will be given handouts as required.
What are opening hours of the school?
The school is open from 9am to 6pm, allowing plenty of time for those extra studies and use of the internet.
Can I use internet at the school and/or connect to the internet using my laptop?
Yes, there are two computers in the student room, and three in the self study room that can be used during breaks or after lessons. We now also have wifi in the school.
Do all the lessons take place at the IH premises?
No. In the quieter winter months our lessons take place at IH, but during the very busy summer months we hire a high school, to cater for the large number of students. Residences are also used for the summer teenage programme.
Can I stay after classes to do extra work?
Yes, there is a self study room, you may borrow extra materials if you require.
What happpens if I leave before the end of my course? Will I be reimbursed?
No, only if there are extenuating circumstances and with the director’s discretion will you be reimbursed.
I need more specific french for business etc will this be possible?
This is possible depending on your course. General french is studied in the morning classes, but if you have chosen private or combined classes then this will allow specific subjects to be studied.
May I extend my stay?
Yes, ask us first but don’t leave it too late. If the family is already booked up, you may have to change families.
What happens if there are bank holidays during my stay?
If there is just one bank holiday, this will neither be refunded nor rearranged.
If there are two in the first four weeks of your stay, one will either be refunded or rearranged.
If you are staying for a long period of time, the tariff already takes lessons missed due to bank holidays into account.
Problems or Emergencies
What happens if I don’t see the person meeting me at the airport?
Every student is given the phone number for the family and for the director of International House. The director will sort out the problem. However, this is a very rare occurance.
Steps to take :
1. Call the family, if no reply:
2. Call Mr Rubinstein, +33 (0)4 93 80 07 59 or +33(0)6 05 50 39 43 if no reply:
3. Take bus into town and find a two star hotel to stay in. If it was us that made a mistake, you will be reimbursed. (Remember to ask for a receipt.)
If I have a problem with family, the food or the cleanliness, what should I do?
We take all aspects of your stay seriously and if you have a problem with your family, that you don’t feel you are able to sort out yourself, just talk to a member of the IH staff and they will do everything they can to improve the situation.
What should I do if I lose things or they are stolen?
You should report this to the police as soon as possible in order to get a crime number, which you will require if you want to claim on you insurance. If any credit cards etc are stolen, make sure you contact your bank straight away and get them to cancel them.
In France you are required to carry ID with you at all times, it is better to take a photocopy of this and leave the original at home. This can save you a lot of trouble especially if a passport is the only form of ID you have.
What happens if i get sick or have health problems whilst in France?
The School is associated with a doctor, ask the secretary and she can make an appointment for you.
For more serious problems, there are several very good hospitals in Nice, where you can be seen.
Travel and other general questions
Where should I have lunch?
There are many options for lunch, you can either buy a sandwich or baguette from one of the local bakeries, or go to a restaurant. If you are staying in a studio or residential hotel you could also buy food to cook for yourself.
How much does it cost to take a bus or tram?
A single journey on the tram or bus is 1 euro, day passes can be brought for 4 euros. If you ask the secretary she can provide a student card that will get you special rates for the bus and also for other attractions in Nice.
Is it okay to drink the tap water, or should I buy bottled water?
Yes, the tap water is fine to drink, however many people buy bottled water as they prefer the taste.