FAQ

My registration

How do I apply for admission as a student at the AFSE?

There is no prerequisite condition to study at AFSE.
We teach individuals aged 16 and over (with parental approval between 16 and 18 years).

How can I pay for my stay?

You can pay in euros:
- at the office: by credit card, with a French cheque or by cash (max 1000€)
- by mail: credit card authorization, bank transfer or with a French cheque
- online through our website.

Upon receipt of your payment, we will send you a receipt and pre-registration certificate.
Please note: bank charges and exchange fees are always charged to the student.

What are the deadlines for registration or pre-registration?

No later than 2 weeks before classes start.
To register, you need to send: completed registration form + payment for course  bank charges (if payment by bank transfer outside of Europe).
If you need a subscription certificate to apply for a visa, subscribe at least 3 months before classes start.

I am an employee in France. Can my course fees be paid by my employer for professional development?

Yes, AFSE is an official organization for continuous education. Therefore, the training costs for people living in France with a professional activity can be covered by their employer for professional development. However, a professional training agreement between the employer and Alliance Française Strasbourg Europe is required.

I would like to come to France as a young “au pair”. Can I take classes at AFSE?

Yes, AFSE offers flexible formulas adapted to young “au pairs”: please contact us.

My arrival in France and in Strasbourg

Do I need a residence permit in France? How do I obtain one?

If you are resident of a European Union country or a Swiss national you do not require a visa.

If you are resident of a country that is not subject to a tourist visa obligation, you will be able to study at the AFSE without a visa for a period not exceeding 3 months. In all other cases, a visa is required for entry into France.

You will need to contact the French Embassy or Consulate in your country for visa application requirements.

The AFSE issues you with a pre-registration or registration certificate which enables you to apply for a “long student visa” at the Embassy or Consulate. 

Am I entitled to a refund if my visa application is denied?

Yes, you are entitled to a refund.
The AFSE will nevertheless retain the pre-registration fees of 120 Euros (60€ for administrative fees, and 60€ per monthly session paid for).

Do I need an insurance before my departure?

Yes, you need to contract an insurance covering civil liability, sickness, accident and medical repatriation.

Who is in charge of my welcoming when I arrive in Strasbourg?

If I have chosen accommodation with a host family, the family can eventually pick you up at the train station or airport.
If I am staying in a hotel or a student dormitory, I may ask the AFSE for assistance.

What kind of extra-curricular activities can we participate in?

The AFSE proposes numerous cultural activities outside of the language class: conferences, museum visits, European institutions, castles, shows, conversation circles every Wednesday (14:00 - 15:30 :  except in summer : 18:00 - 19:30), wine tasting and cooking classes…
A programme of activities is proposed every month.

Can I work and attend courses at the Alliance Française at the same time?

If you have a “long stay student visa”, you are allowed to work within the limits of at most 20 hours a week. 

Is there WIFI access at the AFSE?

Yes, there is free WIFI and computer access.

Courses

How do I estimate my level in French?

Once your registration has been confirmed, you will take an online test and be given an appointment for your oral prior to or on your arrival at the AFSE.
This will enable us to ascertain your level in French so that we can place you into the group level that  suits you best.
These tests are assessed by our teachers.

When can I start classes?
  • Classes take place all year-round.
  • The AFSE works with 4-week sessions and 2 week-sessions during the summer.
  • You can register for at least one week.
How many students are there per class?

There are between 9 to 16 students per class.

Which teaching method is used?
  • Several methods may be used depending on the session.
  • Teachers also use all kinds of teaching facilities (audio, videos,…).
  • The teacher will inform you on which textbook to buy (cost: approximately 30€). You may enquire at the secretariat if you wish to purchase the textbook or exercise book used.
  • Our rooms are equipped with SMART Board interactive whiteboards.

Exams

I want to take a French examination (certificate or test), does the AFSE allow this?

Yes, AFSE is an official center for examination:

  •  DAEFLE
  •  TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) (Test of French knowledge)
  •  TCF Tout Public (for everyone)
  •  TCF Accès à la Nationalité Française (ANF) (Access to French citizenship)

The registration fees have to be paid before the deadline for the subscription to the exams (see calendar).

Can we prepare for these exams at AFSE?

Yes, AFSE offers special sessions to practice for these exams, for more information ask the secretariat.