FAQ
Find Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Institut De Touraine
Do you have questions about courses, stays, or organizing your life in Tours? To help you best prepare for your experience at the Institut de Touraine, we have compiled the answers to the most frequently asked questions by our students. Here you will find practical information on courses, exams, accommodation, and daily life in Tours.
Is the Institute Open Every Day and at What Time?
Administrative services are open Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM (4 PM on Fridays). The media library is open Monday to Friday from 12:30 PM to 6 PM.
How to get to Tours from Paris?
If you arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, you have two options depending on your arrival time:
- A direct TGV (high-speed train) between the airport and Saint-Pierre-des-Corps (Tours’ second station) – journey time 1 hour 40 minutes.
- Take the Air France bus to Montparnasse station and then take the train to Tours.
If you are arriving from Paris, you have three options: a TGV from Paris Montparnasse station, an Intercités train from Paris Austerlitz station, or a direct bus (several departure points in Paris).
For more information on trains, please consult the website www.oui.sncf. For buses, consult the website
Will Someone Pick Me up at the Train Station?
Host families pick up students at Tours or Saint-Pierre-des-Corps station. Please remember to inform your host family of your train schedule a few days before your arrival.
If I Encounter a Problem upon Arrival, is there a Number I Can Contact?
Yes, 07 63 20 21 94.
At What Time should I Report?
On the Monday of your arrival, you are expected at 8 AM for your placement and orientation.
Where should I Report?
At the reception, in the building located on Place du 14 Juillet.
What is the Program for the First Day?
On your first day at the Institute, you will have: a breakfast to meet the staff and other students, a campus tour, and a city tour.
What should I Bring?
Paper and something to write with. As part of its eco-responsible approach, the Institut de Touraine has chosen to limit the use of printed textbooks. Learners now benefit from authentic pedagogical resources and digital materials, promoting a more flexible, interactive, and environmentally friendly approach.
What Accommodation Do You Offer?
Host family, residences, furnished rentals, and hotel. See the dedicated section on our website.
Can I Change Accommodation after My Arrival?
Yes, but there is usually a notice period to respect. For a residence or a furnished apartment, the notice period is one month. For a host family, except in case of a problem or emergency, the notice period is one week.
If I Have a Problem with My Accommodation, who should I Contact?
The accommodation manager at the reception.
Can I Arrive Earlier at My Host Family's?
You must adhere to your registration dates. Host family stays are from Sunday to Sunday. It is possible to arrive on Saturday upon request.
Can I invite a friend or family member to stay overnight at my host family's?
Your host family cannot accommodate additional people for overnight stays or dinner, without prior agreement.
Can I Pay for My Accommodation at the Institute?
Yes, accommodation is always paid to the Institut de Touraine.
Do I Have to Pay a Deposit for My Accommodation?
For residences and furnished rentals, a deposit will be required. We will take an imprint of your credit card. There is no deposit for host families.
What Meals are Provided by the Host Family?
The family provides breakfast and dinner from Monday to Friday, and full board on weekends. Dinner is taken with the family. During the week, you can have lunch near the Institut de Touraine. There are also two dedicated rooms at the Institute with microwaves where you can have your meals.
Is there Wi-Fi at the Host Family's?
Yes, it is a mandatory condition for hosting students.
Can I Request a Special Diet with the Host Family?
Yes. If you have allergies or a specific diet, you must indicate it when booking your host family, on the reservation form.
Will I pay less if I don't have breakfast or if I miss some meals?
The weekly price is a flat rate. Missing some meals does not entitle you to a reduction.
Do I Need to Bring My Own Sheets and Towels?
Linens are provided by the host family, who will regularly change your sheets and towels.
If I Am away from the Host Family for a Week, Do I Still Have to Pay for My Accommodation?
If you leave your personal belongings in the room, you will have to pay 100 euros per week for the room.
Is there a Cafeteria at the Institute?
The Institut de Touraine does not have a cafeteria. At the Institute, you will find two rooms equipped with microwaves where you can have your lunches. You can also have lunch at the Hameau Saint-Michel self-service restaurant, located directly opposite the Institut de Touraine.
The Institut de Touraine is located in a neighborhood where you will find bakeries and numerous restaurants, crêperies, and snack bars for lunch around the school.
What Types of Activities are Offered outside of Classes and how Often?
The Institute offers many activities throughout the year: city tours, Loire Valley tours, film club, wine workshops, cooking workshops, etc.
How and when to Book?
The activity program is provided on the first day, displayed in the school, and published on the school’s Facebook page. You can book most activities at the reception.
What Will My Schedule be?
Classes take place from 9:00 AM to 12:20 PM, Monday to Friday. Those who choose the intensive course will also have classes on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons (classes end at 4:30 PM).
Are Classes Made up for on Public Holidays?
The Institut de Touraine is closed on public holidays, and no classes are held on those days. These classes are not made up for and do not entitle students to any tuition fee reduction. Our academic calendar lists all public holidays for the year. If a Monday is a public holiday, classes begin on Tuesday morning.
How many Students are there per Class?
A maximum of 15 students per language class. The average class size is 12.
Where Do the other Students in the Class Come from?
More than 70 nationalities attend the Institut de Touraine each year. There will be students of various nationalities in your class.
What is the Age of Students in the Classes?
The average age is 23 in summer, 28 during the academic year. The minimum age is 16.
Do I Have to Attend Classes Every Day?
Class attendance is mandatory. Except for health problems with justification, all absences will be recorded. In case of repeated absences, the Institute may refuse to issue your certificate.
What Textbook / Method is Used in the Classes?
The Institut de Touraine uses online textbooks. Teachers create authentic documents.
Can I be in the Same Class as My Spouse, Sister, or Friend?
Your placement depends on your level. You will logically not be in the same class as your friend or spouse, unless you have the same level.
Is it Possible to Take Private Lessons in Addition to Standard and Intensive Courses?
Yes. You can register for a private lesson in addition to group classes. You will be able to work further on the themes and objectives of your choice. For scheduling reasons, we advise you to book your private lesson before your arrival in Tours. A one-week notice period is required for the arrangement of a private lesson.
What Document(S) Will I Receive at the End of My Stay?
At the end of each course session (i.e., every 4 weeks), you will receive a grade report. At the end of your study program, a certificate will be issued to you.
Does your Program Allow for Receiving University Credits?
Yes, upon decision of your home university. Students coming under a cooperation agreement always receive university credits for their studies at the Institut de Touraine.
Who can I contact if I have a problem in class (level, problem with a student, etc.)?
First, speak with your teachers. The Head of Courses and Exams is also available to assist you.
What type of assessment is conducted during the course? How often?
Tests are regularly organized in class to assess your progress in oral and written skills. You will have at least one test per week. At the end of the course session (4 weeks), you will receive your grade report.
Does the School Offer Preparation Courses for the DELF / DALF Exams?
DELF and DALF preparation workshops are offered as part of the intensive courses for levels B1, B2, and C1.
What are the Registration and Exam Dates for the DELF and DALF?
See the annual exam calendar, which indicates the registration dates. The document is downloadable on the website, in the “Exams” section.
Where Do the DELF / DALF Exams Take Place?
The DELF A1, A2, B1, B2 and DALF C1 exams are held at the Institut de Touraine.
Is there a Media Library, and Can I Access it for Free?
The Institut de Touraine media library is open Monday to Friday from 12:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Teachers are available to assist you. Access is free for all students of the Institut de Touraine.
Do You Have a Scholarship System for Students?
The Institut de Touraine does not directly grant mobility scholarships to students. If you are a citizen of the European Union, you can apply for funding for your training through Erasmus +.
Can the Fees for My Courses be Covered by My Company?
The Institut de Touraine is a training organization. As an employee or job seeker, you can have your language training funded. Please inquire with your HR department or France Travail.
Do you have other questions about our courses, stays, or training programs? Contact our French school based in Tours to discuss your project. Our team is available to assist you.