This post is the last in a series about the Alliance Française (AF) in Lyon. Previous posts have covered the following topics: getting ready to study at AF; living at the student résidence; the experience of studying French at AF; and using the vélo’v public bike system to get to and from class, and around the city.
The current post provides tips for students about the facilities and services available at AF in Lyon.
1. The reception counter and administration staff are very helpful and patient. They are always happy to talk to students about any questions or issues. For complicated issues, it is possible to talk with them in English.
2. The lobby area is a great social meeting point. There are comfortable chairs and small desks around which students gather before and after class. Many social activities are arranged in the lobby.
3. AF runs cultural activities. For example, during my month of study (April 2015) there were three French movie evenings, as well as jazz festival activities. There is a printed newsletter with details for each month.
4. The school produces a handy printed guide to studying at AF and many of the practicalities of living in Lyon.
5. A small reference-only library provides books grouped according to their corresponding level of French. Among the books are graded French readers; grammar and vocabulary books; and books on aspects of French society and culture. Two computers are available for listening comprehension. It is a nice library which at the time of my visit was open three days a week.
6. A student noticeboard provides all kinds of information, including about jobs; language exchanges; accommodation; events; and items for sale.
7. In the refreshments area, there are two hot drink machines, along with a cold water dispenser. A snack vending machine includes sandwiches as well as the usual fare of chocolate bars and chips.
8. There is free wifi in the lobby area and also in many, if not all of the classrooms. This was a lifesaver in my case, in terms of communication, as my student residence building did not have wifi. The AF wifi meant that I could keep in touch with family and friends at least to some degree. Many students used the wifi in class to power online dictionaries on their smartphones.
9. The mezzanine area has two computers for student use along with a table for meetings.
10. The school is close to a number of vélo’v bicycle stations and other public transport networks, including trams.
The current post provides tips for students about the facilities and services available at AF in Lyon.
1. The reception counter and administration staff are very helpful and patient. They are always happy to talk to students about any questions or issues. For complicated issues, it is possible to talk with them in English.
2. The lobby area is a great social meeting point. There are comfortable chairs and small desks around which students gather before and after class. Many social activities are arranged in the lobby.
3. AF runs cultural activities. For example, during my month of study (April 2015) there were three French movie evenings, as well as jazz festival activities. There is a printed newsletter with details for each month.
4. The school produces a handy printed guide to studying at AF and many of the practicalities of living in Lyon.
5. A small reference-only library provides books grouped according to their corresponding level of French. Among the books are graded French readers; grammar and vocabulary books; and books on aspects of French society and culture. Two computers are available for listening comprehension. It is a nice library which at the time of my visit was open three days a week.
6. A student noticeboard provides all kinds of information, including about jobs; language exchanges; accommodation; events; and items for sale.
7. In the refreshments area, there are two hot drink machines, along with a cold water dispenser. A snack vending machine includes sandwiches as well as the usual fare of chocolate bars and chips.
8. There is free wifi in the lobby area and also in many, if not all of the classrooms. This was a lifesaver in my case, in terms of communication, as my student residence building did not have wifi. The AF wifi meant that I could keep in touch with family and friends at least to some degree. Many students used the wifi in class to power online dictionaries on their smartphones.
9. The mezzanine area has two computers for student use along with a table for meetings.
10. The school is close to a number of vélo’v bicycle stations and other public transport networks, including trams.
