Student security, health & welfare

We believe that learning is easier when you feel happy and comfortable, which is why we’re committed to student welfare and safety.

​​​​​​​The Accent Français staff is there to support you with any questions or problems. 
They can help with practical issues related to everyday administrative formalities, such as finding a doctor, opening a bank account, accessing public transport, information on the healthcare system, help with applying for housing benefit CAF or information and help for higher education in France. 
They are also available for accommodation queries, or even if you just feel lonely or homesick.
The team will inform you and guide you towards the available sources of support and can refer you to specialized services (medical, legal, and academic) that can provide complementary support. 

Before you leave: apply for a visa

We do not ask you to have a student visa to study at our school, but you may need a visa to travel to France.
We encourage you to use the The official visa website for France, which will help you understand whether you will require a visa and what kind of visa you should apply for.

• Citizens of European Union countries do not need a visa to travel or study in France.
• Since 2021, British citizens must apply for a visa to study in France.

Our advice for Student visa:
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• Check if your home country is concerned by the Centre for Studies in France (CEF) procedure and if so, apply through the Campus France website 
• Make sure that you make an appointment as soon as you have received confirmation of your admission to Accent Français.
• Please don't forget to inform us at least 2 weeks before the start of your programme in case your visa hasn't been granted in time. This way, you will avoid cancellation and rebooking fees.

Visa renewal:Your renewal request should be made imperatively between 2 to 4 months before the expiry date of your residence permit.

Working in France: A student residence permit allows you to work a maximum of 964 hours per year in France (approximately 20 hours/week)

​​​​​​​ Useful links:
​​​​​​​France visas: the official website for visa applications to France
Coming to France (French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website)
Service Public – Official website of the French Administration (fr.)
Campus France (CEF process)
Recherche d’Emploi et Création d’Entreprise (RECE) (FR)
Application for naturalisation (FR)
​​​​​​​Student life in Montpellier.

Opening a bank account:

If you are staying in France for more than 3 months, it is advisable to open a bank account online or in a bank located in Montpellier. You will need to provide the following documents:

• Accommodation certificate
• School certificate
• Copy of your passport or visa

By opening a bank account in France, you can easily manage your finances and make payments online. In addition, it will facilitate administrative procedures such as renting an apartment or paying bills.
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Insurance

Accent Français has subscribed to an insurance policy to protect individuals on its premises and during educational outings.

Health: Students are responsible for any expenses incurred in case of illness or accident.
We strongly advise non-European students to ensure their health insurance covers their expenses and medical costs.
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Here are some suggested private medical insurance options:
www.guard.me
www.caremed-travelinsurance.com
www.april-international.fr

It is important to check with your insurance company about quarantine and disease management conditions. A pandemic may require health authorities to isolate a student, resulting in additional accommodation costs that are not Accent Français' responsibility.

We also recommend subscribing to a personal liability insurance policy to protect yourself in case of damage caused to a third party during your stay. Accent Français cannot be held liable for any theft, damage, or loss of personal belongings of students during their stay.

University restaurant meals for low-budget students are available for 3€30 CROUS

CAF housing benefits: Depending on your personal situation and the type of housing you find, you may be entitled to a housing benefit from the Caisse d’Allocations familiales (CAF).
You can apply for a benefit whether you live in an unfurnished or furnished flat, homestay, or student residence.
Students from outside the European Economic Area must hold a student long-stay visa (known as the VLS-TS) and provide the following information and documents : 
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• An email address you check regularly  
• Your passport or national identity card
• Birth certificate with official translation into French
• Enrollment certificate in university or school in France 
• Valid residence permit (students from outside the EU)
• Your accommodation contract, contact details of the accommodation owner or agency, and the amount of your rent. 
• Your income amounts for the last two years  
• Your bank details

​​​​​​​ Please allow approximately one month for your application to be processed.
For more information, please visit the CAF website.​​​​​​​

Learning French at Accent Français French language school can open up many opportunities, including pursuing higher education in France.
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• France is home to some of the world's most prestigious universities and colleges, and studying in France can be a great way to enhance your education and career prospects.
• French universities and colleges offer a wide range of programs, from undergraduate degrees to doctoral programs, and many of them are taught in French.
• In addition to the academic benefits of studying in France, you'll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in French culture and language, which can be a great way to improve your language skills and gain a better understanding of French society.
  
  
  

PATHWAY service at Accent Français

If you're interested in pursuing higher education in France after your language course at our school, our dedicated team will be available to assist you with all your administrative paperwork before your departure and upon your arrival in France, making the transition as smooth as possible.
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• To study in France, you'll need to meet certain requirements, such as obtaining a student visa, enrolling in a recognized program, and demonstrating proficiency in French. 
• It's important to note that the application process and admission requirements for higher education in France can vary depending on the program and institution you're applying to 
  

Our pathway academic studies department offers a complete service from consulting to admission.
If you're interested in learning more about higher education in France and Accent Français we invite you to visit our département des études académiques, or to contact pathway@accentfrancais.com

Our team is always available to answer your questions and help you plan your educational journey in France. So why wait? Start your journey to fluency today by learning French at Accent Français, the leading French language school in Montpellier and get ready for Higher education and Universities in France.

Your health and safety are very important to us.
Our buildings are carefully maintained, and we carry out regular risk assessments in our premises, including regular fire drills to ensure everyone can leave the building safely in an emergency. The institute is equipped with emergency exits marked with lit signs. In case of fire, please follow instructions displayed on the information board under the extinguishers, and instructions given by Accent Français staff.
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Emergency numbers

Accent Français is committed to the well-being of its students and staff. 
We believe that your health and well-being is an important aspect of your time with us. 
We recognize the struggles of studying abroad and the effects on a student's mental health. We want you to be safe, healthy, and to enjoy your time at Accent Francais Montpellier.

The whole team is committed to providing students with the appropriate resources, tools, and support to look after their psychological well-being. 
This includes a dedicated on-site student counselor, yoga classes, and online resources to support student well-being.
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Emergency numbers

Other resources

Travel tips for maintaining your mental health

Travelling to a new city, state, or country is full of adventure and discovery. Travel exposes you to new people, cultures, and food, all while allowing you to learn a little more about yourself along the way.  While experiencing so many new things at once can be exciting, it can also feel overwhelming at times and present challenges that you may not encounter in your day-to-day life at home. For some, being away from everything familiar will exacerbate conditions that are usually well-managed.

Whether you have a diagnosed mental health condition, experience occasional anxiety or depression, or are part of the lucky few who rarely have bad days, know that if you struggle with your mental health while traveling – you are NOT alone! Travel comes with highs and lows, and we would like to share our top tips for maintaining your mental health when participating a study abroad program in france. ( blog post)
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We hope that this information helps you feel secure, supported, and informed during your time at Accent Français. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team.

At Accent Français, we strive to provide support and adjustments to students with temporary or permanent disabilities or disabling health conditions, ensuring they can complete their program.  
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• If you have difficulties with sight or hearing, we may provide assistance in the classroom. Please inform us before booking your course so we can determine the best way to help you.
• If you are dyslexic, please let us know in advance, especially if you plan to take an exam. We can make special arrangements for you, but we need to be informed in a timely manner. 
  
  

Our team at Accent Francais is available to discuss your needs, offer you specific adjustments, and provide the best possible access to your classes and buildings. We will also guide you through administrative procedures to ensure your needs are met.

Our French language school in Montpellier welcomes students from 16 years old all year round. However, we have specific rules for under-18s to ensure their safety and well-being during their language stay in France.
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• If you are a minor , your parents or legal guardians will have to fill out and sign the liability release form authorizing you to participate in a language stay in our French language school in France.
• For security reasons , underage students can only stay with a French host family offering half or full board. This ensures that they have a safe and comfortable living environment during their stay.
  
  

It's important to note that we do not provide specific supervision for underage students. Therefore, parents or legal guardians must complete, sign and return the waiver of responsibility form before the start of the course. Students whose parents have not completed, signed and returned the liability release form will not be allowed to start the program.

They may allow their child to go out in the evening, but no change in the curfew time will be possible after arrival. Please visit our website for more information on our courses for teenagers and juniors

At Accent Francais, we believe in equal treatment of all students and have a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination, harassment, and violence. 
Our school is home to students from diverse countries, cultures, and religions, and we expect everyone to treat each other with respect and kindness.  
If any student, staff member or French host mistreats you or makes you feel uncomfortable, please inform the school management immediately.  
If a student, a staff member or a welcoming host violates your privacy, physical or psychological integrity, please inform the school administration immediately. 

Discrimination or harassment on the basis of skin color, nationality, sex, or religion is against French law and will not be tolerated at our school.
It's important to note that these rules apply to everyone, and we expect all students to treat their peers and accommodation hosts with the same respect they wish to receive. 
Additionally, any student who physically assaults, threatens, racially or sexually harasses, or abuses another person on school premises or anywhere else will be immediately and permanently excluded from the school.
We also provide resources for combating LGBT-phobia and encourage all students to respect the rights of their LGBTQ+ peers.
Our school is a safe and welcoming space for all students, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
For further resources and information on combating discrimination and harassment, we recommend visiting this website

Accent Français strives to provide students with a satisfying learning experience, including their accommodation and extracurricular activities. 
Our students can choose from the following options to address any issues: 
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• Discuss the problem with the person directly involved to find a resolution. 
• Ask their teacher for assistance in addressing the problem.
• If the problem involves a teacher, they can approach our reception or head teacher for help.
  
  

However, if a student has any complaints or requests, he can access our change request forms and complaints procedure.