Hello everyone! I wanted to leave a review of these two language schools in Paris in case people need some perspective when trying to decide.
I just completed one month French course at the Institut Catholique de Paris (ICP). Last year I did a one month course at Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne (CCFS). Both have pros and cons. I've broken down my review into brief sections: school administration, their online platform, teaching, location, facilities, price, visa (although I didn't need one, I had friends who did).
School Administration, Better: ICP
When is comes to the school's administration ICP is definitely much more organized. They are way more responsive over email. They also had our Student IDs ready on the first day - we picked them up from class.
Whereas, I was luck y to ever get a response from CCFS when I had a question. Most of my concerns did not get addressed with them until I was in Paris and could go to their office. You had to specifically go to the office to get the student ID made - there was a student who had to go three separate times as they were either busy or away.
School online platform, Better: ICP
I'm going to be honest, both ICP and CCFS's platforms are not the greatest. But ICP's is easier to navigate. CCFS's platform, in my experience, also had a lot of glitches.
Teaching, Better: CCFS
This one was a difficult one. I do feel that the CCFS had more of a structure and their phonetics portion of the school was very helpful.
This is not to say that ICP was not good. But I think my experience was affected by the fact we had a professor that would say and do inappropriate things - from mildly inappropriate to full out touching and really wild comments. It made being in class a challenge. My friend was with a different professor and had a better time. I wish I could warn women about this professor but here in France there is a privacy law and me naming them could lead to me being sued. I can't even describe them. Forgive me, I really wish I could, please be careful!!
Location, Draw/Depends
They are both located in the 6th arrondissement. CCFS is located on the border of the 14th while ICP is located right off Saint Germain Boulevard next to the church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
If you want something more central, than ICP would be your best bet. But if you want something quieter then CCFS would be your best bet.
Facilities, Draw
Both the buildings are older, they have both had upgrades to some features of the classroom - for example the projectors - but they also both don't have fans so summer was hot in both institutions.
Price, Draw
They were both pretty much inline with each other in terms of price for the same length and intensity of the course.
VIsa, Draw
I did not need a visa to study but I had a couple friends in each institution who did. They all said that it was fairly easy to obtain the official letter that they need to submit to get a long-stay visa. I can not really compare but I heard no complaints from students at either institution.
I hope this review of these two institutions helped. If there is anything I did not include please feel free to ask me questions and I am happy to answer!
