Language courses

Knowledge of French language is important to successfully settle in Geneva. Whether at school, at the doctor, at the Post Office or for leisure, everywhere, you will need to communicate with other people.

French courses for adults

Consult the online directory of French and literacy courses «français-intégration.ch» proposed by non-profit organisations in the canton of Geneva. Most are partners of the «Bureau d'Intégration des Étrangers (BIE)» of the Canton of Geneva.

• Basic French courses for adults at low prices (pdf), offered by the l'Office pour l'orientation, la formation professionnelle et continue du Département de l'instruction publique available on the «Cité des métiers» website
• Language courses proposed by the Université Populaire of the Canton of Geneva. Access to training is valid for all adults, at a minimum cost thanks to the volunteer work of their teachers.
• Learn French online: free self-study tools for non-French speaking adults propposed by the BIE
• French lessons for non-French speaking parents in Geneva public schools. The courses start at the beginning of October and end in May (30 lessons).
• L'Ecole-club Migros is the largest continuing education institution in Switzerland. It offers 55 languages.

Find a French course near you, thanks to the interactive map of the canton of Geneva

Conversation Exchange Programme (BEL)

Take advantage of the cultural diversity of Geneva to improve and practice a foreign language of your choice in exchange for yours.

The Conversation Exchange Programme is open to everyone, Internationals and local residents (except children).

Based on the principle of exchange, this program is free and is intended to be a complement and not an alternative to the language courses given by schools. Register by filling out the online registration form.

French Language and Civilisation School (UNIGE)

The French Language and Civilisation School (ELCF) at the University of Geneva allows you to strengthen your skills in French BEFORE and DURING your studies in one of the Faculties / Schools / Institutes at the University of Geneva. The ELCF ensures:

• the French exam which allows the admission of non-French speaking students of foreign origin to the University
• an intensive year (propaedeutic year) of linguistic upgrading for students who do not fully meet the requirements of the admission exam
• a linguistic support for non-French-speaking students from the various Faculties, Institutes or Schools of the University who face difficulties in understanding or expression, both orally and in writing, or who wish to broaden their cultural and linguistic horizons

The Faculty of Humanities at the University of Geneva also provides French courses during the summer.

Language exchanges programmes for young people

The Department of Public Education (DIP) offers class or individual language exchange programmes and professional internships for young people from 11 years old and above 16 years old in Switzerland and worldwide.

Private schools - canton of Vaud

The Swiss Private Schools Association of canton of Vaud offers language diplomas.

In Lausanne, Language Links School is specialised in teaching French, German and Schwitzertütsch, English, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Russian.