LSF Montpellier: Learn French in the South of France

I don't know where to start with this school.
I am a Spanish Teacher in Barcelona and an official examiner at Instituto Cervantes back in Spain, so I know one thing or two about language schools. This school is by far the worst I have ever been to. The only thing I would save from this school is (some) of their teachers, namely Carole and Claire, who are great. Everything else is absolutely rubbish, and all they care about is your money. Once they have taken it, you can kiss it goodbye. There are 2 things that ruined my stay: accommodation and the group size.

Accommodation:
I rented a studio for 1200€/month, located at rue de Verdun. The studio had no AC for the months of July and August and there wasn't even a fan (I had to ask for it). It goes without saying that the place was unbearably hot and I would dare say inhabitable, during the (recurrent) heatwaves. Also, the place was infested with mosquitos, killing 23 on the first night alone (yes, I counted them). There was no mosquito net on the windows, so you can't really sleep with the windows open. But even If I wanted, the neighbour downstairs would throw parties every other day, making it impossible to sleep with the window open and making the room even hotter at night.

But the real problem was the washing machine, because there was simply no washing machine in the property. In the PDF file the Host Coordinator from LSF, sent to me it clearly stated that their studio had a washing machine, when, in reality, there was none. I have enclosed a screenshot. They advertised and charged for a service they were not providing, something that to my knowledge is illegal.

The reply from the Host Coordinator from LSF, was to go instead to a launderette to do my laundry, only once per week, and get a ticket so that they could refund it to me. They did not reduce the price even though they were advertising something that was false. I asked her to give me other options, and she sent me 2 horrible studios (one windowless and the other one without AC again) for even higher prices than what I was paying: 2900€ and 2700€ for 5 weeks. Ridiculously overpriced. What do they think this is, Paris?

Luckily, I found a proper flat with AC and washing machine and 70 square metres on Air BnB, more or less the same price that I was renting the studio for.

Class size:
I chose this school because on their website, it clearly said "average of 8 students and no more than 10". The first week, in my class there were 16 students, twice as many as advertised. I informed the Pedagogy Manager from LSF, who informed me that, once again, the information available on their website was mistaken (apparently it had not been updated) and that in fact the maximum number of students per class is not 10, but 14!
As a nice gesture, to compensate for that week only, she offered to give me a 90' private class with a teacher, which I accepted, thinking that there would be around 10 students as (falsely) advertised on their site. This week, however, there are 14 students again. I brought up the issue with her and to the School Director of LSF Montpellier, because I don't want to continue learning at a school with such overcrowded classrooms. They refused to refund me money I paid for the remaining weeks. Now, I have an appointment with the Consumer Protection Office in Montpellier, to seek legal advice.

For all of the above, I would recommend staying away from this lousy school. You have been warned!

My daughter was in the camp this year . She is 13 . She was placed in this horrible host family. The woman was around 53 . My daughter told me her son around 20 was living with her she has 2 rooms to host the girls. My daughter told me she was horrible. She wouldn’t allow to drink water at night and it was very hot no air conditioning. She had one bathroom for 5 girls her and the son .
I gave her a bag with snicks the woman just took it and did not allowed to tach it. She would give them just a bread for breakfast.
The bank bed was so low that it was very difficult to breathe.
She wouldn’t take them any were . They would stay at home all the time.
My daughter come so stressed.
For my money!!! The camp it not cheat.!!!!!

I have been to LSF three times now during 2014 and 2015 and have worked my way up through the DELF B2 and DALF C1 exams with their help. The standard of teaching is very high and the ambience in the classroom supportive and enjoyable. Each time I went to the school I put in place a specific class in the afternoon (after the standard morning classes) to help me with my exam preparation. These helped enormously and a lot of progress can be made in a very short time. The teachers are also supported by a friendly wider team who organise a range of optional activities and excursions throughout the week and at weekends (as well as accomodation with french families) and really care that you have enjoyed your time with them. The school is perfectly situated with a garden and terrace right next to the Porte Peyrou and Palais de Justice in the centre of Montpellier - a perfect location in an interesting and attractive city. I really cannot recommend LSF highly enough and will be bringing my family back for a more relaxed stay now I have done my exams!

We sent our 3 on the LSF course in the summer of 2013. They enjoyed it so much, and their French was so improved, that we repeated the experience in July 2014. The "best 3 weeks of my life" comment was really made by our daughter, and her siblings readily agreed. Although the programme is expensive, the care shown to the children throughout their stay was excellent.

LSF has by far exceeded any expectations I had. From the first day I arrived they offered an introductory tour of Montpellier and everyday since they have different activities and tours to sign up for. The teachers are amazing and keep you interacting throughout the entire class. The teachers make the effort to know you on a personal level where you are able to talk and make jokes and it creates an environment where you feel comfortable. The quality of teaching is amazing and they make sure you feel comfortable in the level of class they place you. My friend was quite sick for a week and the teachers were very concerned as well as the other students, and the teachers and admin were more than helpful. They gave recommendations for doctors, they offered to translate with the doctor if needed and constantly asked for updates to make sure she was improving. They are magnificent and make you feel apart of the school.
The cooking part of the course was just as great. There is no more than 6 or 7 people per class so everyone is incorporated to the course and are constantly working. It is great because you create unique dishes and expand your knowledge on local cuisine. It is also helpful to improve your french as the class is in french. The Chef is so kind and extremely knowledgable. Again, it is very personable and we are able to make jokes and have a great time.
The host family which I was placed in is amazing! They are friendly and so kind hearted! It forces you to use your french when you stay with a host family and really integrate yourself into the culture and lifestyle. They are extremely family oriented and we always love to see their grandchildren and everyone! We get along so well and our host mom is an amazing chef. I like them so much I decided to stay another week.

I really enjoyed my three months stay in Montpellier. During this time I could improve my French immensely. During most of my stay I had great teachers even though I must say not all teachers had the same quality.I lived in a student residence which was in walking distance to the school, my room has been small but clean, I had my own bathroom and a very small kitchen. I felt very save most of the time.
All teachers and staff have been very welcoming and always helpful. The school organized great afternoon or weekend activities which helped to get to know the French culture.
During my stay I met very interesting people with who I could have interesting talks and very funny evenings. I especially enjoyed the atmosphere in class and after class in and around the language school.

I can highly recommend LSF for several reasons. I followed a course for the period of 2 months in LSF Montpellier. I've been charmed by a warm welcome, a friendly atmosphere and the kindness of the teachers and the other students. The teachers are especially trained to give courses to foreign students. Besides, they encourage you to speak french, improve yourself and that is one of the reasons why you can learn a lot in a short period of time. I recommend a period of minimum 3 weeks to get the best out of the program and to enjoy your time in the beautifull environment that Montpellier has to offer.

The French language program has been very challenging. I have taken French before and the teacher I had during this program has been the best that I have encountered in the classroom so far. I am looking forward to learning more French! The staff at LSF has been very helpful and friendly. When I needed to change the family that I was staying with, they immediately found another family that was more suitable for me. Great experience! I will refer my friends and family to LSF.