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    English courses in Nantes: private lessons or mini-group, how to choose?

    By Institut Fonelia6 minutes to read
    Learning French in Nantes

    Do you want to learn English or improve your level? Do you live in Nantes or the surrounding area and are you looking for courses that suit your needs, your schedule and your budget?

    Before signing up, one question arises: is it better to choose private English lessons (all levels) or join a mini-group (levels A2 to B2)?

    Both options have advantages. The right choice depends mainly on your current level, your goals, your availability and the way you like to learn.

    At Institut Fonelia in Nantes, you can choose between individual lessons and English mini-group courses. Here are the main criteria to help you decide.

    1. What are your goals in English?

    The first step is to define what you want to be able to do with English.

    Do you need to speak English at work? Are you preparing for a new position, job interviews or exchanges with foreign clients? Do you want to travel more comfortably or simply regain confidence when you have to speak?

    Your goal will influence the choice of format.

    For a specific professional need, such as preparing a presentation, learning to take part in a meeting or improving your telephone English, private lessons allow you to work directly on the situations you encounter.

    If you mainly want to improve your spoken English in everyday situations, enrich your vocabulary and get used to interacting with other people, the mini-group can be an interesting solution.

    In both cases, it is useful to define a concrete goal before the training begins.

    2. Private English lessons: a programme tailored to your needs

    Private lessons allow you to work one-to-one with a teacher.

    The content of the sessions can be adapted to your level, your difficulties and your goal. You can therefore devote more time to the skills you want to develop: speaking, listening, professional vocabulary, grammar or exam preparation.

    This option is particularly interesting if:

    • you have a specific professional goal;
    • you want to progress at your own pace;
    • you have particular difficulties to work on;
    • your schedule changes regularly;
    • you prefer to learn in an individual setting.

    At Institut Fonelia, individual lessons can be organised in person in Nantes or remotely, according to the agreed arrangements. Schedules are flexible and sessions can be planned around your availability.

    The displayed price for an individual lesson is €68 per hour, excluding any additional fees.

    Discover the option: private language lessons in Nantes.

    3. English mini-group courses: learning through interaction

    Do you prefer learning with other people? Mini-group courses allow you to practise English in a group setting.

    The benefit is being able to listen to different speakers, take the floor, take part in discussions and learn to communicate in a variety of situations.

    This option may suit you if you want to:

    • practise spoken English regularly;
    • gain confidence when speaking;
    • learn with other people of a comparable level;
    • attend classes at fixed times;
    • benefit from a group dynamic.

    At Institut Fonelia, English mini-groups bring together 3 to 5 learners. The option presented on the website runs in the evening, with 2 hours of classes per week.

    Groups are formed according to level (A2 to B2), in order to offer coherent learning.

    However, you should take into account session availability and the levels offered before signing up.

    See the details: English courses in Nantes.

    4. Private lessons or mini-group: what is the difference?

    CriterionPrivate lessonsMini-group
    OrganisationSessions planned around your availabilityFixed schedule
    ContentAdapted to your individual goalsProgramme shared by the group
    Speaking timeOne-to-one exchanges with the teacherExchanges with the teacher and the other learners
    PaceAdapted to your progressPace shared with the group
    Specific needsTargeted work on your difficultiesWork on shared goals
    BudgetIndividual hourly rateSet price for the group session

    There is no ideal formula for everyone. An individual lesson may be more suitable for someone who has to prepare for a job interview within a specific timeframe. A mini-group may be a better fit for someone who wants to practise English every week in a group setting.

    5. Can you start English with no prior knowledge?

    Yes. It is possible to start learning English without having studied the language before.

    The term A0 is sometimes used to describe a complete beginner. In the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, the first formal level is A1.

    If you are starting from scratch, the teacher begins by familiarising you with the essentials: understanding simple words and expressions, introducing yourself, asking common questions and gradually building sentences.

    The most important thing is to choose a format suited to your starting level and to practise regularly.

    A test or a preliminary discussion helps to better understand your needs and guide your learning.

    6. Can you fund your English courses with the CPF?

    Some English courses offered by Institut Fonelia are accessible through the Compte personnel de formation (CPF), subject to the conditions applicable to the chosen offer.

    The individual programme recommended by the Institut includes 20 hours of lessons and a LILATE certification at the end of the training.

    The CPF does not automatically fund all services: you must select the corresponding offer on Mon Compte Formation and check the terms displayed at the time of registration.

    The mandatory financial contribution and any exemptions also depend on the regulations in force and on your situation.

    To find out the terms applicable to your project, consult the CPF-eligible courses or ask the Institut for a quote.

    7. How to choose your option?

    To make your choice, ask yourself four questions:

    • What is my current level?
    • What concrete result do I want to achieve?
    • Do I need flexible hours or can I attend classes at a fixed time?
    • Do I prefer to work individually or to learn with other people?

    If you are unsure, you can present your goal to the Institut Fonelia team. This will help identify the option best suited to your situation.

    FAQ: frequently asked questions about English courses in Nantes

    Can you take English courses remotely?

    Yes, private lessons can be organised remotely, according to the arrangements of the chosen course.

    How much does a private English lesson cost?

    The price displayed by Institut Fonelia is €68 per hour for an individual lesson. Registration fees and certification are to be taken into account separately where they apply.

    Can you learn English from scratch?

    Yes. The programme must be adapted to your starting level and your pace. It is helpful to state from the outset that you have no knowledge of the language.

    Can the CPF fund English courses?

    Some offers are listed on Mon Compte Formation. Funding depends on the chosen offer, your available rights and the applicable rules.

    Find the option that suits you

    Whether you want to learn English for your work, prepare for a certification or feel more comfortable speaking, the key is to choose a course that matches your goal.

    Discover the English courses in Nantes offered by Institut Fonelia or contact the team to discuss your project.

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