Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

"I have never studied the language before. Can I study at Insted?"
Yes, our courses are provided for all levels, including absolute beginners.

"Should beginners start at the beginning of a course?"
It is always better the earlier you start. Contact us for advice on suitable start dates.

"Recommended course length?"
We offer courses from two weeks and longer. We accept one week enrollments, but recommend a minimum of two weeks. Most of our students study from 6-15 weeks.

"How quickly will I progress?"
Progress depends on your current language level , the course you choose, the duration of your course, your personal motivation, your language learning ability and your knowledge, if any, of other foreign languages.

"When should I enroll?"

Enrollment is possible up until the course starts as long as we have spaces left. Most of our semester students enroll about 3 months in advance. If you plan to study a weekly course, students normally enroll 1-2 months before the courses start. We do however recommend that you book as early as possible as accommodation is limited during high season. We can always help students with accommodation, but can not guarantee the same prices listed on our web site if you book late. The earlier you book, the better the price on accommodation.

"Will I receive a certificate?"
After completing a minimum three weeks of the course you will receive an attestation with oral and written grades. All grades are given on a scale of 0-20 where a 10 means that you have passed. The student's total attendance and participation in class is also mentioned. If you have attended less than 80% of your classes the certificate will only record the actual number of classes (hours) you attended. Upon request, if you study for less than three weeks we will give you an attestation which shows your level and number of hours you have attended.

"I have studied the language before. Can I study at Insted?"
We offer courses for all levels - beginners are adviced to start at certain dates. Contact us if you have studied the language at university.

"Will I be able to transfer academic credits from Insted to my own university/school?"
Yes, you can obtain university credit for our semester programs. We will be happy to supply any information required to your home institution.

"What is the Course syllabus?"

If you would like a general course description for all levels please contact us and we’ll send one to you. Please note, the syllabus is not an exact course plan of the lessons and each teacher adapts and plans the lessons according to their group's previous knowledge and needs. 

"Is it possible to change group/level?"
During the course your teacher will follow your progress. If you advance more quickly than the rest of the group, you will be able to change to a higher level.

"Am I too young/old to study at Insted?"
Our students range from 18 to 60 years old, however the vast majority, especially for the intensive courses, are between 20 and 29 years old in the winter, and 24-40 rest of the year.

"Can I make specific requests about the accommodation?"
Note down any specific requests on the booking form and we will do our best to help you.

"Can I book accommodation even if I am not a student at Insted?"
In Chamonix we offer accommodation to both students and non-students. We give priority to our students when space is limited. We recommend you book accommodation 2-4 months in advance. We can always help students with accommodation, but cannot guarantee the prices listed on the web site if you book too late. Booking late may also mean we cannot provide you with the accommodation option you prefer. 

"Can I stay with a person that is not studying at Insted?"
Yes, you can stay with a friend that is not studying at Insted. Contact us with your request.

"When will I receive my course start and moving in information?"
We will send you course start information approximately six weeks before the course starts. Moving in information will be sent no later than one week before moving in.

"Should I take out insurance before leaving?"
Yes, you definitely should! You need insurance to cover: personal liability, medical expenses, sickness, accident and injury, repatriation, loss or theft of luggage and valuables. We also strongly recommend you to insure yourself for inability to attend or finish your course.

"How does the rotating schedule work?"
In Chamonix, from January to May, the courses are based on a rotating schedule of mornings (09.00-12.15) and afternoons (14.30-17.45). For example: Monday morning, Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday morning, Thursday afternoon, Friday morning. This allows everyone the chance to ski, snowboard, climb, tour, etc at a time of day that best suits the sport. During the rest of the year most classes are given in the morning.

"What is the difference between ChamRoom and ChamBed?"
All of our apartments vary in size and layout. An apartment of approx 25-30 m2 often has a separate bedroom and a living room. All apartments have wc/bathrooms, kitchen/kitchenettes. Four students who book ChamBed or two students who book ChamRoom will share this type of apartment. Please note, ChamRoom and ChamBed options can be combined. For example, if you book ChamRoom you may also be allocated to a bigger apartment where you will stay in the separate bedroom, and 2-4 students who book ChamBed will be sharing the apartment with you.

"Is there internet/wifi in the apartments?"
There are only a few apartments with wifi connection and we can not guarantee that you will have connection where you are allocated. There is free wifi at the school and at many cafés in Chamonix.

"How do I get from Geneva airport to Chamonix?"
We recommend you to book a shared transfer from Geneva airport to Chamonix (1h15min). Price 25-40 EUR with Cham-Van or Mountaindropoffs.

"Skipasses for Chamonix?"
Ski passes are not included in the course fee. Insted offers students who have enrolled for a minimum, six week, intensive course, up to 30% discount on ski passes. There are two ski passes to choose from: Chamonix le Pass or Mont Blanc Unlimited. Chamonix le pass gives you access to all ski lifts in the Chamonix Valley except for the top lift at the Grands Montets and l’Aiguille du Midi. With the Mont Blanc unlimited pass all ski lifts are included as well as Courmayeur in Italy and Verbier in Switzerland. We recommend the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass as we will organize excursions to Courmayeur and avalanche- and glacier courses at the Aiguille du Midi. Prices and offers will be sent to you by email in november.


We are updating our information about Biarritz, San Sebastián and Teneriffa.

If you would like to speak with former students, please let us know and we will send contact details of those who can answer your questions and give you helpful advice.