What is VECSI?
VECSI is a linguistic and cultural exchange organisation, founded in 1982 and based in Cork. We work exclusively with France in the beautiful and historic regions of Bordeaux, Biarritz, Paris, Nantes, Lyons and Poitiers. VECSI is a non-profit making, fully approved and licenced organisation with over 25 years experience in programming student homestay to France.
Our partners in France, Horizons du Monde in Bordeaux and BMA in Biarritz, are both professional and well establishes organisations with reputations for excellence. VECSI has established excellent working relationships with both French partners over the past number of years.
VECSI's aim is to expose young Irish students to the French language and culture through a total immersion programme - VECSI can offer students a unique opportunity to practise and develop their language skills by living with and participating in the daily life of a French host family through our Exchange and Homestay programmes. This exposure proves immeasurable for success in the oral and aural examinations, as it simultaneously improves listening comprehension skills, oral proficiency and cultural awareness.
Our homestay programme with 30 hours of intensive French courses for pre-Leaving Cert students is well-structured and has become hugely popular running from June to mid-August. Limited number of places available – BOOK EARLY!
- VECSI Cultural activities include:
- Individual Homestay programme for Transition Year Students - all year round
- Intensive Pre-Leaving Cert Courses plus activities - Biarritz and Nantes
- Homestay Programme without courses July - August Bordeaux and Biarritz
- Student Exchange July - August Bordeaux/Biarritz
- VECSI Educational Theatre Programme to second level schools in France
- NEW! French language and ski courses January/February in the French Jura Mountains.
What Our Students Say
Thanks to VECSI intensive course, my grammar has much improved, I now find it so much easier to understand spoken French. I really liked my French host family, food was delicious - without a doubt I can recommend this VECSI séjour to my friends.
Sarah Yates, Newtown School, Waterford
I had a great time, loved my family, learned lots of French – feel much more confident!
David Lynch, Colaiste an Spioraid Naomh, Cork
My teachers were excellent, family were so very kind! I adored my one week of surfing as I love sport. It was a great experience, I loved French family life, my French has improved so much I would really recommend it!
Anne-Marie O’Driscoll, Sutton Park School, Dublin
My French has greatly improved, especially my listening comprehension. My host family were really kind. Biarritz is a great location, which I would recommend to my friends. I also went on the VECSI Transition Year Programme to Bordeaux last year and it was a fantastic experience.
Daniel Mallon, St Michaels College, Ailesbury Road, Dublin
