Frequently Asked Questions
In this section you will find answers to questions about the following topics. Click on the topic that you require to scroll down to it.
- Our magazines and audio recordings >
- Personal data and financial security >
- Customer service matters >
- Holidays in France >
Our Magazine and Audio Recordings
How do the two magazines vary?
Both publications have broadly the same varied content: current affairs, tourism, French culture, French grammar, word games, etc. They differ, however, in two main ways. Firstly, there is a difference in the level of French, with Le Rendez-vous français being the easier of the two publications. It is lower intermediate in level which, for most adults, means around two years of part-time study of French. It is also smaller in format than La Vie Outre-Manche magazine.
La Vie Outre-Manche is upper-intermediate to advanced in level, is larger in size and has articles that are generally longer than Le Rendez-vous français, enabling topics to be covered more comprehensively. Both magazines have keyword translations (and sometimes parallel French-English texts) to ensure that your reading flows enjoyably.
What is on the audio recordings?
The recordings (whether on cassette or CD) last about an hour and contain a selection of articles from the corresponding issues of the magazine, clearly recorded in a studio by professional, French nationals. In addition to the articles, there is Ecoutez et Parlez, a section comprising two or three exercises to help you improve your grasp of spoken French.
What if I find that the magazine I choose is not the better one for me?
We are happy to transfer your subscription from one magazine to the other at any time. We may make a small charge for this, particularly if you are moving up to the more advanced publication.
Personal Data and Financial Security
How secure is ordering via your website?
We use Protex, a reliable provider of credit card services and it is to them that your financial information goes. It is transmitted to Protex in encrypted form for added security and it is through this company that we receive payment. At no time do we receive your credit card information; we only receive the information we need to process your order plus any other non-financial information you have provided.
How secure is ordering over the telephone and by fax?
We take credit card details over the telephone as a matter routine and have never had any problems due to fraudsters. We take great care of the financial information we hold and it is destroyed in a safe way when it is no longer required. We receive a small proportion of orders by fax and these are dealt with in the same way as telephone orders.
Do you sell customer information to other organizations?
No. Our mailing lists are used only for the routine fulfilment of custmers' orders and our own marketing purposes. Regarding the latter, we aim to make this as unintrusive as possible, restricting it to only renewal reminders, occasional invitations to former subscribers to resubscribe and announcements of new products.
Customer service
If I order a magazine subscription or another product today, when will I receive it?
We normally send out orders the day we receive them. Thus, if you order a magazine subscription, you will usually receive the current issue as your first copy. Books and other items are also normally sent out the same day.
What if I find that something is not suitable for my needs?
Meeting the needs of our customers is our over-riding priority which is why we our products are covered by our guarantee (details of guarantee).
Questions on Holidays
Who goes on the holidays that you advertise?
The holidays are aimed at our readers (and their friends and relatives). These are typically adult learners of French who are seeking to improve their spoken French, gain confidence and enjoy a holiday in an attractive part of France.
Who provides the holidays?
The holidays are provided by people and organizations that are known to Concorde French Language Publications and we advertise their holidays.
What do the holidays involve?
Typically, they comprise language classes in the morning and excursions to local places of interest in the afternoons. The classes or groups are limited in size so that everyone gets the opportunity to participate fully. For detailed information on any holiday you should contact the individual organizations concerned.
Is my level of French going to be good enough for one of these holidays?
The level of French of those who go on these holidays varies from those with just a year or two of
study behind them to those who are aiming to achieve a high standard of fluency. For this reason
the holidays are either aimed at those of a particular ability level or include scope for grading
participants according to the standard of their French. This is something you should enquire
about when considering a particular holiday. The holiday providers are able to
deal with enquiries made in English.
Will I be expected to speak French all the time?
No, but obviously the more you do so the greater the benefit to you - and you will
find that everyone is very helpful and understanding. The aim of the holiday organizers
is always to provide a relaxed and enjoyable setting in which people can practise
and improve their French.
Disclaimer regarding holidays: While we aim to provide accurate advice and
information about products and services, the above information should be treated
as only a guide. We cannot accept responsibility for inaccuracies and their
consequences and you should obtain full details of holidays with the holiday
providers.
