High School Summer Abroad in France - Bienvenue en France!

  France

• Aix-en-Provence: 
Aix-en-Provence
• Montpellier: 
Montpellier

Term: Summer 
Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: 2009: Various sessions throughout the summer

Description: ECI, a non-profit organization, offers high school students a choice of three exciting summer programs in France, two with the option to earn university credit. Participants can take part in an intensive language-based experience, combine a campus environment with a series of classes, or choose a program without formalized classes but instead committed host families with whom they can practice their French.

The main objective of our Language and Culture Programs in France is to have each participant totally immersed in and also interacting with French society. This facilitates a truly intercultural perspective, as well as the exciting opportunity for growth in life skills and language proficiency. Designed to be fun as well as challenging, ECI's programs provide students with an unforgettable and exhilarating once-in-a lifetime experience.

All programs limit group size to 30 or fewer students and include three full-time adults: one trip leader and two additional chaperones. This is an ideal size in terms of student bonding, personal attention, organization, and safety - always our number one priority.

Our chaperones are selected on the basis of language ability, maturity, patience, judgment, enthusiasm, and their ability to earn the respect and trust of our teenage participants. Most of them are teachers who have traveled abroad extensively, and all are committed to promoting intercultural understanding between young people throughout the world.

Whenever possible, we also incorporate Language Partners into our programs. These young people are usually French high school or university students who work to enrich the total experience by providing our group with lots of opportunities for integration into the community and practice in conversational French. Time may be devoted to going to museums, theater and concerts, going out for coffee or dancing, visiting the beach, and meeting local French teenagers.

All trips include a variety of excursions and activities, a French Riviera experience, and three exciting days in Paris. Students who have been to Paris previously always have the choice of an alternate itinerary while there.

Highlights: We have 5 programs suitable for current 9th-12th graders.

All programs include the opportunity to:

- Participate in an enriching homestay or dorm experience in an exciting, youthful city in France as you absorb the culture and practice the language.
- Enjoy the food, ambiance, and unique people-watching opportunities of the French cafe scene.
- Visit hilltop towns, the beautiful countryside, and the dazzling French Riviera.
- Travel to Paris for a three-night adventure - ride down the Seine River in a Bateau Mouche, see the Mona Lisa and other famous works of art at the Louvre. Visit the Champs Elysées, see the Arc de Triomphe, and ascend to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Experience the youthful, creative Latin Quarter, with its cafés, bookstores, and bohemian atmosphere. Please note: students who have already been to Paris will have the choice of an alternate itinerary while there.

Cost in US$: $4350 - $6175 without airfare

Chaperoned airfare from San Francisco or JFK. See our website for more details.

Experience Required: yes

High school programs vary from one year of French to three years of French as a language prerequisite.

This Program is open to American, Canadian and European Participants.

Participants Travel to France Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Edu-Culture International (ECI)'s Mission Statement: To broaden the academic horizons of students and to create well-rounded, culturally aware student leaders. Goals: ECI provides young people with opportunities to embrace new cultures, to improve foreign language ability, and to develop interpersonal skills. We strive to make each program a high-quality, unique, and enjoyable experience. It is also hoped that the programs will engender in students an interest in the pursuit of education, especially in the humanities and acquisition of foreign languages; motivate learning and independent thinking; promote world friendships and cultural understanding; educate students about the culture, language, people, and ideas of other nations and ethnic backgrounds; help students to realize their potentials and become aware of their roles in our global community.

Year Founded: 1998