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Summer Language Study Program in France

All levels of French are welcome on this month-long language intensive! Immerse yourself in French language and culture while soaking up the beautiful French Riviera.

With its passion for food, philosophy, art, and architecture, France is an ideal place to immerse yourself in a new culture and language. This month-long French summer language  program will give you an intensive French language learning experience in one of the most scenic places on Earth: the South of France. After your French language lessons, you’ll have the opportunity to play sports, hang out on the beach, and visit nearby cities like Monaco and Nice. By spending four weeks on the Côte D’Azur (The French Riviera) you’ll be able to eat, drink, and breathe French culture, to learn the language and soak in the atmosphere. You’ll also share a residence hall with fellow AFSers from around the world, giving you a truly cross-cultural experience. Your classes will be small and based on skill-level, and beginners are welcome.

Things to know

The French get a bad rap for being arrogant, but really they’re just proud of their language and history. They are generally hospitable and most will be interested in learning about you and your culture. Food is very important to the French, and you really will see locals strolling down the street with a baguette under their arms. (You’re unlikely to find many berets, though.) France is a historically Catholic country, so you’ll discover some of the most astounding churches in world even in the smallest, most remote villages.

Eligibility Requirements

Current high school students and recent graduates are eligible. Specific age requirements may apply; contact AFS for more details.
Must be in good academic standing (recommended GPA of 2.0 or above).

What's included in your experience

  • 70 Years Experience

Your journey to France

Your journey to France will begin in New York, where you’ll meet your fellow AFSers from the US. Together you’ll attend an overnight orientation, and then travel with your Program Leader to Nice.

Soon you’ll make your way to your language school, the Centre Méditerranéen d’Etudes Françaises, in the city of Cap D’Ail. Along the way you’re bound to pass parks full of flowers and ancient stone walls sheltering cities and small towns alike. You’ll also get your first glimpse of the sunny beaches of the famous French Riviera, complete with azure waters and luscious palm trees.

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Moving Into Your Dorm

One of the most unique aspects of this French summer language program is the fact that you’ll be living alongside students from around the world. You can expect to stay in the school’s residence halls in rooms that accommodate 2-6 people of the same gender. This dorm experience will provide an opportunity for intercultural exchange, and you’ll get to know other international students during recreational activities.

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Settling into daily life

Intensive Language Learning

During this month-long program you’ll receive approximately 60 hours of French language lessons (3 hours per day, 5 days per week). Don’t worry if you’re a beginner, because all levels are welcome. Your French-speaking ability will be evaluated at the beginning of the program and you’ll be assigned to the class that best fits your personal language level. You’ll have the opportunity to advance to a new level weekly as your French improves. Additional classes beyond the 60 hours may also be available.

All study materials will be provided, but you might want to bring along your own English-French dictionary for easy reference.

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Exploring the Area

In addition to language lessons, you can play sports like tennis or beach volleyball, and participate in activities such as catamaran, windsurfing, canyoning, snorkeling, or swimming. Or if you’d rather stay inside and work on your French, you’ll be able to get additional help from language tutors. Evening entertainment will be organized as large group activities or small workshops. There will be several options (sports tournaments, concerts, cooking, arts and crafts, bilingual clubs, etc.), and you can participate in the activities you choose.

You’ll also be able to learn more about French culture by doing some exploring. On afternoons and weekends, you’ll have the chance to visit nearby cities on the Riviera including Monaco, Nice, Menton, Villefranche, Èze, and Roquebrune. Day-trips might also include legendary resort destinations like Cannes (site of the annual international film festival), Saint-Tropez, or Grasse.

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Food you’ll encounter

France is famous for pastries, cheese, and some more daunting delicacies like foie gras (liver paté) and escargots (snails). But no matter which dishes they’re preparing, you’ll find that the French don’t mess around when it comes to food. No matter where you go, the cuisine is delicious and prepared with care. French food is often rich and creamy, with high-quality, fresh ingredients. You’re likely to find a lot of jambon (ham), especially on sandwiches, and some delicious frites (French fries). If you like crêpes, you’ll discover that the French make them in every variety, from savory buckwheat crêpes to the sweet and sour crêpe au citron, which is filled with tangy lemon and sugar.

What's Included

  • 70+ years of experience delivering high-quality programs through a worldwide network of 50,000 dedicated volunteers
  • Accommodations
  • Round-trip international airfare for the designated program dates
  • Program activity fees
  • Worldwide, 24-hour emergency assistance
  • Access to an in-country support team and network, as well as our Participant Support Department based here in the U.S.
  • International secondary medical travel coverage
  • Visa support and guidance
  • Inclusion in a worldwide returnee and alumni network of over 1,000,000 people
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Returning Home

“Life-changing” is hard to describe, yet it’s nearly always the first thing that AFSers say when asked about their experience abroad. “Transformed” is another one.
When you return home from the French summer language program, you’ll bring with you a sense of accomplishment unlike any other. You’ll have gained maturity and independence, discovered new passions, and developed the confidence and resilience to accomplish anything you set out to do.
That transformation isn’t only visible to you, though – others see it as well. AFSers gain critical skills for college and careers. Second language fluency, intercultural competence, creativity, and critical reasoning will help you succeed, whatever path you take. “Life-changing” means it’s only the beginning.
It’s not just an adventure abroad; it’s a whole new reality. The perspectives and personal connections you gained will stay with you and likely draw you back to the second home you found in France.

In fact, our alumni reviews have made AFS one of the top-rated organizations in the study abroad industry.

A new you awaits.

Apply for Summer Language Study Program in France!

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