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French Language Immersion Camp on the Riviera

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.

Study Abroad in France

Interested in a summer camp or travel experience in the U.S., but open to studying abroad? Consider an international summer camp experience in Nice, France! This 4-week camp brings together students from more than 40 countries around the world for an unforgettable summer of language, culture, and connection.

Students learn French in a beautiful campus setting overlooking the Mediterranean, while exploring the French Riviera, making friends from around the world, and experiencing everyday life in France. It’s the perfect opportunity to combine the fun and independence of summer camp with the adventure of international travel, and come home with new skills, new perspectives, and friendships that can last a lifetime.

What's included in your experience

  • 70 Years Experience

Eligibility

Graduates Eligible? No, high school graduates are not eligible to participate.
Minimum GPA 2.0
Age Range (at program start) 15 years and 0 months to 16 years and 11 months
Language Skills No language requirement

Based on differences in culture, strict government regulation of medications, and other local customs, it has been our experience that not all of our international AFS partners are able to support students with certain diagnoses, including but not limited to, severe allergies, strict dietary restrictions, ADD/ADHD, and those currently taking or who have taken psychotropic medications and/or received counseling for mental/psychological issues within the past year. If this applies to you, please get in touch with an AFS Study Abroad Specialist early so that we can determine the right experience for you.

Your journey to France

In the months before your departure, AFSers have the opportunity to participate in various preparatory activities, including an online Student Learning Journey, which is an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to learn how to develop essential global skills, intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact, maximizing the outcomes of the AFS learning experience. 

AFS-USA will coordinate and share your international travel with you. You will need to coordinate your own travel to the point of international departure. Soon after your arrival, 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 camp is the fact that you’ll be living and studying alongside students from around the world in a dorm setting. The beautiful 7-acre Centre Méditerranéen d’Etudes Françaises (CMEF) campus consists of a spectacular amphitheater in addition to dorms, a cafeteria, a terrace, and a reception area. You will stay in the school’s residence halls in a modest room that accommodates 3-4 people of the same sex. Air conditioning is not typical in France. This dorm experience will provide an opportunity for intercultural exchange, and you’ll get to know other international students during exciting recreational activities. A cafeteria on campus will provide balanced and nutritious meals, including vegetarian options!

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Settling into daily life

Intensive Language Learning

During this month-long camp, 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 camp 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’ll have plenty of time to participate in organized activities such as beach volleyball, rollerblading, catamaran sails, ziplining, tennis, windsurfing, canyoning, snorkeling, cycling, swimming, and more! Or if you’d rather stay inside and work on your French, you’ll be able to hang around camp and get to know your classmates. Evening entertainment will be organized as large group activities or small workshops. There will be several options (games and tournaments, performances, cooking, arts and crafts, movie nights, 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. Every Saturday, you’ll have the chance to visit nearby cities on the Riviera like Antibes, Fréjus and the Agay Bay, and the Italian border! Daytrips might also include legendary resort destinations like Cannes (site of the annual international film festival), Saint-Tropez, or Grasse. These trips include a cultural tour followed by free time in the city or relaxing time at the beach.

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Average Day:

  • 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. – Morning French Classes (written and oral focus)
  • 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. – Afternoon Activities and Excursions (sports, adventure activities, beach trips, museum visits, etc.), Optional intensive French courses
  • 7:00 p.m. onward – Evening large and small group activities (tournaments, dancing, cooking, crafts, cinema, etc.)

*Weekends do not include French courses and instead feature day trips to nearby cities followed by evening activities*

Scholarships and Aid

We believe in the power of intercultural experiences and the potential of our students! That’s why we’re dedicated to meeting the demonstrated financial need of accepted applicants. The deadline to be considered for scholarships for summer programs departing June through August is March 5th. Learn more and view all deadlines below!

Learn More View Deadlines

What's Included

  • 75+ years of experience delivering high-quality programs through a worldwide network of 30,000 dedicated volunteers
  • Accommodations
  • Round-trip international airfare for the designated camp dates
  • Camp 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
  • Certificate of completion at the end of the program
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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 camp, 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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