Study Abroad in France

Semester Programs

While in France for a semester you will get the chance to experience the social life of the French teenager while also attending school. French secondary education consists of the Collège and the Lycée (roughly the equivalent of Junior High and High School) which are among some of the best schools in Europe.

School

Your academic time in France will be spent at the lycée (high school). At the lycée d’education generale, you will take compulsory courses, such as history, math, and languages. Compulsory classes are taught in French. If you are placed in the second year of lycée, you may choose a course of study, generally from literature and philosophy, economics and social sciences, or science and math. French schools tend to be challenging. They require students to memorize most material, and the day lasts longer than many US students are used to – generally until 5:00 or 6:00 pm, so be prepared for the extra hours! Lunchtime in France usually lasts 1-2 hours. This would be a great time to catch up with friends while you enjoy your lunch from the school “cantine.” Students may also show their individuality, as uniforms are not required for French schools. However, it is encouraged that students dress neatly and in presentable clothes. Students may be enrolled in a private school and may incur an additional tuition fee.

Orientations

All students applying for the year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation, which usually takes place in mid-July or early December (Spring departures). This orientation is a required part of your program aimed to prepare you for your experience overseas and is covered through your program tuition.

Upon arrival in France, Fall semester program students will attend a ten day intensive summer language and culture camp located in Tours. The camp will offer about 30 hours of French language instruction as well as a cultural trips, outdoor games, and fun activities with local host families and fellow exchange students from around the world. After the camp, students will attend a welcome orientation to introduce you to France and help you explore elements of French life. A regional orientation is offered to  students and host families to help you evaluate your personal growth and prepare you for the best use of your time in France. 

Spring semester students are not offered the language course, but will attend a 2-day arrival orientation in France. 

Extracurriculars

While most French schools do not offer extracurriculars, most students enroll in community youth groups, sports clubs, and art schools. To find these activities, students can ask their host family or go to the town or city council to find activities in your area to try.

Language

French. There is no language requirement for YFU programs to France. However, year and semester program students will be required to take a French language placement test. Those with a beginning level of French participating in the Fall semester will attend a mandatory 2-week French Language & Culture Camp prior to the start of the school year, which is included in the program tuition. Students with more advanced French may test out.

Trimester Programs

While in France for a trimester you will get the chance to experience the social life of the French teenager while also attending school. French secondary education consists of the Collège and the Lycée (roughly the equivalent of Junior High and High School) which are among some of the best schools in Europe.

School

Your academic time in France will be spent at the lycée (high school). At the lycée d’education generale, you will take compulsory courses, such as history, math, and languages. Compulsory classes are taught in French. If you are placed in the second year of lycée, you may choose a course of study, generally from literature and philosophy, economics and social sciences, or science and math. French schools tend to be challenging. They require students to memorize most material, and the day lasts longer than many US students are used to – generally until 5:00 or 6:00 pm, so be prepared for the extra hours! Lunchtime in France usually lasts 1-2 hours. This would be a great time to catch up with friends while you enjoy your lunch from the school “cantine.” Students may also show their individuality, as uniforms are not required for French schools. However, it is encouraged that students dress neatly and in presentable clothes. Students may be enrolled in a private school and may incur an additional tuition fee.

Orientations

All students applying for the year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation, which usually takes place in mid-July or early December (Spring departures). This orientation is a required part of your program aimed to prepare you for your experience overseas and is covered through your program tuition.

Upon arrival in France, Fall trimester program students will attend a ten day intensive summer language and culture camp located in Tours. The camp will offer about 30 hours of French language instruction as well as a cultural trips, outdoor games, and fun activities with local host families and fellow exchange students from around the world. After the camp, students will attend a welcome orientation to introduce you to France and help you explore elements of French life. A regional orientation is offered to  students and host families to help you evaluate your personal growth and prepare you for the best use of your time in France. 

Spring trimester students are not offered the language course, but will attend a 2-day arrival orientation in France. 

Extracurriculars

While most French schools do not offer extracurriculars, most students enroll in community youth groups, sports clubs, and art schools. To find these activities, students can ask their host family or go to the town or city council to find activities in your area to try.

Language

French. There is no language requirement for YFU programs to France. However, year, semester, and trimester program students will be required to take a French language placement test. Those with a beginning level of French participating in the Fall trimester will attend a mandatory 2-week French Language & Culture Camp prior to the start of the school year, which is included in the program tuition. Students with more advanced French may test out.

Summer Programs

While in France for this unique, short summer program, students will take French lessons, take sight-seeing trips around the Loire Valley, and end with a trip to Paris!

Tenative Itinerary

Looking for something amazing to do this summer? Join students from around the world, learn French, and spend 2-weeks in the Loire Valley!

You and like-minded students from around the world will spend mornings learning French and your afternoons sightseeing and participating in activities. You will spend the last two days of the trip in Paris, visiting national landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, and the Arc de Triomphe, just to name a few!

All students will stay in a dormitory setting in Loches, located in the Loire Valley.

Orientations

Summer students will participate in an online, mandatory virtual pre-departure orientation in late May/ early June. This orientation is a required part of the program and prepares students for their experience overseas.

Language

French. There is no language requirement for YFU programs to France. Summer short-term students will attend 15 hour per week of language lessons as part of the program. There is a maximum class size of 15 students and classes will be multinational.