Focus on France

  France

• Paris: 
Paris

Durations of Program: 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Dates: inquire for specific dates

Description: Paris is magnificent, but France is more than one city. There's the beautiful countryside from the Atlantic to the Alps and from the English Channel to the Mediterranean Sea; a vibrant history and culture for you to learn; and an artistic soul that will inspire you. Each region of France looks and feels different, and with AFS, you'll discover what it means to live in France as a local. France's culture is known the world over, from architecture to painting to food to philosophy, so it's easy to understand why this country is one of the most popular destinations in the world. Most host families live in small towns or villages, which will help you feel part of the community as you make new friends and enjoy daily life.

Highlights: Year and Semester Programs:
Your classes and grade will be determined by your host school, and will be based on your academic records and French language skills. You will be placed in either the last grade of college (the early years of high school) or one of the first years of the lycée (which bridges high school and college). The French school system is considered more demanding than the average U.S. high school, with classes running from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and sometimes on Saturday morning. The courses include French literature, history, mathematics, and science. Note: Students should have at least one year of French, but students with 2-3 years are preferred.

Summer Language Study Program:
What better way to learn French than by attending a language school in the south of France with other international students. Your month includes: French lessons in classes based on your skill level (beginners welcome), trips to nearby towns, room and board in a residence hall, all your study materials (except a dictionary), and various school activities. AFS Volunteer chaperones will be present for the entire program.

Cost in US$: $8,900 - $10,900

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

AFS Intercultural Programs's Mission Statement: AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. AFS Intercultural Programs is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in over 50 countries around the world through independent, not-for-profit AFS organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board.

Year Founded: 1947