CIEE High School Abroad Program in France

  France

• Aix-en-Provence: 
Aix-en-Provence

Durations of Program: 3-6 months and 7-12 months

Description: The High School Abroad Program is the best way for a high school student to become a global citizen and to achieve fluency in French. Families are carefully interviewed and screened by Mondes Nouveaux staff of Local Coordinators in each town. Host families are volunteers who have expressed their desire to share their culture and daily life with our students.

Students on the High School Abroad Program will attend a French public high school called a Lycée. Students may attend a Collège, (K-12 private school) by assuming the tuition costs in addition to the program fees. The Local Coordinators will be in regular contact with students and will report back to CIEE and the natural parents.

Academic Program

Classes are conducted in French. High School Abroad participants are expected to follow the Lycée curriculum and fully participate in the academic program. CIEE High School Abroad students are frequently placed in private schools in France. When a private school placement is made, an additional $650 tuition fee per semester is required. It is important to note that CIEE is not able to guarantee a public school or a private school placement. Typically, French high school days run from 8am to noon and from 2pm to 5pm or later. French high schools are academically demanding and entail long school days. Extracurricular activities are not part of the program. Extra help is available to our students at an extra fee.

Eligibility Requirements

On the day of departure, students must be between the ages of 15 and 18 years old and have completed the equivalent of three years of high school French study. Students must have completed their first year of high school and be in good academic standing. Students must demonstrate, through the application process, their flexibility, maturity, adaptability and readiness to face the challenges of living in a new culture.

Highlights: France is the largest country in Western Europe and the most diverse in population and geography. The south is famous for its sandy beaches and olive groves, Brittany for its wild coasts, the Alpine region for its snow-capped peaks, with forests and vineyards everywhere in between. With English, French is the international language of culture and diplomacy. France had an enormous colonial empire in Africa and Asia which lasted until World War II, and in these former colonies French is still the second language. After granting independence to these colonies, waves of immigrants who had rights to live in France flooded the country, giving rise to today's diverse population.

In 1957, France and a few other countries formed the European Economic Community. Despite their own national pride, the French have led Europe towards economic and political union. France was one of the earliest supporters of the new "Euro" currency.

France is known throughout the world for its excellent food, picturesque countryside and exceptional art. Contrary to the stereotype, the French appreciate and respond to any effort you make to speak their language. The degree to which you speak French will greatly impact your ease of adjustment into French life.

Cost in US$: Please visit our website. Early Application discount for Fall term of $150 if application is received by January 31. Early Application discount for Spring term of $150 If application is received by August 31.

    * Selection, interview and screening of an appropriate French family
    * Room and board with family
    * Placement of student in a high school
    * Supervision and support throughout the year by a Local Coordinator
    * Periodic progress reports
    * Transportation to and from a local airport
    * Orientation before leaving USA
    * Orientation upon arrival in France
    * International airfare between US departure city and France
    * Health and liability insurance

Program does not Include

    * Round-trip domestic travel to US departure city
    * Monthly spending allowance
    * Textbooks and supplies
    * Personal phone charges or other personal items
    * Transportation to and from school

This Program is open to American Participants.

CIEE's Mission Statement: Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world." Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever. As we look ahead, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles and values that guide this mission statement.

Year Founded: 1947