Programs

France: French Language & Culture

Eiffel Tower or Tour Eiffel aerial view, is a wrought iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France

WHY STUDY LANGUAGE IN FRANCE?

Embark on a creative journey through French language, culture, and art as you experience Paris and Brittany in the north, as well as Nantes, a creative and amazing city that cultivates astonishment. In Paris, take in the art at galleries and world-renowned museums such as the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay. Develop your photography skills and art appreciation through workshops and projects with formal direction from professional photographers or local artists. Learn about photo composition and explore The City of Light through the lens and practice your darkroom skills by developing and sizing photos and creating your own photogram.

During your homestay in Brittany, you will have continual opportunities to enhance your French language skills and knowledge of French culture. Take classes with a local teacher while immersing yourself in la vie quotidienne, or daily life, of a French family. Delight in the regional food and try your hand at making some favorites through a cooking and crêpe making lesson. Take day trips to nearby places of interest, such as breathtaking Mont Saint Michel. After your homestay, get the opportunity to explore a new area including a visit to Nantes, a city which keeps reinventing itself, renowned for its vitality, culture and also named European Green Capital in 2013.

You will rendezvous in Paris to reflect on your journey and capture some final snapshots.

At the conclusion of this program, participants will earn a language certificate noting the number of hours of language classes completed.

Note: Prior knowledge of photography is not required, but participants should bring a working digital camera.

LEARN BY DOING

The Experiment’s programs are designed to build skills that will help you succeed. In France, you will learn:

TECHNICAL SKILLS

  • French language
  • Photography

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

  • Time management
  • Intercultural communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Adaptability
  • Relationship-building

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

  • Temperatures and humidity can be high in France during the summer.
  • Students will explore urban life on foot (lots of walking!) and learn to navigate the public transit system.
  • While French cuisine is centered on meat and cheese, vegetarians and vegans can find alternatives.
  • Access to the internet is limited and internet speeds and connectivity vary.
  • The diverse personal and social identities of participants may, in part, shape their experience abroad. In-country partners will discuss cultural norms and the local context during orientation. Please read our approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for further information. All students will have a safe space within the program spaces and with the local staff and group leaders.
  • The Experiment program structure is rooted in experiential learning and cohort-based learning. The participant group experience is a major source of learning for Experimenters and is facilitated by trained Experiment group leaders.