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France

Program Description

The program is designed for those seeking in-depth and extended contact with France, its language and its culture. Students strengthen their linguistic skills while exploring diverse aspects of French history and culture through an intensive study program conducted in French, residence in distinctive regions of the country, the experience of living with French families and participation in workshops with local artisans.

The program begins in Nantes, a medium-sized city on the Loire river. In addition to taking language courses and studying French history, students visit Mont St. Michel and other sites of significance in the regional traditions of Brittany. From Nantes, the program moves to Salies de Béarn at the foot of the Pyrénées, where students participate in apprenticeships with local artisans learning crafts such as chair caning, wood carving, pottery, weaving or wrought-iron. Upon completion of the apprenticeship, students have the opportunity to travel independently. After the independent travel period, the group reconvenes in Paris.

The Paris portion includes courses in Art and Architecture, Theater, and Political Institutions as well as excursions to sites of historical interest: Versailles, Chartres and the Loire Valley Renaissance castles. Throughout, the program emphasizes tradition in the midst of change, as France and the other countries of the European Community continue their efforts to realize unity in diversity.