Towns: |
Nice and the vicinity (Côte d'Azur) |
Dates: |
July 2 - July 31, 2008 |
Travel Extension: |
Paris (included) |
Key Excursions: |
Antibes, Cannes, Eze, Monaco |
Focus: |
French Immersion |
Housing: |
Family homestay |
Level: |
Grades 9 - 12
+2 years of French |
Our program in Nice and the region is designed for those students who are interested in an in-depth study of French language as well as cultural immersion. The program will also allow the students to experience first-hand the local customs and way of life.
Students will be hosted by local French families. The homestay element of the program will complete the circle of immersion, intensifying the cultural and linguistic adaptation of the students. The students will take French lessons taught by Abbey Road faculty, and participate in many cultural and recreational activities and excursions.
A spectacular coastline stretching from Nice to the small harbor town of Beaulieu-sur-mer exemplifies the best of the French Riviera. The bay of Villefranche, the dramatic cliffs of Mount Boron towering over the town of Beaulieu, and the forested peninsula of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat form what the locals call the “Golden Triangle.”
Nice's famous Promenade des Anglais offers dazzling views of the Mediterranean, while the many outdoor cafes, restaurants, and boutiques of the vibrant Rue de France pedestrian street bring alive the café culture of Southern France. Students will have the chance to experience a variety of communities and activities while making new friends, traveling and having great fun.
See Google's satellite map of Nice, France.
The French language classes are taught by Abbey Road faculty; the curriculum combines classroom instruction, experiential learning and daily practice. The Abbey Road staff is fluent in French and many are native speakers. The program encourages our students to speak French, but it is important to recognize that the key to success in a language study program is the student's own motivation and effort.
In the afternoons, three times a week, students will also be required to participate in French culture seminars covering a range of topics.
The language courses are complemented by daily interaction with the French host families. Students have most of their meals with their host families, attend family events, and join their host parents and siblings during day trips and other activities. They spend three to four evenings a week with their French families.
Typically, the students share a double room with another Abbey Road student or with a host sister or brother. Most families live in central Nice, and neighboring residential areas of Villefranche, Beaulieu, and St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. The program facilitates the use of public transport and arranges for rides in the program van.
Our families are carefully screened and regularly visited. We believe that a rewarding homestay experience is the foundation for a successful French immersion program. Therefore, we make every effort to match the students with the right family, considering their preferences and needs, and to help them adjust as quickly and comfortably as possible. The success of the homestay element depends upon the student's desire to keep an open mind and adapt to a different way of life.
During the week, students will start a typical day with the French class. After lunch, all students and staff assemble for the daily group meeting. Students will have most dinners with their host families and spend 3-4 nights a week participating in typical family activities.
In addition to planned activities with the Abbey Road group, students will have plenty of free time to pursue personal interests, make friends and explore the town. We strive to maintain a perfect balance between structured activities and free time. While we give our students this privilege, we expect them to adhere to the program rules and safety guidelines, especially the policies on alcohol and curfew, and to uphold our standards of responsibility, maturity, and respect.
On Saturdays and Sundays, students go on day-trips to some of the most beautiful sites of the French Riviera: Monaco, Cannes, Antibes, the perched village of Eze and its famous perfume factory, and more.
Antibes:
Antibes is a beautiful and lively town famous for its Roman ramparts, Grimaldi castle and Musée Picasso.
Cannes:
In Cannes, students will see the Palais des Festivals, host site for the world famous Cannes Film Festival; shop in the chic district of Rue d'Antibes; and enjoy the café culture of Le Suquet.
Eze:
Eze is a dramatic, very well preserved Medieval village perched 1,400 feet above the sea. Students will experience the winding narrow streets, incredible vistas and famous perfumerie. 
Monaco:
The principality of Monaco covers just one square mile but is rich in history, tradition, culture and sport. Students will get to explore this sophisticated monarchy, including the Palace of the Prince, Grand Casino, and Oceanographic Museum.
During the final week of the program, the group will travel together to Paris for four days. The group will stay in a modern 3-star hotel located walking distance from most key sites and monuments. The itinerary will include visits to the museums of Louvre, Picasso, Rodin, and Centre Pompidou and to the cathedrals of Notre Dame and Sacré Coeur. Students will also have time to tour the River Seine by boat and explore many of the districts of Paris, including Marais, Bastille, Quartier Latin, Saint Germain-de-Prés, and Montmartre.
Our program fee is all-inclusive: it includes airfare from New York to the program site, all travel extensions, trips and excursions, tuition, lodging and insurance, and much more. There are no hidden fees, extra costs or surprises. We encourage you to compare our program fee to other programs and see what they include.
The fee for the Nice program can be found here:
Application & Fees page.
If you would like to receive a brochure by mail, please complete the short online Preliminary Inquiry, and we will send one immediately.
If you are ready to apply now, click on the Online Application to get started.
For general questions about the application process, please visit our Application & Fees page.
If you have any special questions about the program or need assistance with the application process, please call us toll-free at (888) 462-2239 (from abroad (310) 276-1745) or email us at info@goabbeyroad.com.
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