Pre-College Residential French Immersion
French Studies in the Arts, Language, Literature and Culture
A city of artists and students, Aix-en-Provence is one of France’s most elegant, sophisticated and vibrant communities. A perfect location for high school students looking to spend a summer abroad in France, Aix, also known as “Little Paris,” is famous for its summer arts festival, thriving café scene and its many restaurants, boutiques, museums and galleries. Aix is also a delight for enthusiasts of architecture, with great examples of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and 18th-century representations. Sculpted doorways and wrought-iron balconies are found in the various monuments, churches, fountains and park squares of this beautiful city.
Our French immersion program in Aix-en-Provence is an authentic and rewarding pre-college study abroad experience for high school students. The Aix-en-Provence summer language immersion program is perfect for intermediate and advanced students looking to improve their French with the option of taking advanced courses at the local Université de Provence, for the chance to receive college credit. The Aix-en-Provence residential immersion program encourages and facilitates the use of French through daily interaction and classes, activities and excursions. All Abbey Road faculty and staff who live with the students are fluent in French, and most are native speakers. We encourage our students to speak French at all times and to take advantage of the multitude of cultural offerings made available to them. |
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
All students are enrolled in the daily Advanced French Language course as their program major, either through Abbey Road or through the Université de Provence, and select one additional course to serve as their tri-weekly elective.
• Intensive French Language (Abbey Road or Université de Provence) (major)
• Survey of French Literature (elective)
• Digital Photography (elective)
• Advanced French Culture (Université de Provence) (elective)
• French Conversation (elective)
• French Cinema (elective)
Intensive French Language
Taught solely in the target language, Abbey Road’s French Language course focuses on oral communication and the use of the language in authentic and realistic situations. Classes are conversational and make the best use of the resources specific to the host community and its surrounding areas. Instructors prepare and lead exercises that use the community as either a subject or as an active background. All levels welcomed. Students interested in enrolling in the Advanced French Language Course taught through the Université de Provence must contact Abbey Road for course descriptions and pre-requisites.
French Conversation
The goal of this course is to strengthen communicative competencies and vocabulary in the target language in a fun and relaxed environment. Exciting discussions on pop-culture, current events and history are geared toward the practical improvement of pronunciation, syntax and oral comprehension, while fostering a deeper understanding of contemporary French culture and civilization. All levels welcomed.
French Culture
Study the key values underlying France’s cultural identity from WWII to the present day. With particular emphasis on France’s rapidly evolving society, the course covers a broad range of issues confronting contemporary French youth and their families. Emphasis on current events as reflected in the press and other media. Minimum 2 years French.
French Cinema
An integral part of France’s artistic legacy, the cinema is an excellent way to intimately acquaint yourself with the French culture. During this survey course, classes are dedicated to film viewing, followed by discussions of thematic elements and their relationships to modern French society and culture. Minimum 2 years French.
Survey of French Literature
Considered an introduction to major works in French literature of the 19th and 20th centuries, this course helps prepare students for AP French coursework. Minimum 3 years French.
Digital Photography
This course serves as an introduction to the basic principles and applications of digital photography as an artistic medium. Classes emphasize visual concepts, as well as basic image capture and camera functions. Important topics covered include the manipulation of camera settings, controls, lighting and exposure. No knowledge of French required.
HOUSING
Abbey Road students and staff live together in an apartment complex in the heart of Aix’s historical center. Students will share household responsibilities, shop for groceries in local markets and prepare group meals using traditional French recipes, helping to prepare them for the upcoming college years.
DAILY SCHEDULE
During the week, students attend their major and elective courses. Morning classes end at noon, after which students enjoy lunch and free time to explore the city center. In the afternoons, you will attend classes and have the option of participating in a variety of group activities, workshops and seminars. Evenings provide additional options for cultural, athletic and social activities, as well as group meals and free time. During most weekends, the group will take exciting day trips to neighboring towns and cities.
DAY TRIPS
The group will go on day trips to some of the most beautiful sites of Provence: Avignon, Cassis and Pont du Gard!
OPTIONAL TRAVEL EXTENSION: Paris
No trip to France is complete without seeing Paris! At their program’s end, French program participants have the option of spending 4 nights in this celebrated European capital, famous for art, music, fashion and cuisine. Students who choose to participate in the optional travel extension will explore every corner of the city. The itinerary balances guided museum and historical site visits with time for exploring Paris’s famous neighborhoods and shopping centers. Site visits include the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Centre Pompidou, Notre Dame Cathedral and Eiffel Tower. Students will also have time to tour the River Seine and enjoy the famous café scene.
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