Residential French Immersion
French Studies in the Arts, Language, Literature, Culture and SAT Prep
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 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 cafés, restaurants, and boutiques of the vibrant Rue de France pedestrian street bring alive the café culture of Southern France. Students participating in this pre-college summer study abroad program will have the chance to experience a variety of communities and activities, while making new friends, traveling and having great fun! Advanced French students will benefit from intense language immersion, and have the opportunity to directly enroll in University courses for the chance to receive college credit.
Our summer program in Nice is designed for high school students who are interested in French language, art, culture, literature and cuisine. You will experience the French way of life, while living in an apartment residence, shopping for groceries in local markets, preparing traditional French meals and having time to simply enjoy southern France.
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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
All students are enrolled in the Intensive French Language and Immersion course as their daily major and must select one course to serve as their tri-weekly elective. University courses are available for advanced students. University course schedules are made available each spring.
Intensive French Language and Immersion (Major)
Taught solely in the target language, the primary focus of this course is 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.
French Conversation (Elective)
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 and Society (Elective)
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 (Elective)
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 (Elective)
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 (Elective)
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.
Studio Art: Drawing (Elective)
The wealth of sculpture and painting in Nice serves as inspiration, while students learn the basics of drawing, such as lighting, shading, dimensionality, movement and the human form. The course covers a variety of drawing techniques, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. Throughout the course, students work with a variety of materials and are encouraged to utilize their skills in capturing the essence of the city. No knowledge of French required.
SAT Prep (Elective)
Boost your SAT skills with this intensive test preparatory course. The course includes daily instruction, one on- one mentoring in college admissions and SAT practice tests. No knowledge of French required.
Throughout the program students have the option of participating in cultural workshops and seminars. Enrollment is optional and space is limited to a first-come, first-served basis. Options include:
• Local Community Service Project
• Water Sports
• Art History and Architecture of Southern France
• Cardio Kickboxing
• Pre-College Seminar: Study Abroad in France
HOUSING
Abbey Road students and staff live together in an apartment complex in downtown Nice, steps away from the beach. Students share house responsibilities, shop for groceries in local markets and prepare meals. We encourage you to speak French at all times, to fully benefit from your immersion experience.
DAILY SCHEDULE
During the week, you will start each day with your French language course. French classes run until noon, after which students enjoy a midday recess to have lunch and explore the city. During the afternoons, you will attend either your elective course or have the option of participating in a variety of group activities, seminars and workshops. Evenings provide additional opportunities for recreational, athletic and social activities, as well as group meals and free time.
DAY TRIPS
The group will go on day trips to some of the most beautiful sites of the French Riviera: Monaco, Cannes and Antibes.
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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