Youth For Understanding USA

Language. Art. Architecture. Religion. Food. Fashion. Business. Technology. Industry. It only takes a day to traverse the beautiful landscape from north to south of this country, but it takes so much longer to truly understand its culture and people.
Learn more about France.

Summer Program

Calling all foodies! With an itinerary of cooking and gardening classes and trips to a chocolate factory and dairy, this program will give you a literal and figurative taste of French cuisine and gastronomy. Not much of a chef? No worries! Fans of architecture and history will also enjoy the many opportunities to step back in time and visit the world-famous Châteaux of the Loire Valley. Those who like a more outdoorsy experience will have plenty of chances to be active with bike tours, scavenger hunts, picnics, swimming, and a trip to local caves. Or are you the big city type? Don't worry, the program concludes with a whirlwind tour of Paris during one of the most exciting times of the year: Bastille Day. 

Tentative Itinerary:  

Academic Year and Semester Programs

While in France for a year or semester you will get the chance to experience the social life of the French teenager while also attending school. French secondary education consists of the Collège and the Lycée (roughly the equivalent of Junior High and High School) which are among some of the best schools in Europe.

School: Your academic time in France will be spent at the lycée (high school). At the lycée d'education generale, you will take compulsory courses, such as history, math and languages. Compulsory classes are taught in French. If you are placed in the second year of lycée, you may choose a course of study, generally from literature and philosophy, economics and social sciences, or science and math. French schools tend to be challenging. They require students to memorize most material and the day lasts longer than many US students are used to - generally until 5:00 or 6:00pm, so be prepared for the extra hours! Lunchtime in France usually lasts 1-2 hours. This would be a great time to catch up with friends while you enjoy your lunch from the school “cantine.” Students may also show their individuality as uniforms are not required for French schools, however it is encouraged that students dress neatly and in presentable clothes.

Orientations: All students applying for the semester or year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation, which usually takes place in mid-July or early December. This orientation is a required part of your program aimed to prepare you for your experience overseas and is covered through your program tuition. All students will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June. Upon arrival in France, Year and Semester program students will attend a two week intensive summer language and culture camp located in Tours. The camp will offer about 30 hours of French language instruction as well as a day trip to a castle in the Loire Valley, outdoor games, and fun activities with local host families and fellow exchange students from around the world.  After the camp, students will attend a welcome orientation to introduce you to France and help you explore elements of French life. Three regional orientations are offered to year students and host families to help you evaluate your personal growth and to prepare you for the best use of your time in France. Semester students will only attend one of these orientations. Towards the end of your stay, a departure orientation will allow you to share with other participants what you have learned and prepare you for your return home.

Extracurriculars: While most French schools do not offer extracurriculars, most students enroll in community youth groups, sports clubs and art schools. To find these activities, students can ask their host family or go to the town or city council to find activities in your areas to try. 

Year and Spring Semester students may have the option to participate in the YFU Young Europeans' Seminar, a weeklong program of seminars, educational workshops, inspiring guest speakers, panel discussions, and other activities.  The Seminar takes place in Germany in late June and is attended by around 500 other YFU exchange program participants from across the continent. Space is limited and participation requires an additional application and fee.

Tuition Includes:

-Placement with a carefully selected host family
-Enrollment in a local French high school (excluding summer students)
-Airport transfers
-Domestic and international travel
-All pre-departure and post-arrival orientations
-Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
-Support from an Area Representative in France while on program

-Comprehensive insurance

-Enrollment in 2 week French Language & Culture camp prior to the program