Discover why France is so much more than the city of Paris by exploring its’ villages, towns and regions which have their own distinctive look and feel. Immerse yourself in the culture famous around the world for its food, architecture, philosophy and painting.
Be sure to explore the beautiful countryside from the Atlantic to the Alps and from the English Channel to the Mediterranean Sea.
“I liked attending the Lycée because all the time I was meeting new people and being able to learn and speak French with my own age group.” Louise, past participant
AFS/EIL offer both short term language courses and longer term secondary school programmes in France.
Students take part in these total-immersion programmes to improve their French and intimately learn about French culture. On the secondary school programme, students live with a French host family and take part in their day-to-day activities while going to a local French Lycée (Secondary School). For students who want a long term programme (from 6 weeks to a full academic year) and are flexible about the location in France, this may be the option for you. This programme is open to Irish students between the ages of 15 and 18 who have studied French for a minimum of 3 years. The emphasis of this programme is on language learning through full immersion with native speakers. For this reason, each Irish applicant is placed in a different host community. Focusing on gaining independence and maturity, friends and family members will not be placed together or near one another. Irish students will have ample opportunity to make new friends in school and of course, practise their French! Our host communities are located throughout France, mainly in small towns and rural areas. If you want a truly authentic French experience and are open-minded to a placement anywhere in France, this programme is for you.
You’ll most likely be hosted in a rural area anywhere in France. Your family will probably greet you with a “bise,” a friendly kiss on the cheek, expressing satisfaction and gratitude is appreciated. Expect to be treated like a regular family member, helping with chores and becoming part of the daily routine.
You’ll probably be enrolled in a public collège (if you are younger than 15) or lycée (if you are between 15 and 18 years old). Some AFS students attend private school. School days usually run from 8 am to 5 or 6 pm, with Wednesdays usually being half days. You may attend classes on Saturday mornings. Generally, students get two weeks of holidays for every six weeks of school. Schools place a heavy emphasis on academics so very few extracurricular activities are offered during the week. You can join sports and drama clubs in your free time.
French is the official language in France. Some French knowledge is required for short-term programs (3 months or shorter). If your program lasts for 6 months or a year, you should still brush up on your French in advance and you will have access to an online language learning license a few weeks before the program.
Food is very important to the French. When they are not eating, they enjoy talking about food, which is delicious and prepared with great care. The French enjoy a wide variety of cheeses, as well as local specialties like foie gras (liver paté), escargots de Bourgogne(snails), crêpes and cassoulet. French pastries and cheeses are also famous around the world.
AFS/EIL Study Abroad offers several options for those interested in studying in France: Montpellier, Cap d’Ail, Antibes and Normandy
Long term placements for Transition Year students are offered by our Secondary School Abroad programme, whereby students live with a French host family and attend a local secondary school with other French children from the area.
Please browse the different options below to find the programme that is right for you or your child.
