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Summer Cultural Exploration
La Rochelle, France

Program Details
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Explore

The Summer Cultural Exploration program in La Rochelle, France provides students with the opportunity to study French in a friendly historic atmosphere while experiencing a taste of French culture. Students will attend language classes, experience French culture through organized weekday activities and explore France on the weekend through guided excursions. Participants will live with a host family.

La Rochelle is one of the most picturesque and historically rich cities on France's Atlantic Coast.  If you love the sea, you will love this harbor town! Known as the most sun-drenched city in France, this seaside town boasts spectacular views and sensational sunsets. La Rochelle lies in the inlet of the Bay of Biscay and neighbors the Ile de Ré (island) providing for beautiful protected beaches, a historic port and ancient traditions of sailors and fisherman. La Rochelle's Vieux Port (Old Harbor) was the departure point for the founders of Montreal and served as the principal trading port between France and Canada. Home to several universities, La Rochelle's unique combination of modern architecture, historical ports and magnificent sandy beaches offer the ideal environment for exploring French culture. The Intrax Summer Cultural Exploration program provides students with the opportunity to study French in a friendly, safe and historic atmosphere, while integrating into the local culture through a host family stay.

Learn

Intensive French courses take place every morning, Monday through Friday, for four hours per day. Students will be given a placement exam upon arrival and assigned to a class of the appropriate level. A personalized, interactive approach is emphasized, and the average student-to-teacher ratio is 11:1.

Experience

Intrax Study Abroad maintains a good balance between planned activities and free time throughout the program. Organized afternoon activities include: conversation groups at a local café, guided tours of the town, screenings of French films, cooking classes and tastings of mouclade - a specialty of La Rochelle, outdoor sports (volleyball and cycling) and a visit to a local oyster farm.

Travel

Included in the program, the following guided excursions allow students time to enjoy other fascinating destinations in France.

• L'Île d'Aix (Napoleon Island) - Set sail from the Old Port for a day trip to the island where Napoleon Bonaparte spent his final days in France. Participate in a treasure hunt and discover the legendary history of this petite île.
• La Venise Verte - Explore the canals in “Green Venice” for a day. Originally built 100 years ago to irrigate and provide access to the farmland of La Rochelle, today, this maze of canals is a great visit to experience the French countryside.
• Cognac - Spend a day outside of La Rochelle in the Region of Cognac. Walk through the narrow cobbled streets of Cognac’s medieval quarter and visit the Château de Valois, a medieval trading post. Then, explore the majestic and perfectly restored 15th Century castle, Château de la Roche Courbon and its perfect manicured gardens and grounds.
• Program Finale: Paris - Discover the city famous for its fashion, food and art during a three-day excursion! Walk along the Seine River, visit Notre Dame Cathedral and explore the streets of the Latin Quarter, the center of Paris’ student community for centuries. Discover some of the city’s famous museums including the Louvre and the Musée D'Orsay.

Housing

Intrax Study Abroad students will stay with carefully selected host families. Homestays allow for a deeper immersion into French culture and provide invaluable personal contact with native French speakers. Adjustment to host family life and French culture will be assisted by an On-Site Coordinator. There is an 11pm curfew for this program.

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