Orientation

After settling into the housing option you have chosen – apartment, homestay or university dorm—you will begin a two to three-week orientation period, designed to give you the knowledge and the skills that will prove essential in the months to come. Activities include conferences on French culture and teaching methods, guided trips in and around the city, and intensive language study.

The highlight of the orientation period is a three-day excursion to a destination of interest in the South of France. In September, you may discover the rich artistic traditions of Aix-en-Provence and its surrounding regions, learning about baroque architecture, visiting colorful outdoor markets and retracing Cezanne’s steps. In January, you may travel to Marseille, France’s second largest city, to learn about the history of immigration in France in a city that embodies multiculturalism.

Examples of Orientation Activities:

• Private tour of the Comédie Française and attendance to a play
• Visit: the French and Italian collections at the Louvre museum
• Conference: “Daily Life in France”
• Guided tour of the Sainte-Geneviève Library