While in France for a year 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.
| PROGRAM | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Fall Year | Late August | Late June | $16,595 |
- Placement with a carefully selected host family
- Enrollment in a local French high school
- Enrollment in 2 week French Language & Culture camp prior to the program if needed
- 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
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 6:00 pm, 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.
All students applying for the year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July or early December (Spring departures). This orientation is a required part of your program aimed to prepare you for your experience overseas and is covered through your program tuition.
*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place online, dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.
Upon arrival in France, Fall 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. A regional orientation is offered to semester students and host families to help you evaluate your personal growth and prepare you for the best use of your time in France. 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.
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 the area to try.
- 2025 Fall Departure: Students born June 29, 2008 – August 28, 2010
- Students who do not meet the age requirement or will graduate before the start of their program will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis
- Students who will turn 18 before or during their program are not eligible for enrollment in this program
French. There is no language requirement for YFU programs to France. However, year and semester program students will be required to take a French language placement test. Those with a beginning level of French will attend a mandatory 2 week French Language & Culture Camp prior to the start of the school year, which is included in the program tuition. Students with more advanced French may test out.
Students in France are usually placed in small country towns or smaller-sized cities. Students are rarely placed in Paris or other large cities. The most important part of daily life with your host family is the evening meal, where you will share stories and news of the day!
