FRENCH PUBLIC HIGHSCHOOL – WEP
Price range: € 250 through € 10,483
Flights not Included
Description
- Age: min.12 max. 18 years old upon arrival
- Duration: 1 calendar year, 1 academic year, 1 academic semester, term (12 weeks), short term (4 to 8 weeks)
- Arrival:
August, November, January or March – varies depending on program duration (check with WEP for program dates) - Accommodation: Host family (volunteer or compensated)
- Language: French
The Country
An exchange program to France is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a culture that has influenced the western world for hundreds of years. The French are very proud of their contributions to art, literature, philosophy, architecture, food, wine, sports and film. From the picturesque Brittany and Normandy coastline to the Pyrenees along the spanish border and the beaches of the Mediterranean sea, France offers breathtaking scenery.
School Life
The French educational system is one of the most thorough in the world. Expectations are high towards the students. Participants will attend classes at a local lycée from Monday to Friday. Saturday classes may be allocated. French students attend mandatory lessons (French, History-Geography, foreign languages, sport…) and also take optional subjects such as arts, maths, biology… The school year runs from September to June.
- 8.30am to 5.00pm or later
- Wednesday afternoon free
- Saturday classes may be allocated
How does the Flex program work?
The Flex program gives the participant the same experience as the Classic program. The student lives with a host family and attends classes at a local high school, but it has a more flexible approach, allowing the participant to choose certain elements, such as a region or a specific activity. WEP’s FLEX programs lets the student choose the experience that best suits them!
For what type of student is this program a good fit?
- Students who wish to practice a specific sport or activity while on the program
- Students who prefer to be in a specific region in France
- Active students who would like to participate in extracurricular activities
Paris Orientation
- Uppon arrival
- 4 days
- Culture introduction & sightseeing
- Optional
Short Trips
- Organized during the program
- Disneyland, ski camp, city trips…
- Optional
Classic or Flex, choose your option
How does the Classic program work?
The Classic school program allows participants to study in a local high school and have an authentic experience abroad, but they cannot choose the destination within France. Placements can be in any department of the country (from a corner in Brittany, to a village near the border with Spain or Germany; from its coastal regions to the beautiful countryside or the famous mountains). Although a placement in an urban area is possible, many host families live in small or medium-sized towns.
How does the Flex program work?
The Flex program gives the participant the same experience as the Classic program. The student lives with a host family and attends classes at a local high school, but it has a more flexible approach, allowing the participant to choose certain elements, such as a region or a specific activity. WEP’s FLEX programs lets the student choose the experience that best suits them!
Area Choice
Your students want to go to France on a high school program but choosing the region is essential to them? This program is designed for them: WEP guarantees placing them in their favorite region!
Please note that each region has limited availability. The Area Choice may include different regions within the chosen area, it does not guarantee specific cities.
Urban Area
Special Request
Your students would like to make a special request to play a specific sport, do a particular activity, attend a Catholic school, etc.? WEP is happy to guarantee this option!
School grade/subjects guarantee
(optional add-on) Important for students who need recognition and validation of school qualifications.
Accommodations
Participants live with a French family. They share the family’s everyday life, participate in activities and adapt to the family rules as a family member. In France, high school students buy lunch at the school cafeteria, cost related to lunch should be covered by the student’s pocket money.
Terms of Participation
Financial Terms
|
Included :
|
Not included :
|
Additional information
| Duration | 12 week, 4 weeks, 8 week, Academic Year, Calender Year, Deposit, Semester, Term |
|---|---|
| Level | Classic, Flex |
| Country | Belgium, France |
Experience
Student exchange program to France
France is an enchanting mix of artistic, historic, cultural and gastronomic experiences. Every corner tells a fascinating tale, and every meal is a journey through flavours and traditions.
Enjoy a freshly baked croissant from your local boulangerie; step back in time while strolling through the majestic castles of the Loire Valley; wander the streets of Montmartre, where street artists paint the daily coming and going of people; hike through the Pyrenees trails, enjoying the awe-inspiring scenery. Experience the magic that only France can offer.
Your School
The practice of recognising educational milestones attained, instead of giving marks, is more and more common in France. This approach focuses on the importance of learning, rather than performance and being defined by a number.
Cutting-edge infrastructure
French schools are a pillar of the community and for this reason, you will find modern buildings equipped with tablets, computers and specialist rooms/laboratories… everything you need for a quality educational experience.
Practical approach
The concept of learning by doing is at the forefront of French schooling. In France, you’ll be on the front line: experiments, practical workshops, group work, research… especially as far as scientific subjects are concerned.
Different schedule
The school day in France is intense, with activities often stretching until 4:30 pm and an extended lunch break to socialise, relax, or complete any assignments. Long school days mean that homework is minimal. Oh, and Wednesday afternoons are usually free!
The French education system
French education is made up of four different cycles: kindergarten from 3 to 6 years of age, primary school until 11 years of age, secondary school until 18 and then, for those wishing to continue studying, higher education.
Subjects in France
The number of subjects in French schools progresses as students grow, with more courses added each year. Most subjects, including math, French, history and geography are compulsory, but students can personalise their schedule to some extent.
In vocational-type schools, students complete several internships and practical work experiences. In technical and generic lycées, they study lots of different subjects, with a particular focus on humanities and the arts.
French secondary school
Secondary education is divided in two stages: collèges (four years, for students aged 11-14) and lycées, organised as follows:
– Seconde – the first year – 15-16 years old
– Première – the second year – 16-17 years old
– Terminale – the last year – 17-18 years old
French students can choose which type of lycée to attend, depending on their aptitudes and fields of interest:
– Generic
– Technical
– Vocational
Extra-curricular activities
French schools don’t offer many extra-curricular activities. If you wish to play a sport or get involved in a recreational activity, ask your host family or coordinator to help you look for opportunities available locally – clubs, sports centre, youth groups or associations, etc.
School in France is quite demanding; to extend your networks and make friends outside of school, get involved in the community and try new activities and past-times.
The school calendar
The academic year in France starts in early September and ends in late June or early July. Schools close for regular breaks every six to eight weeks, and in particular:
- in late October (Toussaint) for approximately 10 days
- at Christmas/New year for 2 weeks
- in the winter (February/March) 2 two weeks
- in the spring (April/May) for 2 weeks
The summer holidays last about 2 months and during this time, students usually sign up for recreational activities, camps, excursions or holidays, or simply spend time at home with their family.
Host Family
Gain a second family – they can’t wait to welcome you into their lives!
Here is why:
French families are welcoming and have a lot to give; the concept of hosting has deeply rooted in their social fabric over the years. You’ll feel right at home!
There is no French “traditional family”! Leave aside all expectations and be prepared to discover new family set-ups and dynamics, it’s all part of the adventure.
You will slide into the routine of a French family. Their daily life and customs will become yours: everyday life, activities, celebrations, food… little by little, you’ll become trés français!
Free Time
Free time in France
Your leisure time in France will be rich and varied – and it’s up to you what you want to do. Your options are nearly endless. For instance, if you like shopping you will think you are dreaming. The department stores and smaller boutiques are full of the latest fashion. Your wardrobe will become full of unique French garments.
Cozy cafés
Did you know that the word café is French? This is a word that will become pretty standard in your vocabulary, since visiting cafés with friends will be something you will do a lot. Hanging out in cafés is typically French. Order a café au lait and just sit and talk for hours. Can you think of a better way to practice your French?
Tour de France and much more
Near the Alps, there is a lot of fishing, skiing and mountain climbing. As you move towards the South, water sports and beach life rule. The French are fond of all kinds of sports, both individual and in teams. Cycling is one of the national favourites. When the prestigious Tour de France begins the whole country follows the contest from start to finish. Maybe that’s a sport you want to try during your high school exchange?
See more of France
Forget about school and homework for a while and join one of our trips within the country. You will travel with other exchange students and always with experienced leaders. We offer a wide range of trips around France. Travel schedules and prices may vary. Your local contact person will provide you with all the necessary information.
A typical day
Croissant scent
Discovery time
Total immersion
Outside of school
Carpe diem
Welcome Camp
Three unforgettable days in Paris
Kick off your exchange program in France with a 3-night Welcome Camp in Paris! During this optional arrival orientation, exchange students are given useful information and advice on how to make the most of the experience ahead of them.
The Paris Welcome Camp includes sightseeing (think Eiffel Tower, the Louvre or Orsay Museum, Versailles Castle, shopping on the Champs Elysées…) and lots of fun activities with exchange students from all over the world!
<iframe width=”667″ height=”566″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/2pzY_vEVwlQ” title=”WEP – Paris Welcome camp – High School program in France” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” referrerpolicy=”strict-origin-when-cross-origin” allowfullscreen></iframe>
