Enhance your study of the French language with a summer immersion in Tours, France
(just one hour from Paris). Take courses at the Institut de Touraine and stay with
a French family. Earn credit in Intensive French from Simon's Rock while experiencing
French culture en direct in the heart of France.
Program Details
Simon’s Rock students attend the program with Bard-Annandale students and receive
four academic credits in Intensive French language upon successful completion of the
program. Students take a placement test on their arrival in Tours to determine the
level of their course. All levels of language (beginning to advanced) are available.
Students may also enroll in literature, history, or culture classes, and often have
afternoons free to spend time perfecting their French and experiencing French culture
on their own. There are visits to châteaux, cultural destinations, and local restaurants
with Bard and Simon's Rock faculty during the month. Students are free to travel on
their own on weekends or after the program ends.
Stay with a French Family
All students live with families during their month in France. Breakfast and dinner
are provided each day. In addition, Bard and Simon’s Rock faculty are in residence
in Tours for the duration of the program. Families in Tours are chosen by the Institut
and are very familiar with hosting foreign students. The housing director will find
a family who will meet your dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, allergies, etc.)
and who will make you feel at home, whatever your needs are.
Bard College Affiliation
Bard College founded the French summer program at the Institut de Touraine in Tours, France more than 20 years ago. Simon’s Rock students have participated
since 2003. We have an established relationship with the Institute’s directors and
instructors, as well as with host families in the area.
Required for Participation
- Valid passport
- Signed liability waivers
- Health insurance and medical statement
- Enrollment in a French course at Simon’s Rock
- Good academic and social standing at Simon's Rock
Program Cost
The estimated total cost of the trip is $3100, not including airfare of approximately
$900-$1000. The final cost in a given year depends on the number of participants and
the exchange rate. The fee includes tuition at the Institut de Touraine, room and board (breakfasts and dinners) with families, bus transportation from the
airport in Paris to Tours, and cultural excursions during the month. Students are
responsible for airfare, lunches, spending money, and leisure travel.
FAQs
The first step is to fill out the contact information requested on the
Application Form. Once there are a sufficient number of participants and you meet the requirements
for participation, the trip supervisor will help you with other forms and information.
Students must be in good academic and social standing at Simon's Rock, must have taken
(or be currently enrolled in) at least one French course at Simon's Rock, and must
have or obtain a valid passport. To complete the program, students must receive a
passing grade in their course at Tours and complete a journal in French, one entry
per day, to be submitted to the trip faculty at the end of the month.
Students receive four credits in Intensive French from Simon's Rock at the end of
the program.
The program in Tours can fulfill one semester of the language requirement. Students
may complete the requirement with the course in Tours if they have already completed
a course in French at Simon's Rock before enrolling in the summer program.
If you plan to fulfill the language requirement with this course and you are graduating
in May, you will delay receipt of the AA until the following fall. Credit for the
course is awarded after the trip faculty verifies your grades from the Institut and
receives your completed journal. Your transcript will reflect these credits as of
Fall semester following the program, but you will not receive your diploma until the
following May. You may still be able to walk at graduation;
contact the Registrar for more information.