Dorm Program & Host Family Immersion in stunning Provence
Vive la France—our Aix trip is always popular!
Our four-week Aix-en-Provence teen trip includes two weeks of language classes & dorm living in Aix. It includes the famous ECI True Immersion Week with a host family in the seaside town of Hyères. It concludes with a magical three days exploring wonderful Paris.
- Program Location: Aix-en-Provence & Hyères
- Student Age: 14—18 years
- Language Prerequisite: Two years of high school French
- Housing: Language school dorm & Immersion Week
- 2012 Program Dates: June 28—July 25
- Program Price: $6995 (not including airfare)—Chaperoned group airfare available
- For complete pricing details, see our France Program Fees
Study abroad in Provence to improve your French!
Aix-en-Provence is the perfect city for an ECI summer high school study abroad program. The Provence region is a fantastic location, close to many of France’s most famous must-see sights including Arles and Avignon. The South of France is of course also known for its gorgeous weather and sublime scenery.
- Begin your travel in a beautiful Mediterranean seaside town outside of Marseilles
- Spend two weeks in Aix-en-Provence living in our centrally-located student dorm
- Take morning Language Classes at the Institute for American Universities (IAU) with the opportunity to earn three units of university credit—a great way to build your future college application
- Enjoy fun afternoon & evening activities, including swimming, cooking workshops, kayaking, painting, bike-riding, wine & cheese tasting, plus local arts and culture
- Experience fantastic excursions to Arles, Porquerolles, Avignon, and more!
- Meet local French young people during our popular Language Partner sessions
- Experience our unique True Immersion Week in the South of France, living like a typical French teen with a welcoming host family
- Travel to incredible Paris for a three-night adventure! (Students who have already been to Paris will have the opportunity to follow an alternate itinerary while visiting)
What makes an ECI study abroad trip unique?
Our True Immersion Week—total French immersion with a volunteer family.
- It is a wonderful language-learning opportunity to speak only in French with your family
- After honing your French skills during classes at IAU, spend one week in Hyères with a carefully chosen volunteer French host family
- During True Immersion Week you will be the only US student in the family and will spend your time immersing yourself in French family life, while speaking only French
- No group activities take place during this week, giving you the chance to really improve your French
- Our True Immersion Week really is a unique feature of our trips, and one that no other high school study abroad program offers!
- Learn more about True Immersion Week and see how it could change your life!
Learn 5 questions to ask before choosing to spend summer abroad for high school students.
“I felt 100% welcomed and involved in the daily life. Not only was I given full attention, but I was considered part of the family everywhere we went.”
Astrid M, Aix 2010
What is it like to live in a French dorm?
It is a great opportunity to really bond with your group. The central location of the dorm makes it very convenient. You get to experience French life as a French student.
Read more about Housing Options ››
How are the French classes organized?
Classes are Monday through Friday mornings for 3 hours. You will be in a small group, appropriate for your level, and the emphasis is on spoken French, with lots of opportunity for grammar review and consolidation. The goal is to prepare you for your True Immersion Week, speaking nothing but French. Read more about French Language Classes ››
Will I be able to earn university credit?
Yes—up to three units, accredited through Truman State University, for an additional fee. Read more about University Credit
What exactly is ‘ECI True Immersion’?
We are the only organization offering this component—a fantastic way to accelerate your French language learning. After two weeks in Aix you will spend one week with a volunteer family in a small town, speaking only French. No classes, no group activities—just a total immersion in French family life. This is not available through any other organization in this form. Read more about True Immersion Week ››
We have a full list of your Frequently Asked Questions that you can check out. Our team is happy to answer any question you may have—call us at 866.343.8990 or you can chat with us live—simply click the chat box bottom-right of this page!
Two weeks of cultural activities & exciting excursions!
Aix-en-Provence is ideally located for a French high school study abroad program. Aix provides a wonderful opportunity for you to experience the best of the Provence region and some of the highlights of France:
- Enjoy the magic of Cathédrale d’Images at Baux de Provence
- Try bike-riding on the magnificent island of Porquerolle
- See the famous Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard
- Soak up the setting for some of Van Gogh’s most famous paintings in Arles
- A great mix of activities, including cooking, fencing, soccer, zip-lining, and cheese & wine-tasting!
Check out some of our Activities & Excursions for our France 2012 Summer Programs in more detail!
Language Partners—a very popular part of our trips
In Aix you will get at least two opportunities to spend time with a local Language Partner:
- Language Partners are typically university students, chosen by our Local Leader
- Their role is to help you to improve your French, through talking and exploring French life and culture while having fun
- You will be in a group of two or three and spend a few hours visiting a local sight or café together
- You will have the chance to ask questions about what it is like to be a young person living in France, and your Language Partner will also be eager to talk with you about your life as a US teenager
Many of our students report back to us that this was one of their favorite activities!
“My language partners and our chaperones helped me a lot to understand French culture first-hand. I love the friendships I made and the experiences we all shared.”
Sarah K, Aix 2008
“Both times I’ve traveled with ECI, I’ve had unforgettable times. It’s an amazing program.”
Sophia K, Aix 2010
“I liked all the excursions we went on. I loved going to see all the old cities, including Avignon and Arles. I also really enjoyed the beach.”
Veronica C, Aix 2010
“I was VERY impressed with how we were given detailed itineraries, with all the names, phone numbers of chaperons, hotels, details of times and places students would be, etc. Quite comforting for parents when they send their children to these programs.”
Caroline M, Parent, Aix 2010
“I liked my French teacher Margot. She made the classes very fun. I liked listening to French music she brought to class. I honestly can say this changed my life and I had an amazing time. I made friends I want to keep forever.”
Artemisia V, Aix 2009
- Ready to reserve your place? Then simply Apply Online via our secure form – a small deposit secures your place.
- For more details on our offerings, download the France 2012 Program Guide.
- Have a question or need additional information? Our team is happy to answer any question you may have—call us at 866.343.8990 or you can chat with us live
- Stay connected with us online through our Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Follow ECI on Twitter or Follow ECI on Facebook - See more videos and photos from our trips on Youtube or on Flickr
See where you will visit on the Aix-en-Provence program
Follow along with the Aix program to see where ECI will travel this summer! See the dates you’ll be visiting each location and read about trip highlights by clicking on the program town markers.
Follow ECI