"Abbey Road in St-Laurent was one of the best experiences for me, both personally and in regards to my abilities in French. My vocabulary and ease of speaking increased dramatically ... My fellow students, along with our professors/counselors were all amazing people. The counselors always did their best to schedule fun and interesting activities, and there was never time to be bored. The day trips were also great, from Juan les Pins to Cannes, Nice to Antibes. I still keep in touch with my Abbey Road friends (and counselors), and many people from SLDV have traveled literally across the country to visit each other. In the end, you will really get out of Abbey Road what you put into it, and I believe this is true with any immersion program, French or otherwise. I had a wonderful experience, and my French professor was, needless to say, very, very impressed." Chris, student - Baton Rouge, LA
"My trip last summer was incredible for so many reasons. Abbey Road made it such a multi-dimensional program, so it really covered everything I was looking for. To start, the classes were interesting and engaging because we improved our language skills through discussion of prevalent issues and topics we were interested in. The teachers were dynamic and obviously highly intelligent, and by the end of the trip they were some of our close friends. Our learning experience transcended the classroom, though, on our trips to nearby towns and cities like Nice, Cannes, and Villefranche when we were really able to apply our improved language skills to the real world. Abbey Road provided us with so many opportunities to try things unique to French culture, like playing Petanques and learning to make crepes in a real creperie. I think what was truly special about Abbey Road's program was that it ensured we got to experience REAL France, off the beaten path to ensure that everything we were exposed to was authentic. Any travel program can show you France through a tourists eye … Abbey Road helped me see France the way a native would." Hannah, student - Briarcliff Manor, NY
French Cinema, French Lit, French Conversation, French Culture and Society
Housing:
Homestay Placement
Level:
Grades 9 - 12* *Minimum 3 years of French
St-Laurent is the perfect backdrop for students looking for an authentic French experience while enjoying the French Riviera. Along with its great beaches and cafés, St-Laurent offers a wonderful introduction to the French lifestyle! This summer study abroad program on the coast of France is designed for advanced high school students looking for an authentic French language and cultural immersion experience. Students must be comfortable speaking French at all times.
Because of St-Laurent's proximity to Nice, students will have several opportunities each week to visit this vibrant city and take advantage of everything the popular Riviera capital has to offer: the lively Promenade, world-class museums, an attractive shopping district and the exciting Old Town. St-Laurent is an ideal program for those students who are interested in advanced French language study and a rewarding summer homestay experience.
About St-Laurent-du-Var
Situated along the French Riviera just west of Nice, St. Laurent is off the beaten path of mass tourism. A city of character, St. Laurent du Var offers the advantages of a modern city and the charm of an ancient village. St. Laurent is the perfect backdrop for students looking for a more relaxed and authentic French experience while still being on the French Riviera. Along with its great beaches and cafes, St. Laurent offers a wonderful introduction to the French lifestyle!
No trip to France is complete without seeing Paris! At their program's end, French program participants have the option of spending 4 nights in this celebrated European capital famous for art, music, fashion and cuisine. Students who choose to participate in the optional travel extension will explore every corner of the city. The itinerary balances guided museum and historical site visits with time for exploring Paris's famous neighborhoods and shopping centers. Site visits include the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Centre Pompidou, Notre Dame Cathedral and Eiffel Tower. Students will also have time to tour the River Seine and enjoy the famous café scene.
Academics
No All students are enrolled in the daily French Language course. In addition to their French Major, students select one of the following course options to serve as their tri-weekly elective:
French Cinema
Survey of French Literature
French Conversation
French Culture and Society
The St-Laurent-du-Var program will also offer activities and workshops based on student interest. In the past, our students have played the traditional French game of pétanque, participated in cooking workshops and worked with local theater groups to put on their own performance!
Housing: Homestay
The language courses are complemented by daily interaction with the French hosts. Students spend three to four evenings per week with their hosts in order to get the most out of their homestay experience. In addition they will have most of their meals at home, and will attend some homestay events and activities.
Most hosts live within a 20-25 minute walk from downtown St-Laurent, in quiet residential neighborhoods. Two to four students are placed within each home. We believe that a rewarding homestay experience is the foundation for a successful French immersion program. Therefore, we make every effort to match our students with the right host, considering their preferences and needs, and to help them adjust as quickly and comfortably as possible. Our hosts are carefully screened and regularly visited. It is important to remember that the success of the homestay component depends upon the student's desire to keep an open mind and adapt to a different way of life.
Daily Schedule
During the week, you will start your day with the French language course. After their morning French classes, students have a midday recess to enjoy lunch and the town of St-Laurent. During the afternoons, you will attend either your elective course or have the option of participating in a variety of group activities. Evenings not spent with your homestays provide additional options for cultural, athletic and social activities, as well as group meals and free time.
We strive to maintain a perfect balance between structured activities and free time. Consequently, in addition to planned activities with the Abbey Road group, students will have plenty of free time to pursue personal interests, make friends and explore the town. While we give our students this privilege, we expect them to adhere to the program rules and safety guidelines, especially the policies on alcohol and curfew, and to uphold our standards of responsibility and maturity.
Day Trips
Students will visit some of the most exciting sites of the French Riviera: Nice, Monaco, Cannes, and Antibes. In Cannes, students will see the Palais des Festivals, host site for the world famous Cannes Film Festival; shop in the chic district of Rue d'Antibes; and enjoy the café culture of Le Suquet. The principality of Monaco covers just one square mile but is rich in history, tradition, culture and sport. Students explore this sophisticated monarchy, including the Palace of the Prince, Grand Casino, and Oceanographic Museum. As the largest city on the French Riviera and capital of the Côte d'Azur Nice offers an impressive Italian-style Old Town the beautiful Promenade des Anglais, numerous beach clubs, parasailing and Musée Matisse. From the Palace of the Prince in Monaco to the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, each city offers up impressive sites to see along with plenty of beach time and shopping!
Nice:
Monaco:
Antibes:
Cannes:
What's Included
Our program fee includes:
Tuition
Course materials
French Language major course
1 elective course
Lodging
3 meals a day
Pre-planned day trips and activities
Student orientation and packet
What's Not Included
Our program fee does not include:
Airfare
Optional Travel Extension
Student Insurance
The fee for the St. Laurent program can be found here:
Now is the time to apply! There is currently availability on this program. Due to strong interest, however, we encourage serious students to apply soon.
If you would like to receive a brochure by mail, please complete the short online Preliminary Inquiry, and we will send one immediately.
If you are ready to apply now, click on the Online Application to get started.
For general questions about the application process, please visit our Application & Fees page.
If you have any special questions about the program or need assistance with the application process, please call us toll-free at (888) 462-2239. From outside the U.S call +1-310-473-7300 or email us at info@goabbeyroad.com.
