School immersion programme in France – ages 13–18 – 2 weeks to one academic year
Our school programme at a collège or lycée in France is aimed at all motivated students aged 13 to 18 who wish to enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience.
You’ll attend a French secondary school whilst living with your host family. This programme offers genuine linguistic and cultural immersion at the heart of French life.
Highlights of the destination
- A rich historical and cultural heritage
- The chance to discover a renowned education system
- Great geographical diversity
- The option to choose your region
- 3 ‘fun’ excursions on offer locally
- An optional French language course organised before the start of the stay
- Warm and committed host families
Why France?
France is the largest country in Europe and boasts a diverse range of landscapes and an exceptional culture. Each region has its own unique charm, cuisine and cultural highlights. From Paris to the Alps via Lyon, from Normandy to Brittany, from Bordeaux to the Pyrenees, or wherever you find yourself in the heart of the Massif Central, you’ll meet people who are proud of their culture and always keen to help you discover the beauty and unique features of their region.
Placements can take place anywhere in France, usually in small towns, where families have more time and space to welcome young people from abroad.
If you’d prefer to choose your region, an urban setting, a school, a specific class or a particular sport, this is entirely possible as part of our Premium programme.
Classic High School Programme
Placements can take place anywhere in France, usually in small towns or more rural areas, where families have more time and space to host young international students.
Please do let us know your preferences, if you have any; we’ll pass them on to our partner and do our best to accommodate them, though we cannot guarantee they’ll be met.
Premium High School Programme
This Premium programme offers students the opportunity to select 1 or 2 choices from the following list, in order of priority (to be specified at the time of enrolment). Your first and/or second choice will be guaranteed.
- Region of choice
- Placement in an urban area (city and its outskirts)
- Accommodation suitable for students following a specific diet or with allergies
- Specific extracurricular activity (sport, music, theatre, etc.)
- Placement in a private school (additional fees)
Regions to choose from
- Hauts-de-France: Lille, Amiens, Cambrai, Roubaix
- Burgundy – Franche-Comté: Besançon, Lons-le-Saunier, Mâcon, Chalon-sur-Saône
- Centre-Val de Loire: Chartres, Tours, Bourges
- Occitanie: Toulouse, Castres, Montpellier, Nîmes
- Nouvelle-Aquitaine: Bordeaux, Arcachon Bay, Bayonne, La Rochelle
- Brittany, Pays de la Loire, Normandy: Rennes, Saint-Malo, Vannes, Nantes, Rouen, Caen, Angers
- Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: Lyon, Valence, Montélimar, Clermont-Ferrand
- Grand Est: Nancy, Metz, Strasbourg, Reims, Troyes
- Provence: Nîmes, Avignon, Montpellier, Sète, Marseille
- Paris: Paris and its suburbs
Note: in the event of a specific request for a particular private school, tuition fees are charged in addition.
Optional ‘fun trips’
Three excursions are offered to international students during the year. These trips are supervised by Group Leaders.
October – Paris and Disneyland: a 4-day, 3-night trip with full board, accommodation in a student residence. Visits to the French capital’s main attractions (the Eiffel Tower, a river cruise on the Seine, the Louvre Museum, Montmartre and the Latin Quarter, Notre-Dame de Paris, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées, and shopping at Galeries Lafayette) and admission to Disneyland Resort Paris.
February – Skiing in the Alps: a one-week (6-night) stay on a full-board basis in a holiday residence in Châtel (Haute-Savoie). Ski equipment is provided on site and students are supervised by instructors. The trip is open to beginner skiers. Recreational activities, tasting of local specialities and snowball fights are also on the programme!
June – French Riviera: a one-week trip (6 nights) at the end of the school year. Explore Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Monaco…
Transport, organised activities and full-board accommodation (except for the Côte d’Azur, where half-board is provided) are included in the programme.
Note: these trips are subject to a sufficient number of participants. Students will receive all the practical information (including prices) in good time.
Schools may be state or private. Placement depends on the place of residence of your host family and the schools attended by the family’s children.
The choice of class is determined by the headteacher based on your academic record, your level of French and the places available at the time of placement.
Pupils start secondary school at the age of 11. From the ages of 11 to 14, they attend a ‘collège’ (years 6 to 3), then from 15 to 18 they attend a ‘lycée’ (years 2 to 6).
At the end of 1ère and terminale, pupils sit the various papers of the baccalaureate examination, which is required to progress to higher education.
Lessons generally take place from Monday to Friday from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm or 6.00 pm. The school workload is demanding and comprises an average of 32 hours of lessons per week, plus time set aside for independent study. In most subjects, teachers set homework to be completed at home, which is marked.
All lessons are compulsory.
Subjects
- In Year 3 (ages 14–15) and Year 2 (ages 15–16), the subjects generally taught are: French literature, foreign languages, history, geography, maths, economics and science
- In Year 1 (ages 16–17), in addition to the compulsory subjects, pupils choose three specialised subjects from the following:
- Arts
- Biology and Ecology
- History-Geography, Geopolitics and Political Science
- Humanities, literature and philosophy
- Foreign Languages, Literatures and Cultures
- Literature, Languages and Cultures of Antiquity
- Mathematics
- Digital Technology and Computer Science
- Physics and Chemistry
- Life and Earth Sciences
- Engineering
- Economics and Social Sciences
- In the final year of secondary school (ages 17–18), pupils continue with only two of their specialised subjects
In France, schools offer very few extracurricular activities. Taking part in an activity or a sport therefore takes place outside the school setting.
Host families are volunteers (standard programme – except for the 10-month programmes) or receive a small financial allowance (Premium programme), but whichever programme is chosen, they are keen to welcome young people from abroad to share their culture and way of life with them. After being selected on the basis of a home visit and references, the family plays an active role in choosing the young person they will host.
Families usually live in small towns or rural areas. But wherever you are placed, this stay will be an opportunity for you to enjoy a genuine French experience within a warm and welcoming family.
You will be accommodated in a single or shared room, depending on the family. In the latter case, you may share your room with a child from the family or with a student of another nationality who is no more than two years older or younger than you.
Meals are included as full board: during term time, lunch is taken in the school canteen.
There is no typical family profile.Each family is unique and reflects the society and way of life of the countryyou have chosen. The family hosting you may or may not have children; they may be a blended family or a single-parent family, a single person whose children no longer live at home, retired people or younger people. It is not the family’s composition that matters, but their willingness and enthusiasm to share their culture.
During your stay in France, you’ll receivehelp and support from a local coordinator. This person will organise your stay, select your host family and arrange your enrolment at school.
They’ll be on hand to answer any questions you may have and sort out any minor issues that might arise. They’re also there to step in if there are any problems with your host family, or simply to make sure everything is going smoothly. They’ll be your main point of contact throughout your stay.
Our local partner organises an orientation session in the student’s host region in September and January. This session may be individual or in a group. It will be an opportunity for you to meet your local coordinator and any other international students.
The course takes place in Saint-Malo in August and in Paris in January.
This course is compulsory for students whose level of French is too low to take part in the programme. It is optional for others.
This course is aimed at students wishing to improve their level of French before starting their academic programme in France. It offers complete linguistic and cultural immersion.
It comprises:
15 hours per week of French lessons, including an introduction to the French way of life, vocabulary, literature and civilisation, plus two cultural activities per week, such as visits to Mont Saint-Michel and Rennes, and exciting activities like a baking workshop or making crêpes!
The programme is available as a 2- or 3-week course, with accommodation with a host family for total immersion (full board included). This course is the ideal opportunity to prepare for school life in France whilst enjoying an exceptional setting.
On the final day, our local partner organises the transfer of students to their host communities. The cost of the transfer and transport is included.
- Be aged between 13 and 18, not having reached your 19th birthday before departure*
- Have a level of French sufficient to communicate and engage in conversation: at least two years’ study of the language. Otherwise, the language course is compulsory.
- Have achieved good academic results over the last two years (an average grade of at least a B, with no more than one failed subject per year)
- Demonstrate motivation, maturity, adaptability and an open mind, which are the true keys to a successful stay.
- Be in good physical and mental health
*Students turning 19 during the programme will be considered, but placement is not guaranteed. Students who have already graduated may take part in the programme regardless of their age.
Do you meet the eligibility criteria?
- Complete the pre-registration form as soon as possible.
- Once we’ve received it, we’ll send you a provisional confirmation, detailing the total cost of the stay, a request for a payment of €100 (to cover the language test and the interview), and the full registration pack. We will also ask you to send us a copy of your school reports from the last two years.
- We will then invite you to come and sit the language test and attend the interview at our offices in Brussels or Paris. The fees for this interview are payable upon receipt of the provisional confirmation and are non-refundable, but will be deducted from the balance due for the stay should you enrol definitively and be accepted onto the programme. The first part of the application pack you receive must be completed and brought with you to the interview.
- We will confirm the result no later than 8 days after your interview.
- If the interview is successful, we will ask you to pay a deposit of 25 per cent of the total cost of your stay (with a minimum of €1,800) and to complete all the remaining parts of your application, which includes, in particular, letters of recommendation from your teachers and other information required for the assessment of your application on site. As soon as the application is complete and we have received payment of the deposit, we will forward it to our partner.
- Final acceptance onto the programme is granted by our partner.
- Once your application has been accepted, our partner will begin the process of finding and selecting a host family and a school.
The complete application must be submitted to us before the following dates
Stays starting in September:
- 15 April (if no visa is required)
- 1 April (if a visa is required)
Stays starting in January
- 1 October (if no visa is required)
- 15 September (if a visa is required)
Beyond these dates, applications may still be accepted on request and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. A ‘late registration’ surcharge will apply (€250).
Travel & transfers
Our local partner organises a transfer from Paris airport or railway station to the host family. This service is included on arrival, provided the student arrives in Paris before midday on the official programme dates. Afternoon arrivals cannot be accommodated.
Our partner handles all the arrangements: meeting the student, booking and purchasing the ticket for the transfer to the provinces, accompanying the student, as well as providing a dedicated emergency helpline for the day of the transfer.
The return transfer (on the final day of the programme) is optional, but must be requested in advance at the time of enrolment. It will be charged as an additional fee if a return journey is required. The transfer includes the train or plane ticket to Paris, an escort, and a dedicated emergency helpline for the day of the transfer.
In the event of a change of host family, transport and escort costs are the student’s responsibility. Our partner will organise the transfer and, if necessary, arrange for an escort to be present.
Visa
Citizens of the European Union do not require a visa to enter France. Citizens of other countries (such as the United States, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, etc.) may stay in France for a period of three months without a visa.
If the programme lasts longer than 90 days (3 months), you must enter France with a long-stay visa covering the entire duration of your stay. However, you may be issued with a provisional visa and, during your first three months’ stay, need to apply for a visa extension at your nearest prefecture. Discuss this with your local contact as soon as you arrive.
If you turn 18 during your stay, you will need to apply for a residence permit at the nearest prefecture. You will be asked to provide various documents, including an official translation of your birth certificate. If you have not brought it with you, ask your parents for it as soon as you arrive in France, so that you receive it in good time.
All costs incurred in connection with these procedures are the responsibility of the student.
Medical, accident, repatriation and third-party liability insurance is compulsory for this type of stay. You will be asked to provide proof of cover when you submit your application.
Langues Vivantes offers comprehensive insurance tailored to young people’s stays abroad; see ‘Insurance and Cover’
Dates 2026–2027
Arrivals in September 2026:
- Academic year: 28/08/26 – 11/06/27
- Semester: 28/08/26 – 26/02/27
- 4 months: 28/08/26 – 18/12/26
- 3 months: 28/08/26 – 27/11/26
Arrivals in January 2027:
- Semester: 4/01/2027 – 11/06/2027
- 4 months: 4/01/27 – 30/04/27
- 3 months: 4/01/27 – 26/03/27
Optional French language course:
Saint-Malo 2026:
3 weeks: 9/08– 28/08
2 weeks: 16/08– 28/08
Paris 2027:
2 weeks: 3/01 – 16/01
Prices for 2026–2027
| Classic program, course, homestay, full board | |
|---|---|
| 1 month | € 2.395 |
| 2 months | € 3.650 |
| 3 months | € 4.550 |
| 4 months | € 4.795 |
| 6 months | € 5.950 |
| 10 months | € 9.095 |
| Premium program, course, homestay, full board (Except Paris) | |
| 3 months | € 5.750 |
| 4 months | € 6.550 |
| 6 months | € 8.595 |
| 10 months | € 12.595 |
| Premium program, course, homestay, full board (Paris) | |
| 3 months | € 6.050 |
| 4 months | € 6.950 |
| 6 months | € 9.180 |
| 10 months | € 13.595 |
| Premium program - sport - course, homestay, full board | |
| 6 months | € 8.850 |
| 10 months | € 12.895 |
| Supplements | |
| Return transfer (optional) | € 250 |
| St Malo French course (2 weeks in august) | € 1.545 |
| St Malo French course (3 weeks in august) | € 1.845 |
| Paris French course (2 weeks in january) | € 1.845 |
The fees listed above include:
- French language placement test and pre-application interview
- Enrolment formalities for secondary school or lower secondary school
- Selection of a host family
- Accommodation with a host family, full board (lunch taken in the school canteen during the week, up to €7 per day included)
- Assistance, support and monitoring from the local representative and our partner on site throughout the stay
- An orientation session in the host region at the start of the stay (for stays beginning in September and January only)
- Transfer on arrival (from the designated airport or railway station) to the final destination
- Support from Langues Vivantes for parents
- Academic results (termly) and certificate of attendance
The following are not included:
- Return travel to the designated airport/railway station
- Return transfer
- Books and school supplies (allow €250 to €300)
- Private school fees (premium programme only, if the participant requests a specific school)
- Local transport (up to €200 per year)
- Meals in the canteen (if the cost exceeds €7 per day, the student must pay the difference)
- Pocket money and personal expenses, including telephone and internet charges, hire of a computer or tablet at school if necessary, etc. (allow €250–300 per month)
- Any visa fees (only for non-EU nationals)
- Compulsory medical and third-party liability insurance
- Late registration fees (€250), where applicable
Dates for 2027–2028
Arrivals in September 2027:
- Academic year: 27/08/27 – 14/06/28
- Semester: 27/08/27 – 25/02/28
- 4 months: 27/08/27 – 17/12/27
- 3 months: 27/08/27 – 26/11/27
Arrivals in January 2028:
- Semester: 3/01/28 – 14/06/28
- 4 months: 3/01/28 – 28/04/28
- 3 months: 3/01/28 – 31/03/28
Optional French language course:
Saint-Malo 2027:
3 weeks: to be confirmed
2 weeks: to be confirmed
Paris 2028:
2 weeks: to be confirmed
Prices for 2026–2027
| Classic program, course, homestay, full board | |
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | € 1.695 |
| 4 weeks | € 2.620 |
| 6 weeks | € 3.070 |
| 2 months | € 3.850 |
| 3 months | € 4.750 |
| 4 months | € 4.960 |
| 6 months | € 6.730 |
| 10 months | € 9.430 |
| Premium program, course, homestay, full board (Except Paris) | |
| 3 months | € 5.950 |
| 4 months | € 6.710 |
| 6 months | € 8.780 |
| 10 months | € 12.930 |
| Premium program, course, homestay, full board (Paris) | |
| 3 months | € 6.250 |
| 4 months | € 7.110 |
| 6 months | € 9.380 |
| 10 months | € 13.930 |
| Supplements | |
| Return transfer (optional) | € 260 |
| St Malo French course (2 weeks in august) | € 1.595 |
| St Malo French course (3 weeks in august) | € 1.895 |
| Paris French course (2 weeks in january) | € 1.895 |
| Late application fee | € 250 |
The fees listed above include:
- French language test and pre-application interview
- Enrolment procedures for secondary schools (Collège or Lycée)
- Selection of the host family
- Accommodation with a host family, full board (if lunch is taken in the school canteen during the week, up to €7 per day is included)
- In private schools: lunches taken in the canteen
- Assistance, support and monitoring from the local representative and our partner on site throughout the stay
- An orientation session in the host region at the start of the stay (for stays beginning in September and January only)
- Transfer on arrival from Paris to the final destination (arrival must be scheduled before 12 noon)
- Support from Langues Vivantes for parents
- Academic results (termly) and certificate of attendance
The following are not included:
- Return travel to the designated airport/railway station
- Return transfer (students must confirm whether they require a return transfer at the time of enrolment)
- Textbooks and school supplies (allow for €250 to €300)
- Tuition fees for private schools (premium programme only, in the event that the participant requests a specific school)
- Local transport (up to €200 per year)
- Meals in the canteen (if the cost exceeds €7 per day, the student must pay the difference)
- Pocket money and personal expenses, including telephone and internet charges, hire of a computer or tablet at school if necessary, etc. (allow €250–300 per month)
- Any visa fees (only for non-EU nationals)
- Optional French language courses in Saint-Malo and Paris
- Compulsory medical and third-party liability insurance
- Late registration fees (€250), where applicable
- Transport costs in the event of a change of host family
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