Description

Students are broken up by skill level and take French grammar, conversation, and culture courses M-F for 4 hours a day in the mornings. The SPI Experiential Immersion Method focuses on practical acquisition of the language by putting students in real world settings where they use their language skills. Classes are held with other participants at an accredited language institute in Biarritz easy and are taught by teachers who hold advanced degrees in teaching French. The primary focus is on practical acquisition of the language. Students receive 40 contact hours (2 week session) or 75 hours (month-long session) on their transcript that they may use to petition up to 2 hours of college elective credit View College Credit Info. In the afternoons students will participate in optional elective activities 2-3 times per week such as visits to local art museums, tour of a local chocolate factory, surfing, rafting, exchanges with local students, and many others!

Since 1996, SPI has provided life changing homestay immersion opportunities exclusively for high school students across the globe. We believe traveling abroad develops independence and maturity by expanding students' knowledge of the world and increasing their understanding of other cultures.

All SPI immersion programs are unique and personalized global experiences designed to build leadership qualities to help students succeed in both college and in their future career goals. Our programs are guided by experienced bilingual educators with small group sizes.

The 5 Essential Elements of SPI Programs:
* Students, teachers, and the director use their language of study throughout the program.
* Students study at an accredited university or academically demanding language institute to receive college credit based on their transcript and/or the petition process.
* Students live with a family in a city where they are required to use their developing language skills as they safely explore the community and establish friendships with local residents.
* Students participate in high quality excursions to culturally important sights with teacher-guides that understand their level of listening comprehension, their U.S.-based curriculum and their interests.
* The on-site program director and teacher travelers, are mature and experienced teachers that serve as a mentor, caregiver, motivator and model immersion student, conducts the entire program in the language of study.

Highlights

Gracefully situated on the Bay of Biscay, Biarritz is a luxurious seaside town full of amenities such as magnificent beaches, superb sporting facilities, and a natural charm unlike any place else. First discovered as a whaling port, the town grew into the seaside resort that it is today thanks to Empress Eugenie (wife of Napoleon III) in the mid 19th century. She fell in love with this part of the Pays Basque and established it as a getaway not only for herself but for other European royals as well. Her palace, built on the beach, is today the Hotel du Palais, permanently restored and refined in every way.

While Biarritz "glistens with money" it is also the historic surfing capital of Europe. Equipped with huge beaches and powerful waves, it is home to the Biarritz Surf Festival every July and brings together some of the greatest surfers in the world for a week of long board contests, music, and festivals. Only 15 minutes from the Spanish border, Biarritz is truly a melting pot of many cultures. In addition to having some of Europe's best beaches, the city boasts a harmonious blend of the French art of living, the strikingly different Basque culture, and a unique splash of Spanish influence.

BENEFITS OF SPI STUDY ABROAD:
* Students will receive 40-80 contact hours on an official transcript that they may petition up to 2-6 hours of college credit.
* Build your resume for college and your career beyond. Students with study abroad experience stand out in college admissions.
* Gain an appreciation for the arts, architecture, history, and meet friends from around the world!
* Get a head start on college and more importantly life with SPI this summer! Don't graduate without studying abroad!

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Cultural Exploration
• High School Study Abroad
• Language Immersion
• Student Tours

Languages

• French

Languages Used as a Medium of Teaching

• English
• French

Cost in US$:

Please visit website for prices.

Program Fees Include:

- On-site bilingual Directors who guide students during their immersion experience abroad
- Orientation information and pre-departure assistance
- Tuition and books at university or accredited language school
- Room and meals at homestay family accommodations
- Group ground transportation
- Host city orientation briefing
- Overnight excursions to important cities includes transportation, hotel and breakfast
- Cultural Day excursions to important and historical sites
- Entrance fees on all organized group excursions
- Tutoring Assistance
- SPI Immersion Travel Guide personalized for your program; includes useful homestay city information, detailed maps, excursion guides, etc.
- Custom Language Learning Aids produced by SPI
- Medical Insurance for the duration of program
- Transcript Services
- College and academic advising for all participants

This Program is open to

American, Australian, Canadian and European Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

SPI Study Programs International's Mission Statement

SPI educates students in foreign language, culture, and travel. We believe that travelers who study abroad develop fluency in another language and attain new perspectives on other cultures. These skills increase their future opportunities for professional and personal success in today's growing international community.

Year Founded

1996