Are you a high school student with an interest in or passion for the French language or culture? Do you find yourself daydreaming about fresh baguettes in the mornings and strolls under the sparkling Eiffel Tower in the evenings? Then you’re probably already considering summer programs in France for high school students!
Choose French summer programs for high school students in Nice, and this will be your view every day!
High schoolers (especially those who attend public schools) are usually unable to take off semesters to study abroad, meaning any ambition to travel has to be quelled until winter break or the summer months, or even college. It’s a bummer, but take solace in the fact that there are lots of cool French summer programs for high school students to choose from — most of which can be translated to college credits later on.
Why spend your summer in France?
We get it — it’s not easy making the decision to either spend one of your last (if not THE last) summers at home with your friends, or taking the risk and going abroad. But the good news is that you can potentially have the best of both worlds.
Many summer programs in France for high school students, like Abbey Road’s program in Nice, only last a few weeks. That still gives you plenty of time to kick it with friends and make classic summer memories before you go abroad, or even snag a summer job for a couple weeks and save a few extra Euros.
Plus, it’s difficult to overstate the benefits of French study abroad summer programs, or going abroad for a summer in general. France will be similar enough to home that you won’t spend your entire time abroad adjusting to culture shock, but different enough to teach you new and valuable skills, like adaptability and flexibility (and, of course, French!) before heading off to college.
Seems like a no-brainer, right?
6 best French summer programs for high school students
1. Nice, France: French Immersion Summer Program
Journey abroad to Nice with Abbey Road Programs for one of the best French summer programs for high school students. This program lasts between two and four weeks (up to you!) and is available to grades 9-12. Levels include beginning to advanced, so don’t skip this program if all you know about French is au revoir and merci.
This program includes day trips to Antibes, Eze, Cannes, Monaco, and St. Tropez. Participants will enjoy living in a private student residence just a 10 minute walk from the beach (!) and attending engaging classes during the day. Don’t want to miss Paris during your stint in France? You can add on a trip to the City of Light as an optional extension. Check out Abbey Road Programs to learn about even more awesome perks included with this program.
- Where? Nice
- Duration? Up to 4 weeks; July
- Read Abbey Road Programs reviews
2. Pre-College Summer Study in Europe: 10 Cities in 5 Weeks
On this pre-college program with Forum-Nexus Study Abroad, you can earn up to 9 college credits all while traveling some of the most iconic cities in Europe and building lifelong friendships. While you won’t spend as much time in France as the other programs on this list, the sheer number of locations you’ll get to travel to still makes it worth considering.
Don’t have 5 weeks to spare? This program offers condensed four and three-week options as well. It also offers courses for all majors, so don’t worry about earning 9 credits you may not be able to even use. Students will stay in hotels throughout Europe, and there is an option for internship placements as well.
- Where? Paris, France; London, U.K.; Rome, Italy; and more
- Duration? 5 weeks; July-August
- Read Forum-Nexus Study Abroad reviews
3. France: Cultural Discovery
This program with The Experiment in International Living will take you straight to the heart of Paris. Students will have a chance to visit all the classic sites, like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and more. Students do not need to know how to speak French, but living with a host family for 10 days near the French border should whip your skills into shape!
After the homestay period, participants will choose to cross over to either Germany, Italy, or Spain to gain even more cultural competency through language and food. Keep in mind that flights depart from New York, so you’ll need to book yourself a connecting flight first.
- Where? Paris
- Duration? 3 weeks; July
- Read The Experiment in International Living reviews
4. Summer & Gap Year Programs with API High School and Gap Year
Senior high schoolers will love this program with API thanks to the ability to earn up to 5 college credits while living in Paris. Participants must be rising juniors and seniors in high school, and must be 17 by the program start date. In order to be accepted, you must also have at least a 3.0 GPA and one letter of recommendation.
Successful applicants will spend a month learning French at the Institut Catholique de Paris while living with a host family to really drive their new skills home. Another major perk? Classes are in the mornings only, leaving you plenty of time to maximize exploration of your new home.
- Where? Paris
- Duration? 4 weeks; July
- Read Academic Program International reviews
5. Backpack France, Switzerland & Italy
If you have your heart set less on an extended period of time in Paris, and more on the potential for adventure during your summer abroad, then this is the program for you! Participants in this program will travel through France, Switzerland, and Italy over the course of 28 days via metro, train, and bus.
After 14 days in France and Switzerland snowboarding and soaking up the arts, you’ll wrap up your time abroad with 16 days in Italy with 24 other high schoolers (though it is possible to skip the final 16 days if you want!). Applicants should be in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade.
- Where? Paris, Tignes; various cities in Switzerland and Italy
- Duration? 4 weeks; July
- Learn more about Westcoast Connection
6. L'Académie de France, Montpellier, France
Beginners need not apply here. This four-week intensive program through Oxbridge Academic Programs is for those in grades 9-12 who have two years or more of French studies behind them. Students are expected to speak French for the entire duration of their program, and are required to choose both a major and a minor.
It’s not all work and no play though. Students will enjoy field trips to Avignon and the Pont du Gard, visits to the Musée Fabre and Musée du Vieux, and tours of the Montpellier Zoological Park and Castle of Flaugergues. Plus, they’ll have the freedom to explore their home on the Mediterranean coast during their free time!
- Where? Montpellier
- Duration? 4 weeks; July
- Learn more about Oxbridge Academic Programs
Can’t pick? Compare these programs side-by-side for FREE with MyGoAbroad
French study abroad summer programs will give you the best summer ever!
Ready to explore France this summer?
French language summer programs for high school students are short and sweet, but oh so worth it. You’ll come out on the other side unrecognizable, thanks to new friends, new skills, a new perspective on life, and probably a new tan too.
Let GoAbroad.com guide you to the right summer program in France for you! (We can even help you convince your parents.) Soon enough, you’ll be on that flight to Europe with a summer of adventure waiting for you on the other side.
Browse ALL Summer Programs in France for High School Students on GoAbroad.com
This article was written with help from Abbey Road Programs. Founded in 2000, Abbey Road Programs is on a mission to provide high-quality, life-enriching, and educational summer programs for teens.
Look for the Perfect High School Program Abroad Now
Start Your Search