Summer in Normandy - French Language, History, & Culture (in French) - ISEP Direct
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• Discover the rich cultural and historic heritage of Normandy during this 2-week or 4-week program
• Take French language, history, and culture courses with included field trips and earn the equivalent of 3-6 U.S. credits
• Live with a host family and gain insight into French family life while improving your French speaking and listening skills
LIFE ABROAD
Excursions & Cultural Experiences
Alongside academics, students participate in excursions including discovery of the main Norman sites and attractions: Mont-Saint-Michel, D-Day landing sites, Honfleur, and Etretat, discovery of the city of Caen, and end-of session celebratory dinner.
Housing & Meals
Students can choose to live with homestay families in the community. As part of the homestay program students recieve 14 meals per week (breakfast and dinner daily). Residence halls on campus are an alternative option available to students. Students residing in the residence hall will have access to a shared kitchen and may want to budget about $200-$400 for meals. Students will also have access to grocery stores, cooking facilities, and a multitude of dining options with affordable meal choices.
Explore Caen
Located in the Normandy region not far from the D-Day beaches and the English Channel, Caen is a growing city famed for its two Roman abbeys and its 11th-century castle which houses a museum. Paris is about two hours away by train. The campus of Université de Caen is walking distance from the old city, where students can enjoy quaint streets with shops and cafes. Students actually walk through a moat and castle from the old city to reach the main university campus!
SCHOLARSHIP
This program qualifies for the ISEP French and German Language Annette Kade Fund Scholarship. The scholarship awards $500 - $1,500 USD to students who are from a U.S. institution and studying French or German language in Austria, France, Germany, Reunion Island, or Switzerland. Learn more here.
See ISEP Direct budget and estimated expenses (Session 1)
See ISEP Direct budget and estimated expenses (Session 2)
See ISEP Direct budget and estimated expenses (Sessions 1 + 2)
Course Description
SESSION I - two weeks
Students spend 2 weeks earning a total of 45 hours of instruction learning French as a foreign languge (approximately 3 U.S. credits). Session I is open to students of all language levels, beginner through advanced (A1-C1).
SESSION II - two weeks
Session II is most sutable for students who know a bit of French (language instruction starts at the A2 level) and who are inersted in French culture and local Normandie history and art.
Instruction for Session II is broken down into a morning and an afternoon course earning a total of 45 hours of instruction (or 3 U.S. credits).
Morning insruction - French as a foreign language (24 hours of instruction) from upper beginner to advanced.
Afternoon insruction - students enroll in one of the two afternoon sessions outlined below based on language level to earn an additional 21 hours of instructions:
- Niveau 1 courses focus on French culture, society, and gastronomy
- Niveau 2 courses focus on the history of Normandy, writers from Normandy, and Art and Architecture in Normandy
COMBINED SESSION I & II – four weeks
Students are welcome and encouraged to attend both Sessions I and II for a total of four weeks in Normandy. If a student is placed into one languae level and improves enough in the first two weeks, they can be eligible to move up a language level in the second session.
Academics
Other Academic Conditions
Program dates inclusive of arrival and departure Summer 2026:
Session I (2 weeks):
Arrival: 14 June 2026
Course start: 15 June 2026
Course End: 26 June 2026
Departure: 27 June 2026
Session II (2 weeks):
Arrival: 28 June 2026
Course start: 29 June 2026
Course End: 10 July 2026
Departure: 11 July 2026
PASSPORT: All students must have a valid passport to participate in this program. If you do not have a valid passport, we suggest you start the application process as soon as possible.
VISA/RESIDENCE PERMIT: Students with U.S. citizenship attending programs in France for less than 90 days are not required to obtain a French visa. All other students should inquire with their local French embassy if they will be required to obtain a Schengen Visa for the duration of their Summer program in France prior to arrival. For more information on the process and estimated cost, please review the ISEP Country Handbook here.
Semester & Prices (based on your filters)
Select a semester to calculate the price. Semesters are named according to host university's calendar.Semester Tuition
- Priority Admissions Deadline: {{schedule.semester.semesterTranslation.displayPriorityDeadline}}
- Chance of Placement: {{schedule.chancesOfPlacement.name}}
- Application Deadline: {{schedule.applicationDeadline}}
- Average Classes Per Week: {{schedule.semester.classesPerWeek}}
- Average Class Hours Per Week: {{schedule.semester.hoursPerWeek}}
Required Expenses
Pre-Sessions
{{child.getBenefitsRangeDisplay()}}
University Deadline: {{child.studentDeadline | date:'longDate'}}
Housing
Meals
Optional Expenses
Pre-Sessions
{{child.getBenefitsRangeDisplay()}}
University Deadline: {{child.studentDeadline | date:'longDate'}}