Summer in Normandy - French Language, History, & Culture (in French) - ISEP Direct
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• Discover the rich cultural and historic heritage of the Normandy region of France while earning 3-6 U.S. credits during this 2- or 4-week program.
• French language, history, and culture come to life on field trips to some of the region’s many important historic and cultural sites.
• Live with a local host family and gain insight into French family life while improving your French speaking and listening skills.
LIFE ABROAD
Excursions & Cultural Experiences
In addition to your studies, spend your time in Normandy discovering prominent cultural sites and attractions. Your coursework will be accompanied by field trips to sites such as Mont-Saint-Michel, D-Day landing sites, Honfleur, and Étretat. Caen itself is full of art and culture, making the city a living, breathing artifact. Walk from the university through le Château de Caen and arrive in the city center. Grab a bottle of wine and a blanket and sit on the lawn of the chateau – a popular spot among students and locals. The Mémorial de Caen, the city's widely revered WWII museum, is another must-see while you're studying here.
Housing & Meals
Choose to live in a homestay with a local family or opt for a private room in a student residence hall. As part of the homestay option, you will receive 14 meals per week (breakfast and dinner daily). For lunch, you’re welcome to eat on campus at one of the dining halls on campus, or you can grab a bite to eat from a nearby restaurant or grocery store.
If you choose to live in the residence hall, you will have access to the on-campus dining halls as well as a shared kitchen where you can prepare your own meals. You will want to budget $300-$400 USD for meals.
Explore Caen
Caen is a walkable, student-friendly city, where the old and new come together. You’ll feel the history around every corner while you walk through the Château de Caen on the way to class or as you traipse the cobblestone streets full of shops and cafes in search of your next crêpe.
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)
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