Summer in the French Alps - French Language & Culture (in French) - ISEP Direct
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• Spend seven weeks at the base of the French Alps in Chambéry, known for its pedestrian-friendly squares, historical town center, colorful café terraces and breathtaking views of the mountains.
• Take intensive French coursework at the beginning, intermediate, or advanced level.
• Get out and enjoy all the Alps have to offer! From hiking, mountain biking, and swimming, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities with other international students.
• Excursions organized and supervised by an activity leader are included in the program, with a range of sporting, leisure and cultural experiences available for you to choose from.
LIFE ABROAD
Excursions & Cultural Experiences
In addition to a welcome tour of Chambéry and Savoie, various other excursions are included in the program fee. In the past, these excursions have included trips to Yvoire in Haute-Savoie, situated on beautiful Lake Geneva, where you may tour the Château d'Yvoire and enjoy a wine tasting; Parc de Merlet, a wildlife park where you may encounter some of the region’s impressive fauna; or perhaps you’ll visit Les Charmettes right in Chambéry, the former house of famous Enlightenment writer and philosopher, Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Recreational activities are organized during most afternoons, either for free or a small fee, and may include hiking, museums, mountain biking, swimming at a nearby lake, and sports. The program is divided into two three-week sessions, which gives you several days in the middle of the program to explore the region independently. You can also stay in your program housing until the end of July at no extra cost if you want to have a home base for travel after the end of the program!
Housing & Meals
While you’re studying at Université Savoie Mont Blanc, you’ll live in a student residence hall situated about 15-20 minutes from campus by foot. You’ll have your own private room in an apartment shared with one other USMB student. You’ll have access to a shared kitchen, and there are three grocery stores within a 10-minute walk from your accommodations. You’re also welcome to take advantage of the on-campus dining halls where meals are typically under $10 USD.
Explore the French Alps
Chambéry is situated at the base of the French Alps, about three hours by train from both Paris and the Mediterranean coast of France. The area is known for its quality of life, magnificent natural surroundings, history, and heritage. Chambéry was the capital of the former Duchy of Savoie and combines the charm of an old city with the vibrancy of a modern economy. While you’re there, take full advantage of the city’s historical buildings, museums, pedestrians squares and streets, and world-famous opportunities for outdoor activities!
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
Course Description
Advance in your French language-learning, gain firsthand cultural experience, and explore the delights of the Savoie region! This 7-week program (six weeks of classes and one week of vacation) includes 15 hours per week of small-group instruction at three different levels from beginner to advanced and three workshops on aspects of local life.
The 90 total hours of instruction included in the program (two three-week sessions of 45 hours each) is generally considered equivalent to 6 U.S. credits.
Summer Syllabi:
| Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced |
| A1 Level | B1 Level | C1 Level |
| A2 Level | B2 Level |
Academics
Other Academic Conditions
French language and culture courses are provided by specialist teachers for beginning, intermediate and advanced students. No prior French language experience is necessary.
Students are placed in appropriate language levels according to a placement exam taken before arrival. Note: The host institution ultimately determines your proficiency level and course eligibility.
Summer 2026 Program Dates:
28 May - Arrival and check in to student residence
It is very important for housing check in procedures to arrive on 28 May.
1 June - Course start
17 July - Course end
21 July - Last day to move out of university housing
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'}}