The eleventh-century monastery that is home to the Tufts European Center provides an ideal starting point for the study of French art and architecture. Visits to local castles and art museums bring to life the ideas introduced in slide lectures and informal discussions. Program instructors are selected at the discretion of Sally H. Pym, Director of Tufts Summit. All Summit Instructors bring extensive knowledge of their fields and enthusiasm into the classroom, tailoring their courses to high school students and the short duration of the program, to ensure the greatest learning experience possible for the students. La Langue et la Culture Fran aise is taught by native French speakers who have taught for the Tufts Summit program for several years.
Students stay with carefully selected host families, often with another student.
What students learn first-hand about French daily life and culture by sharing meals, conversations and outings with their host families goes well beyond textbook learning. The homestay is an integral and memorable part of their Tufts Summit experience and results not only in improved language skills, but also enduring friendships with French host families. A typical weekday begins with breakfast at the student s French home and a bus ride to the European Center in Talloires using local transportation. Morning classes in French and International Relations might be followed by a picnic lunch in either the Priory gardens or at the public beach, where students are likely to meet and chat with other French students their age. Afternoon classes in Art History and a choice of workshops in French are followed by organized recreational activities such as hiking, swimming, boating, or playing soccer or volleyball.