Although each branch is essentially a study centre, life is informal and personal. A typical day is divided into half a day of study and half a day of helping with practical work - cooking, cleaning, gardening etc. Meal times often involve lengthy discussion centered on a topic of concern to a particular student or worker. Some evenings are given over to lectures, films and bible studies. Those who come and stay may do so for a few days or a whole term.
Terms typically last two or three months.
Under the guidance of one of the workers students are guided through study material most helpful to their situation. There are no set courses of study. Most branches have a book and extensive tape library. There are no prerequisites for attending L'Abri. Many students are Christians and some are not.