School Year in France

en français

France has a temperate climate with 4 distinct seasons : fall, winter, spring and summer. Students shall bring winter clothes even if they are placed in the south of France.

French host families

Students are placed in volunteer families all over France, mainly in small towns, suburban and semi-rural areas. Once they’re placed, the students shall write to their host family rapidly. French families also appreciate to have some news from the natural parents.

All families are different and have their own habits and way of life. 

They all feel responsible for the student they have in charge and will expect the student to tell them of his or her whereabouts. The student will not be allowed to go out at night in bars or discos.  At home hostparents wish the student to share their family life and not to withdraw too much in their room. All the members of the family have dinner together and like to talk about their day and their plans for the next day. There is often a big family lunch on Sunday. The French don’t usually snack between meals.

French families want their kids to tidy and clean their room regularly. It is a sign of self respect. They also want their kids to have good grades. In France, students can repeat a class if their grades are not good enough. It explains why parents are sometimes over concerned about school, according to some foreign students ! The exchange student will have a positive attitude towards school and do homework like the other kids of the family. French families never get tired of helping their exchange students with their French and have high expectations for their new « kid » from abroad ! It is recommended that the student does something outside of academic classes : sports, drawing, music, etc. 

Families expect to have a long lasting relationship with the student they have chosen. 

Le lycée français

The French education consists of 4 years of junior high school and 3 years of senior high school (Seconde, Première, Terminale.) Students are usually registered in « Seconde » or « Première » according to their age and language ability. The main subjects studied are French, History, Geography, Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Economics, Foreign languages, Sports (only 2 hours per week). 
The school year starts beginning of September and ends beginning of July.

Students attend an average of 25 hours of class per week. They have class mornings and afternoons. They get 3 grade reports a year, 1 every 3 months. They have homework after class. There is an average of 8 weeks of vacation during the school year. French students take their High School diploma (called Òthe BaccalauréatÓ) in « Terminale » (12th grade). Exchange students are most often enrolled in state schools. Registration in private schools can be proposed to the students. Such placement is notified to the sending office for acceptance by the natural family. If accepted, the school tuition is to be paid by the natural family. Attendance at school is mandatory. French tutoring will be required if the level of French of the student is too poor. 

Visa and immigration : As soon as the students get their placement, they must apply for an exchange student visa at the French Consulate of their home country. Once in France, the students who turn 18 during their homestay have to apply for a « carte de séjour » (residence permit) when they get to their host family’s home. At the end of the program, students must return to their home country at the date planned by P.I.E and the sending office. All students go back in groups when possible.

Language & orientation camp : Some students have one week intensive language course. But we advise all students to improve their French before coming over (take an additional course if possible). The language camp takes place in Paris. 
All the students attend a 2 day-orientation camp, including a visit of Paris. At the end of the orientation, the students go to their host family by train, plane or are picked up directly from the camp.  
 

Pocket money : Students need about 150 euros per month. If they bring a Credit Card, VISA is the best. Students must avoid carrying cash but bring traveller’s cheques « American Express » in French Francs instead. Students are responsible for their personal expenses outside of the host family’s home, and should not be left without pocket money.

Field trip : PIE organizes a one week trip on the Riviera (1,5 mile from Monaco) during spring vacation. Cost is about 360 euros. The price includes accomodation, breakfast and dinner. 2 or 3 escorts are responsible for the group. Students will visit well known cities such as Monaco, Nice and enjoy the sun and the beaches of the south of France !

Area representative : The volunteer representative will contact the student on a regular basis and check how things are going. It is recommended that the student also keeps in touch with his/her rep regularly, even if everything is going well. Most representatives don’t speak English. 

Arrival : arrival in France are at the end of august.

Applying : please . In order to contact our representative in your home country, please send an e-mail with your full address to :

courrier@piefrance.com