Gap Year Programs in France offer students of different levels of proficiency in the French language the opportunity to immerse themselves in a unique culture. France is a large enough country so that you can experience the city life of Paris, the outdoor vibe of the French Alps, historic towns of the Loire Valley, the coastline and beaches of the Cote d’Azur or the picturesque countryside known for their beauty. If you are thinking of taking a year off before college, taking a gap year in France is really worth considering.
Gap Year Programs in France: Worth Considering!
If you are already at the point where you are thinking of how to claim a year for personal enrichment, Gap Year Programs in France are a great place to start. From French cuisine to iconic art and architecture, fashion, fields of lavender, castles, the Riviera and spring skiing in the Alps, the diversity of the country lends itself to lengthy discovery. Plus, you can find different programs to customize your experience and make your gap months or year abroad in France memorable for you.
FUN FACT: How to say ‘year of discovery’ in French? Say “annee de decouverte”(web)
Types of Gap Year Abroad in France Programs
There are a number of ways to approach finding the ‘right’ type of year program in France. Use the navigation menu to select a city or region you want to call home base. Think about whether you want to live in a bustling city like Paris or at the foot of the French Alps in Grenoble for instance. You can also think about what you want to do in your gap year – intern, volunteer, study, travel?
French Immersion
There are a variety of gap year programs that are geared to those who want to learn French in an authentic setting and you can look for one that caters to your ability. This can be a great way to learn a second language, as you may be able to not only take French courses, but electives as well. Plus, you have an extended time in which to learn, and an experiential practice lab by interacting with locals.
Teaching English
Another great way to take a gap year in France is to find a program where you can teach or tutor English, either in a homestay, local community center or school. Often these programs require TESOL or TEFL certification to qualify for a placement.
Extended Internship Placement
Another option you may find interesting is to look into Gap Year Programs in France that offer an extended internship placement, especially if you already speak French. This type of experience looks great on a resume and boosts your professional skills. So, if there is something you enjoy doing, such as marketing, social media or fashion merchandising, this may be an interesting way to spend a year.
Volunteer in France
Interested in a humanitarian approach for your gap year in France? Think of combining French language with volunteer activity. Some programs offer academic credit, and this type of program could be an enriching way to learn about your host community or the world as a whole.
Learn Something New
Are you passionate about the culinary arts? Are you thinking about a fine arts program and want to work on your portfolio for college? Think of your gap year in France as an opportunity to enrich yourself on a personal level by taking a certificate program or interesting courses.
Time Off
Balance your gap year with some time to take in your surroundings. While Paris is an obvious choice for its iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, l’Arc de Triomphe and the Notre Dame Cathedral, this isn’t your only option. Take a tour through the vineyards of Burgundy or visit Aix-en-Provence for an outdoor music festival.
Global Skills
Above all else, Gap Year Programs in France provide the forum to boost your global skills. This type of study abroad gives you time to build confidence, learn about yourself and show future employers that you are flexible and adaptable in new circumstances. It isn’t the same as entering a country for the purpose of hitting tourist attractions; taking a gap year is a form of commitment.
Find a Gap Year Program in France
Whether you want to visit France as part of a multi-country trip or find Gap Year Programs in France specifically, our list of sponsored programs is going to give you some great food for thought. Some of these listings might include a Gap Year Abroad in Paris, France, a Culinary Arts Diploma through the Ducasse Education, French Courses in the South of France and others. Browse through and make sure to connect with the program providers; you want to stay ahead of application deadlines, find out about travel Visa, cost, housing and all the details that go into planning your gap year in France.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France | en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris
