• Why study French on location?
  To really understand a language you need to know the people, the places, and the culture - there is no better way to do this than to make France your classroom this summer. The moment you land in Paris you will bring your past years of French experience to life; imagine enjoying a lunch at a bistro on the Champs-Élysées, viewing French works of art in the Louvre, or walking the cobblestone markets of the Latin Quartre. Each location in which we reside will reveal something new: from the beautiful esplanades and relaxing beaches of Nice, to the picturesque mountains and waterfalls of the Alps - all the while putting your language skills to the test. By immersing yourself in a classroom that traverses the heart of French culture you will learn much more than just the French language.

Courses

Courses offered for grade 12 students

• Core French, Grade 12

  This intensive Core French program provides students with the opportunity to further develop the basic structures of oral and written French. Immersion in the French language and culture will ensure that students develop confidence in their oral and written language skills.

• Extended French, Grade 12

  Immersed in the French culture, students will refine their oral and written skills by communicating freely and expressively with peers, teachers and French locals about current issues and historical events. French newspapers, magazines and art will be utilized as research tools for group assignments and the Independent Study Unit.

• French Immersion, Grade 12

  Students will embark on an extensive study of French literature from within the heart of French culture. The correct use of grammar and language conventions in both oral and written French will be emphasized through the analysis of novels, plays, poetry, film and nonfiction.

Courses offered for grade 11 students

• Core French, Grade 11

  This intensive Core French program provides students with the opportunity to further develop the basic structures of oral and written French. Immersion in the French language and culture will ensure that students develop confidence in their oral and written language skills.

• Extended French, Grade 11

  Immersed in the French culture, students will refine their oral and written skills by communicating freely and expressively with peers, teachers and French locals about current issues and historical events. French newspapers, magazines and art will be utilized as research tools for group assignments and the Independent Study Unit.

• French Immersion, Grade 11

  Students will embark on an extensive study of French literature from within the heart of French culture. The correct use of grammar and language conventions in both oral and written French will be emphasized through the analysis of novels, plays, poetry, film and nonfiction.

Itinerary

• Important Dates
  
  • Course Begins: June 29, 2012 (Tentative)
  • Departure Date: July 5, 2012 (Tentative)
  • Return Date: July 30, 2012 (Tentative)

• Online: Begins June 29, 2012 (Tentative) (Day 1-4)
  Student preparation and a strong knowledge-base are vital for an enriched educational experience. To ensure students get the most from their on-site learning, each MEI program begins with a preparatory online component. For 5 days students will get started on course material in the comfort of their own home. Through this process of readings, short assignments, and online chats, students will get a better understanding of the course material and make connections with classmates. This allows students to hit the ground running as soon as they arrive overseas and dive straight into the adventure that awaits them.
• Departure from Toronto July 5, 2012 (Tentative) (Day 5)
  Our North American departure hub is Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. Five hours prior to our departure, a short meeting will be held at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel, Terminal 3, to distribute course packs and maps and to clarify travel procedures. All students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to the Sheraton Gateway Hotel. Students making alternate arrangements must contact MEI before March 31, 2011.
• Paris (Day 6-14)
  We will begin with ten days in the "City of Light," an ideal location for studying the broad spectrum of dramatic, visual and performing arts found in central Paris. Students will be immersed in Parisian culture as they utilize current forms of French media (newspapers, magazines, television, film and performing arts) to further develop their understanding of the joys and complexities of the French language. Various forms of literature will function as primary resources to evaluate the grammatical and structural aspects of the French language studied during the course.
• Strasbourg (Day 14-18)
  Our travels continue as we journey into the Alsace region and are surrounded by the charm of medieval churches, cloisters, half-timbered houses and rolling hills covered with vineyards. Littered with historical significance, Strasbourg is sure to enthrall students with its arts and culture. Students will put their language skills to the test when they participate in activities such as taking in a movie at a local theatre. Students will be creating, performing and displaying their academic assignments with the expectation of surpassing any perceived limitations.
• Swiss Alps (Day 18-23)
  As we continue our journey to the south of France, students will enjoy an excursion into central Switzerland. We will experience the dynamic view of the Alps, as well as the uniquely international culture of the Swiss. We will utilize the beautiful village of Lauterbrunnen as our home base for this Alpine adventure. Activities and hikes into the mountains will afford students the opportunity to practice the French language.
• Nice (Day 23-30)
  On the last leg of our trip we will reside on the French Riviera overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. We will utilize the dynamic town of Nice with its buzzing cafés, beautiful esplanades and famous beaches as our hub to explore this area. A highlight of the summer’s adventure is enjoying the relaxed Mediterranean beach life as we conclude Independent Study Units and final presentations. Students will have time to explore their choice of chic modern art museums or visit the nearby cities of Cannes and Monte Carlo while completing their academics and preparing for the final exam.
• Departure from Nice Airport, July 30, 2012 (Tentative) (Day 30)

• France and Switzerland
  In PARIS, we will reside on the left bank of the Seine in the heart of the buzzing Latin Quarter. Known for its lively atmosphere and quaint bistros, the Latin Quarter is both an ideal hub to explore the sprawling arrondissements of Paris, as well as the perfect location to find and sample all that Parisian cuisine has to offer. From street crepes and fresh croissants to classic picnics shopped for in the local market and shared in nearby Luxembourg Gardens, students will have the opportunity to try some of the most delicious French food in all of Paris.
• From Paris, students will make their way to STRASBOURG in the Alsace region, notoriously fought over by France and Germany. While technically on French soil, much of the culture of the city is taken from its German heritage, so students will have the opportunity to try bratwurst, schnitzel and sauerkraut alongside classic French dishes in this quaint but modern town.
• From Strasbourg, students will travel up into the Swiss Alps, settling in the picturesque town of LAUTERBRUNNEN nestled in a valley in the mountains. A reprieve from the bustle of the city, students will stay in an old-world style chalet and feast on Franco-Germanic comfort food in charming family owned restaurants. Students will also have the opportunity to do daily hikes and throw a traditional MEI Swiss Barbeque on an open-air grill under the snow-capped mountains.
• From the mountains, students will head south to NICE, which is situated along the famous Cote d'Azur in the south of France. There, students will be able to choose between immersing themselves in the hustle and bustle of glitzy city life at a fashionable bistro or relax and unwind with a fresh palmier and coffee on the stretch of gold sandy beach along the town's seafront.

MEI Gear

• Clothing and Accessories
  At MEI, we not only provide our students with the best possible education, staff and travel experience - we also provide them with the best in fashion and accessories! After years of experience, we understand that having the proper clothing is an important aspect of travelling. With that in mind, we have designed a number of clothing articles for all types of climates and activities so the student can be prepared for any situation. From hoodies and tees to windbreakers and flip-flops, MEI gear allows you to travel in comfort and in style! MEI gear includes other items as well, like our high-quality water bottles. Each student is also issued a beautifully bound journal for their travel writing and cultural observations.
• Health and Fitness
  Healthy living, exercise and active learning is a big part of the MEI lifestyle. Each morning students are encouraged to start their day off on the right foot by doing some exercises or exploring the city with a supervised jog. With our MEI workout gear, keeping in shape will be easy and comfortable. Healthy bodies equal healthy minds, and students who are in the best physical condition are sure to stave off fatigue and make the most of their experience abroad.
• MEI Gear Store Coming Soon
  Look here for ways to order exclusive MEI gear soon!

• Transportation
  
  • Return airfare from Toronto's Pearson International Airport
  • Transportation between hotel locations via private coach
  • Transportation for all listed program excursions
  • Transfers to all accommodations
• Trip Related
  
  • Hotels and accommodations
  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • Entrance fees to all course-specific sites
• Course Components
  
  • Ministry-approved credit(s) upon successful completion of the course(s)
  • Custom course pack
  • Student Login
  • MEI journal
  • Digital yearbook
  • Fall reunion