Tufts in Annecy

June 29 – July 30, 2008

Tufts in Annecy is a summer program based at IFALPES (Institute Français d’Annecy), an institute that specializes in teaching French as a second language to students over the age of 18. Tufts’ affiliation with IFALPES provides students with quality language instruction and helps students benefit from the study-abroad experience by enhancing integration into the culture. Tufts in Annecy students take courses at IFALPES in Annecy, but are supported and assisted by Tufts University in Talloires.

Students enroll in an intensive French language course specific to their skill level, attending language classes in Annecy for twenty hours per week (usually four hours per day, Monday through Friday). IFALPES classes are limited to twenty students to provide ample opportunity for discussion in class. Taught by native speakers who are experts in the teaching of French, each course aims to develop and improve French speaking, listening, grammar, reading, and writing skills. The professor oversees the placement of students at the appropriate level and follows the progress of each Tufts in Annecy student. He provides academic support and guidance as well as personalized individual tutoring in order to supplement the classes.

2008 Course Listing

Each IFALPES course that is taken through Tufts in Annecy is the equivalent of one Tufts course (usually 3 or 4 semester hours of credit at other universities). All IFALPES teachers have graduated from French universities and are qualified teachers of French as a Foreign Language. French language instruction is offered to students at all levels, beginner through advanced. However, Tufts credit is awarded only to students enrolled in levels equivalent to French 1 through 4 at Tufts University.  Level is determined by placement test, regardless of the number of years of previous language study.

French 1: Elementary French I
This course is best suited for students with one semester of college French or previous French study who wish to achieve an active command of the language. This course teaches the fundamentals of reading, writing, listening comprehension, and speaking. Listening comprehension and oral ability are stressed daily.

French 2: Elementary French II
This course should be considered the second half of a first year college level cours pratique. This course advances the study of basic grammar, fosters the development of vocabulary, and broadens the range of situations in which the student can understand and communicate information.

French 3: Intermediate French I
This course reviews and continues the presentation of French grammar with attention to all four skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The course goal is to develop fluency and functional use of language.

French 4: Intermediate French II
This course continues grammar review with emphasis on fluency and accuracy of expression. Prose is read for development of vocabulary, with attention to tone and style. Classroom discussions and written compositions are frequent.

Independent Study (Equivalent of French 21 at Tufts)
Please contact the European Center for specific class and enrollment information.

French Homestay

An extremely rewarding component of Tufts in Annecy is the home stay. Students live with carefully selected French families in the Annecy area, sharing meals, learning French customs, and exploring French culture, while improving their French language skills. Families welcome either one or two students into their homes.

Activities

Annecy is renowned for its pristine lake and dramatic mountain scenery. Surrounded by the French Alps, Annecy is steeped in history and extraordinary beauty. Known as the "Venice of France", Annecy's old city is built on a series of narrow, flower-lined canals. In the summer, the city comes alive with festivals, concerts and special exhibits. At night, a diverse number of clubs, discos, pubs, and cafés allow you to wind down from a day of studying. There is much to explore and enjoy in Annecy.

For students who would like to venture beyond the Haute Savoie region, trains run from Annecy to all points in France. Paris is a three and a half hour train ride from Annecy on France’s high-speed train, the “TGV”. The city of Lyon, France’s capital of gastronomy, is only a two hour train ride from Annecy.

Activities and excursions are organized for Tufts in Annecy students by IFALPES and the Tufts University European Center. Tufts in Annecy students have many opportunities to explore the region.

Registration, Housing and Scholarship Forms

The registration deadline for the Tufts in Annecy 2008 program is April 4, 2008.
The 2008 program fee is $3,735. This fee includes tuition and fees for all courses, room and all meals with a French family, organized group airport transfer, bus transportation between class and the French family’s home, and selected activities.

Not included: airfare, insurance, items of a personal nature (phone calls, excess baggage charges, passport fees), or optional activities.