French Exchange Program

  • 
                      French Exchange Program
  • 
                      French Exchange Program
  • 
                      French Exchange Program

The Concept

Experience the thrill of living in a French family and attending a local Lycée. Our unique “Living Lessons” French Exchange Program means students are not only immersed in French culture and language, they also enjoy the French experience of a lifetime. Perfect for students preparing for Year 12 and further tertiary education, this program gives students the opportunity to enhance their language skills, experience the independence of international travel in a safe environment and prepare for the future with confidence and maturity.

This tour is aimed at secondary school French language students, 16 years and older. Students will improve knowledge of French language and culture through an extended homestay and school program in France.

Options Available:  6 weeks, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months. 12 months

Prices start from $8,500 including flights.  Exchange Program only (no flights) from $5,350.

Exchange
Language

The Program

Frequently Asked Questions

How old do I need to be?

You need to be 16-18 years of age on the date of departure from Australia.

Do I need to have studied French?

You need to have studied French for at least 2 years and be prepared to ‘have a go’.

Can I choose where I would like to go?

No. Families are chosen according to matching interests as much as possible. Your host family will not be living in Paris.

Will I have contact with my host family before I leave?

Yes, you will be given detailed information about your host family beforehand and be able to contact them and get to know them.

What happens when I arrive in Paris?

You will be met by our French representative and taken to the train. Once you arrive at your final destination, you will be met by your host family and your local counsellor.

Will I attend school?

Yes, you will attend a lycée.

Will my family have to host a French student in return?

No, this is not a reciprocal exchange program.

What if I have a problem while I am in France?

You will be assigned a local counsellor who will assist you if you are having a problem.

Will I need a visa?

If your program is 3 months or less a visa is not required for students travelling on an Australian or New Zealand passport. For longer programs, a visa is required. G.E.T Educational Tours will help you with advice about the process and provide necessary documents. The cost of a visa is not included in the program fee. To obtain a visa, applicants must attend a French Consulate in person for an appointment.

Can I use frequent flyer points to travel to and from France?

Yes, under certain conditions.  You will need to arrive in Paris on the same flight as the other students travelling from Australia.

Do I have to return to Australia immediately after the program is finished?

No.  Your parents may wish to meet you and travel elsewhere in France or Europe. We can arrange your return flight according to your wishes.

Can I travel to other parts of France or Europe while I am on exchange? 

You will not be allowed to travel on your own while taking part in the program.  You will be able to travel with your host family for weekends/short holidays if they have planned some activities for you and your parents in Australia are happy with this. 

Itinerary Day By Day

DAY 1: AUSTRALIA - PARIS

Depart Australia on your flight to Paris.

DAY 2: PARIS - HOMESTAY

Arrive in Paris. Clear Immigration, collect your luggage and clear customs. You will be met by a local representative who will take you to the train station and assist you to get onto the right train to your host community.

On arrival at your host community you will be met by a local representative and your host family.

DAYS 3-42: HOMESTAY

Breakfast with host family. On school days you will attend school and have lunch at the school canteen. On weekends/bank holidays/holidays you will have full board accommodation with your host family and will join their daily routines, their usual holiday festivities, visits and excursions.

DAY 43: HOMESTAY - PARIS - AUSTRALIA

Breakfast with your host family. Your host family will drop you off at the train station where you can also say goodbye to your local contact (subject to distance of host community from Paris you may have to travel to Paris the night before and overnight at a local hostel under supervision; additional cost for this to be advised). Arrive at the Paris CDG Airport by train. You will be met by a local representative who will assist you with your check in for your flight home. Board your flight for your return journey.

DAY 44: AUSTRALIA

Arrive home subject to airline schedules.

Inclusions
  • Return economy class international airfares including prepaid airline/airport taxes and levies
  • 6 weeks homestay with a French host family (1 student per family) with half board (breakfasts and dinners) during the week and full board on weekends, bank holidays and holidays
  • Full day school integration on school days including lunches at school canteen
  • School fess
  • Transfer on arrival at Paris CDG Airport including Meet & Greet
  • Train ticket from the Paris CDG Airport to the host community, and train ticket from host community to Paris Airport
  • Local representative to assist with check in at Paris CDG Airport for flight to Australia
  • Supervision and assistance by a local area representative as well as by the staff of the central office of our French partner in Paris
Have questions about the itinerary for the French Exchange Program tour? Need pricing info? Want to better understand how this tour could work for your students? The G.E.T Educational Tours team is happy to help! To get started, reach out to our experienced tour consultants.

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