Home › Co-Curricular Programs › Global Education › Global Trips › 2012-13 Trips ›

France 2013

Send by email

Welcome to the home page for Catlin's 2013 FRANCE studies program: “The experience is everything.” 

Key Details

  • Trip Dates: March 16 - March 29, 2013
  • Tentative Price: $3200.00 (financial aid is available)
  •  Group Size: 12-15 students
  • Trip Leaders: Madeleine Girardin-Schuback, Wendy Wilkinson, Roberto Villa
  • Applications Due: November 12

Program Overview 

Ordering a crêpe or a crème glacée from a Parisian street vendor, interacting during museums visits, maintaining a conversation at the Maison de L’Europe and Canal Académie, sharing seven days in a French family and being a student in a French Lycée, joining a volunteer association with their French peers--these are moments the students will remember for ever. This program seeks to create moments like those, where our students can connect with the culture, language, and people in ways that is real and true. At its foundation is a home and school stay in southern France, as the first part of a reciprocal students exchange.

In Paris, students will stay in the International Student Center (CISP) with traditional breakfast and dinner. The educational agenda in Paris will be discussed and organized by the participants depending on their own interests, building off of the curricular work that they do at Catlin.

In Villeneuve-sur-Lot, Catlin students will live with French families and attend the Institution Sainte Catherine. (High School). The visit will stress community involvement with French peers organized with the City Hall of Villeneuve-sur-Lot.

Trip Itinerary

Note that all plans are tentative and subject to change.

  • March 16: Depart PDX – Delta-KLM-Air France
  • March 17 Arrival PARIS
  • March 17 TGV Villeneuve-sur-Lot- HOME STAYS and school participation
  • March: 24 TGV PARIS- DE GAULLE AIRPORT
  • March: 28-29 Return PDX
Group Selection: Students who have completed or are currently in French III or above are eligible for this trip. Beyond that, the over-riding priority is to construct a balanced group. Balance in some ways is obvious--it's good to have a roughly equivalent number of boys and girls, All students will be asked to speak French during the trip. We want inquisitive students who can take the lead in interviews with local contacts. Priority will be given to upperclassmen who have not traveled with Catlin before.
Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Commitment: Participation in this program will require a full-year commitment from students. We will meet regularly prior to departure; collectively contribute to a culminating project with the French students prior to the trip. Most of these meetings will take place during school hours, but occasional evening or weekend commitments may be required.
Background on the Trip Leaders: We are fortunate to have a group of leaders with a great deal of experience in the region. Madeleine, of course, grew up in France and is a French national. She has organized students trips in France every year between 1984 to 2002 with FAIS and PFS and one trip with CG in 2008. Wendy lived and went to school in France between the ages of 5 10; her two children are bilingual. 

How to Apply 

Complete the attached application form and submit it to Dave Whitson or Madeleine by November 12. Applications submitted after November 12 may not be considered. Financial aid is available for this trip, but the financial aid form must be completed with the application. If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to contact any of the trip leaders

 

application/msword icon2013 France Application.doc
application/pdf iconTrip and Activities Financial Aid Form - 2012-13.pdf