INSTITUT FRANCAIS DES ALPES
The Institut Francais des Alpes Semester in France program offers students the choice of study in either the Annecy center (Institut Francias d'Annecy) or Chambery (Institut Francias d'Chambery). Both cities are located in the French Alps, near Geneva and Lyon, which has a population of about 100,000.
Annecay offers students culutral and athletic activities within a very pleasant urban environment. In summertime, there are the national parks and the city's location on the Lake of Annecy. In winter, the nearby ski resorts attract visitors from around the world. The Institut Francais d'Annecy adminstrative offices and classrooms are housed in the Residence des Marquisats building on the shores of the lake.
Chambery is a city of art and history, and the city is also the historical capital of Savoy (Savioe). Classrooms and offices are housed in the Chateau de Boigne, one of the city's major historical buildings.
Academic Program Highlights
The Institut Francais des Alpes (IFALPES) is a leading French language training institute that operates in cooperation with the institutes and academic institutions both in France and abroad. The student body is international with students from many nations who are in France to learn French, not just American students. The Annecy and Chambery centers are open all year, and offer their Intensive French Language programs at all levels: beginning, intermediate, advanced. All courses are taught in French (Direct Method) and are specifically designed for those interested in learning or becoming more proficient in the French language. Teaching methods are based on active participation by studnets, and the scope of the program includes understanding, speaking, reading, writing, and cross-cultural studies. The academic program is under the direct supervision of the Universite Catholique de Lyon, and the program is interpreted into US credit equivalents according to academic norms generally accepted in American colleges and universities.
The Annecy center has only an Intensive French program. Students are in class 20 hours per week and are enrolled for 15-16 credits with class emphasis changing hourly - grammar, aural comprehension, oral expressions, reading, writing - all with a focus on French culture and civilization. The program in Chambery is identical, but also offers options of a 12-hour per week French language program plus one course taught in English.
A 2.5 GPA is required for participation along with transcripts and two letters of recommendation. The program is open to freshman through seniors in good standing at their home college or university.
Student Life
In both Annecy and Chambery, students may be housed in French homestay in "demi-pension" (breakfast and evening meals included). Most students choose this arrangement, though other homestays with only "B&B" (bed and breakfast) are available. Annecy also offers the opportunity to live in shared apartments. Chmbery offers accommdations in student residences - usally a studio with no meals. Students complete a housing questionnaire to indicate needs and choices as well as, in the case of homestay, the degree of involvement desired with hosts. The term "family" is used loosely, as the possiblities are many and not limited to "traditional" families.