<p>Hi-
Has anyone ever done the Tufts University Summit in France? Or if you know of anyone who has done it? I love the language and this seems like a very reasonably priced program for such a wonderful experience, so I was interested if anyone had any thoughts/opinions?
Thanks!!</p>
<p>As someone who attended the Tufts in Talloires program, and taught at the Tufts in Summit program, I very highly recommend the program. The staff are all phenomenal, the environment around Talloires is among the most picturesque in the world, and the experience of living with such well-selected host families will ensure cultural integration and drastically increase conversational French skills.</p>
<p>It is honestly one of the greatest programs out there and I cannot recommend it enough. Let me know if you have any specific questions, and I would be happy to elaborate :-)</p>
<p>Thank you so much for your encouraging response!! Too often you hear of programs that are not what they claim to be and end up being a waste of both time and money to the students. I have gotten a very good feeling from this program, and I am so happy to hear what you have to say.</p>
<p>I was wondering, though, how proficient most of the students are in the french language? I want to do the program next summer, after my junior year. I began french in sixth grade, and will have completed French 3 Honors by the time I attend. I am just afraid that everyone will be so good at speaking and I might not be! Do you have any idea if the host families are usually patient with the language skills of those living with them?</p>
<p>Language skills vary - you’re certainly qualified.</p>
<p>Is French even required for the program?</p>
<p>You should be more than prepared with that level of French. The courses are divided into “beginner” and “advanced” french, and the range of students’ language skills vary from very little to more advanced. </p>
<p>The host families are excellent, because they are selected and trained to patiently interact with the American students, while still speaking in French and allowing them to gain the necessary skills. In other words, while your family may speak some English, English will not be encouraged because that defeats the purpose of living with the host families. </p>
<p>Though, especially for the children in the host families, speaking both languages can allow a cross-cultural learning experience where you can also help the French sibling strengthen their English while they teach you French. It’s a really amazing learning experience built around reciprocity and global citizenship.</p>