2019 Sessions
Two Week – $3,795
Summer 1: June 14 – 29
Summer 2: June 28 – July 13
Summer 3: July 12 – 27
Four Week – $7,095
Month 2: June 28 – July 27
Six Week – Inquire
6-Week: June 14 – July 27
Pre-Requisites
AP/IB Preparation
What's Included
Flight Information
Chic Elegance in Southwest France…
Gracefully situated on the southwestern Atlantic coast, for centuries Biarritz has remained a luxurious French seaside town full of summertime amenities! The town boasts some of France’s most magnificent beaches, superb cultural events, and a truly natural charm. First discovered as a whaling port, Biarritz grew into a sophisticated seaside retreat for Europe’s elite, thanks to Empress Eugenie (wife of Napoleon III) and other royals who frequently vacationed there. Also known as “the surf capital of Europe”, Biarritz comes to life during the summertime with spectacles of live music, surf competitions, artists, and parades. With its small size and strikingly unique Basque culture, Biarritz provides the perfect immersion environment to embrace the French language and art of living. You too will fall in love with this beautiful part of the Pays Basque!
BIARRITZ PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Academics & Leadership
ACADEMIC OVERVIEW
School: Local language institute
Course Hours: 30 Hours (Summer 1 & 2) or 60 hours (Month/Immersion Extension)
French Language & Conversation: Students are broken up by levels, and attend French language and conversation classes Monday – Friday in the mornings. The courses focus on developing French communication skills by simulating real life situations through interactive class activities that include writing, oral expression, film, music, food, and literature.
> French levels 1 through AP/IB
> 5-15 Students per Class
> Certified native instructors with advanced teaching degrees
CULTURAL LEADERSHIP ENRICHMENT
SPI offers a unique cultural leadership enrichment component for our European programs. The component is geared toward connecting students with their local surroundings and language while engaging them in real-life skill building exercises. The component incorporates unique activities, excursions, and daily group discussions with a focus on team building, leadership, personal growth, travel skills, and cultural awareness.
> SPI Leadership Building Seminars
> European Travel Skills Workshop
> Exchanges with French locals
> French Culinary Experiences
Activities & Excursions
ELECTIVE ACTIVITIES
In addition to SPI’s cultural leadership enrichment program, students will have the exciting opportunity to enhance their experience abroad by participating in optional elective courses and activities! Electives range from sports activities to unique cultural events and are designed to further engage students into the local culture and, of course, just to have fun! Exact electives will vary per program and are based on student interest and weather. Upon arrival abroad, students will choose which electives they wish to participate in.
Biarritz Elective Activities:
> Elective Courses: Surfing Course (Beginner to Advanced), Visit to Artisan Workshop, French & Basque Cooking and Gastronomy
> Additional Potential Electives: Zip-lining, Whitewater Rafting, Running, Soccer, Volleyball, Swimming.
*Optional elective activities may have an additional cost
TRAVEL EXCURSIONS
From visits to world-class museums to magnificent hikes through lush mountains, students explore the most important monuments, cities and natural wonders in the Biarritz region. Weekend and cultural day travel excursions help students dynamically use the language of study and interact with the local community.
Biarritz Travel Excursions:
> Bordeaux (Month/6 Week)
> Bayonne/Anglet
> San Sebastian, Spain
> St. Jean de Luz
> La Rhune-Pyrenees Mountains
What Alumni Say…
“From the moment we arrived at the Paris airport to the final farewell dinner, SPI provided a super-charged (and super fun) study abroad experience in France. The staff went out of their way to teach us little things that you would have never learned if you were there as a “tourist.” I cannot thank my on-site directors enough for making this such a life-changing summer!”
Whitney, Washington DC
“I thought I knew what good French food was until I ate my French homestay madame’s delicious cooking. My homestay went out of their way to make me and my roommate feel welcome the entire stay. My French teacher in Biarritz, Isabelle, really pushed us out of our comfort zone to practice our skills with locals. I really gained a lot from our outings after class to local markets and shopping around town.”
Robert, Florida
“I would definitely recommend SPI Biarritz. It was a great place to really feel immersed into the French language and culture. The city was so walkable and everyone was always smiling and friendly with a warm, “bonjour,” as they welcomed you to their store. I must say that I started the program a little shy and reserved, but left feeling very confident in both the language and myself.”
Vivanne, California
Safety & Supervision
ON-SITE DIRECTORS & STAFF
Directors and on-site staff are professional multilingual educators and caring leaders who serve as international “moms and dads”. We maintain a highly personal student to director ratio of typically one director for every eight students. Directors actively participate in all aspects of the immersion experience focusing on student well-being, cultural adjustments, and daily check ins to ensure active student participation.
DAILY SUPERVISION & FREE TIME
To ensure student safety, on-site directors are available 24 hours a day and carry local cell phones at all times. Directors check-in with students on a daily basis in the mornings, afternoons and evenings and monitor all aspects of the program. At SPI, we believe in the educational value of giving students a structured amount of free-time on certain afternoons. Students are expected to abide by SPI’s standards of conduct at all times, and we implement a “buddy system.”
CURFEW: 11 PM on Weekdays and 12 AM on Weekends
YOUR DAY ABROAD IN BIARRITZ
Morning
8:00 – 9:00 Breakfast at Homestay & Travel with Roommate to Classes
Enjoy a light breakfast of breads, cereal, and juice/coffee. You will either walk or take a short bus ride to classes M-F.
9:30 – 12:45 French Language, Culture, and Conversation Courses
Be amazed at how quickly your French improves with SPI’s master instructors at the institute in Biarritz! Classes are both engaging and fun.
Afternoon
1:00 – 3:30 Afternoon Lunch and Break
Enjoy lunch along the beach with friends or at home. You will have a daily meeting with your directors during this time.
4:00 – 7:00 Electives & Cultural Leadership Enrichment Activities
From surfing to photography and exchanges with locals, there are afternoon activities for everyone! SPI’s program also incorporates a leadership and cultural enrichment component where students will interact with the local community. (There is structured free time on some afternoons after activities).
Evening
7:00 – 8:00 Meeting with Directors and Evening Free-Time
In the early evening, you will have an informal group meeting to review tomorrow’s activities with directors.
8:00 – 10:30 Evening Meal & Conversations With Your Homestay
Enjoy the evening practicing your French while talking with your homestay around the dinner table. You will have some free time after evening meals to meet up with other students for ice cream or an evening stroll.
BIARRITZ ITINERARIES
Biarritz 2-Week
Day 1 Depart for Biarritz, France!
Board your flight and get ready to embark on the study abroad journey of a lifetime!
Day 2 Arrive in Biarritz & Meet Your Homestay
Bienvenue! Step off the plane and into your new mode de vie. Get to know other students and your directors with an orientation party before meeting and spending the evening with your French homestay.
Day 3 Settle Into Your New Home!
Enjoy a captivating orientation tour of this regal seaside destination and take in the striking view of the Basque coast from the top of Le Phare de Biarritz.
Day 4 First Day of French Classes
Meet your Professeur and class after a language placement exam in the morning. Spend the afternoon learning about the history and unique culture of Biarritz.
Days 5-8 Regular Classes, Elective Activities + Leadership
Continue improving your French fluency through morning language and conversation courses followed by afternoon leadership and electives activities.
Day 9 Travel Excursion to San Sebastián, Spain
The beauty of this stunning city situated just across the border in the Spanish Basque region will amaze you with its majestic waterfront views, incredible shopping districts, and unparalleled Spanish cuisine.
Day 10 Quality Time with Homestay & Friends
French Sundays are the perfect day to faire une promenade along the waterfront, lounge on the beach, and take in the local culture while enjoying a café crème on an outdoor patio.
Days 11-14 Regular Courses, Elective Activities + Leadership
Be amazed by the progress you’ve made in your language skills and ability to thrive in a new culture!
Day 15 Final Day of Classes & Farewell Party
As your sojourn in Biarritz comes to a close, enjoy a final day with your homestay and friends!
Day 16 Depart Biarritz for Home
Bon voyage! Return home with amazing memories of France!
Biarritz 4-Week
Day 1 Depart for Biarritz, France!
Board your flight and get ready to embark on the study abroad journey of a lifetime!
Day 2 Arrive in Biarritz & Meet Your Homestay
Bienvenue! Step off the plane and into your new mode de vie. Get to know other students and your directors with an orientation party before meeting and spending the evening with your French homestay.
Day 3 Settle Into Your New Home!
Enjoy a captivating orientation tour of this regal seaside destination and take in the striking view of the Basque coast from the top of Le Phare de Biarritz.
Day 4 First Day of French Classes
Meet your Professeur and class after a language placement exam in the morning. Spend the afternoon learning about the history and unique culture of Biarritz.
Days 5-8 Regular Classes, Elective Activities + Leadership
Continue improving your French fluency through morning language and conversation courses followed by afternoon leadership and electives activities.
Day 9 Travel Excursion to San Sebastián, Spain
The beauty of this stunning city situated just across the border in the Spanish Basque region will amaze you with its majestic waterfront views, incredible shopping districts, and unparalleled Spanish cuisine.
Day 10 Quality Time with Homestay & Friends
French Sundays are the perfect day to faire une promenade along the waterfront, lounge on the beach, and take in the local culture while enjoying a café crème on an outdoor patio.
Days 11-15 Regular Classes, Elective Activities + Leadership
Be amazed by the progress you’ve made in your language skills and ability to thrive in a new culture!
Day 16 Travel Excursion to Hendaye, France
Explore the picturesque village of Hendaye. From the old port de pecheurs to the eccentric Château d’Antoine d’Abbadie, Hendaye will add further charm to your impression of France’s Pays Basque.
Day 17 Quality Time with Homestay & Friends
Relish life like un vrai Français(e) by eating de la glace while basking in the coastal sun or spend the afternoon at the French cinema.
Days 18-22 Regular Classes, Elective Activities + Leadership
French fluency is in your grasp and Biarritz has become your ‘home away from home’!
Day 23 Travel Excursion to St. Jean de Luz
Expand your love of southwestern France by traveling to the seaside town of St. Jean de Luz. Spanish and French history collide in this quintessential French Basque border town.
Day 24 Quality Time with Homestay & Friends
Take advantage of your last full French Sunday with your homestay and friends by riding the waves or exploring a new beach.
Days 25-28 Regular Classes, Elective Activities + Leadership
Dreaming in French yet?! Your French fluency has allowed you to discover another world!
Day 29 Final Day of Classes & Farewell Party
As your sojourn in Biarritz comes to a close, enjoy a final day with your homestay and friends!
Day 30 Depart Biarritz for Home
Bon voyage! Return home with amazing memories of France!
Biarritz 6-Week
Day 1 Depart for Biarritz, France!
Board your flight and get ready to embark on the study abroad journey of a lifetime!
Day 2 Arrive in Biarritz & Meet Your Homestay
Bienvenue! Step off the plane and into your new mode de vie. Get to know other students and your directors with an orientation party before meeting and spending the evening with your French homestay.
Day 3 Settle Into Your New Home!
Enjoy a captivating orientation tour of this regal seaside destination and take in the striking view of the Basque coast from the top of Le Phare de Biarritz.
Day 4 First Day of French Classes
Meet your Professeur and class after a language placement exam in the morning. Spend the afternoon learning about the history and unique culture of Biarritz.
Days 5-8 Regular Classes, Elective Activities + Leadership
Continue improving your French fluency through morning language and conversation courses followed by afternoon leadership and electives activities.
Day 9 Travel Excursion to San Sebastián, Spain
The beauty of this stunning city situated just across the border in the Spanish Basque region will amaze you with its majestic waterfront views, incredible shopping districts, and unparalleled Spanish cuisine.
Day 10 Quality Time with Homestay & Friends
French Sundays are the perfect day to faire une promenade along the waterfront, lounge on the beach, and take in the local culture while enjoying a café crème on an outdoor patio.
Days 11-15 Regular Classes, Elective Activities + Leadership
Be amazed by the progress you’ve made in your language skills and ability to thrive in a new culture!
Day 16 Travel Excursion to Hendaye, France
Explore the picturesque village of Hendaye. From the old port de pecheurs to the eccentric Château d’Antoine d’Abbadie, Hendaye will add further charm to your impression of France’s Pays Basque.
Day 17 Quality Time with Homestay & Friends
Relish life like un vrai Français(e) by eating de la glace while basking in the coastal sun or spend the afternoon at the French cinema.
Days 18-22 Regular Classes, Elective Activities + Leadership
French fluency is in your grasp and Biarritz has become your ‘home away from home’!
Day 23 Travel Excursion to St. Jean de Luz
Expand your love of southwestern France by traveling to the seaside town of St. Jean de Luz. Spanish and French history collide in this quintessential French Basque border town.
Day 24 Quality Time with Homestay & Friends
Enjoy a well deserved rest day by reading a book in the jardin and conversing in French with your homestay.
Days 25-29 Regular Classes, Elective Activities + Leadership
Dreaming in French yet?! Your French fluency has allowed you to discover another world!
Day 30 Travel Excursion to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Stroll through this quaint town shadowed by the Pyrénées and learn about the town’s relationship to the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail.
Day 31 Quality Time with Homestay & Friends
Spend your Sunday relaxing on the beach, riding the waves, or exploring a new beach.
Days 32-36 Regular Classes, Elective Activities + Leadership
Continue improving your French proficiency as you start to carry on fluid conversations with native speakers.
Day 37 Your Choice of Travel Excursion
For your last Saturday, you get a choice to which exciting city you’d like to re-visit! Dive further into the history and architecture of Bordeaux or return to Spain for tapas and fun!
Day 38 Quality Time with Homestay & Friends
Take advantage of your last full French Sunday with your homestay by exploring hidden pockets of Biarritz!
Days 39-42 Regular Classes, Elective Activities + Leadership
Have fun and enjoy the games and conversation during your last week of total French immersion!
Day 43 Final Day of Classes & Farewell Party
As your sojourn in Biarritz comes to a close, enjoy a final day with your homestay and friends!
Day 44 Depart Biarritz for Home
Bon voyage! Return home with amazing memories of France!
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