Summer Program in Hyères, France

June 5 - July 9, 2009 

Download the Hyères Brochure (PDF)

Purchase College, SUNY offers a five week program in June which combines intensive work in the French language with the possibility of studying either Creative Writing  or  Photography (both taught in English by Purchase faculty) for a total of eight credits.  Both electives meet three afternoons a week and use the town and surrounding area as a "classroom" and as a focus for assignments. French Language classes are offered at all levels from beginning through advanced, though it is useful to have completed at least one semester of French before departure.  Language classes meet Monday through Friday mornings in a modern, well-established school (ELFCA: Ecole de la Langue Francaise sur la Cote d’Azur).  All classes are taught by experienced teachers from the area.  Classes are small (maximum of 12 students), insuring personal attention and rapid progress. A language laboratory, library and computer access are all available at the school.

The program offers several excursions which will introduce students to the region rich in history and culture - from old Provencal villages and medieval churches to centers of pottery, perfume and wine, from spectacular natural settings such as the Grand Canyon du Verdon to fashion conscious locales such as Saint Tropez. The large cities of Marseilles, Cannes and Nice are easily and quickly accessible by train.

The last five days of the program will be spent in Paris, the "City of Lights," which students may explore with a faculty member or on their own.

In order to insure individual attention, the group is limited to 28 students.