What activities will we do on this program?
From class time with our French instructors to interactive workshops such as cooking and drumming classes, we keep busy and immersed in the language and culture of Guadeloupe. As this program qualifies for school credit, you can expect to spend a significant amount of time participating in a variety of academic course components. But we also take the time to make the most of the many adventure opportunities in the French West Indies including hiking through gorgeous tropical rainforests, kayaking and taking a three-day sailing voyage to nearby islands. There is also a community service component of the trip which will give you further insights into the lives of the islanders on Guadeloupe. [Back to Top] |
What will the academics be like?
Because Immersion French West Indies is accredited by Lesley University as a college level course, you can expect to spend a significant amount of time participating in a variety of academic components. You’ll attend lectures, workshops and perform service work. This program requires the completion of exams, some homework, short essays/journals and a service project. The academic work is designed to include both experiential and traditional learning, so while you may spend some mornings in a classroom participating in an interactive lecture and discussion, you will also spend time in hands-on experiences such as a Creole cooking class. Students should be prepared to fully participate in the academics, regardless of whether or they want to earn school credit. All academic assignments are Academic Treks course requirements. [Back to Top] |
Where do we sleep?
We will sleep in a variety of accommodations on Immersion French West Indies, including rustic lodges, a home stay, a hostel and a yacht. [Back to Top] |
What can I expect from my home stay experience?
Your home stay is an integral part of your Academic Treks experience…we hope the most illuminating and rewarding experience of your trip! A home stay provides ideal opportunities for true cultural immersion and will be one of the more memorable, cultural experiences you will ever have. In the beachside town of St. Anne, you will live with a local family for 5-7 days along with 1-2 other students from your group. Sometimes your home stay may seem challenging due to cultural differences and language differences. You’ll need to be patient and flexible, and keep your sense of adventure. You’ll eat meals with your family and without the rest of your group and staff and you may be served food you are not used to. Your sleeping arrangements might be different than what you’re accustomed to… But with an open mind, we promise your home stay will be a highlight of your trip! The relationships you form with your home stay family and the language skills you acquire from living with locals are irreplaceable.
Your home stay is an integral part of your language immersion experience. In the beachside town of St. Anne, you’ll live with a local family with another student from your group. Home stays are intriguing and rewarding as they give you a peek into the real lives of people living in another culture. The relationships you develop with your home stay family will make the experience a highlight of your trip! [Back to Top] |
What's a typical day like during the formal language studies/home stay portion of the trip?
Your 10 days of language instruction will be busy, sometimes challenging, but always fun! From interactive language classes and cultural workshops to eating meals and spending time with your home stay family, you will find yourself immersed in the culture and language of your host country. Each day, you will travel with your home stay roommate to the language institute. You will spend your mornings in language class with a small group of 4-8 students at your language level. After lunch with your home stay family, you will reunite with your group for an afternoon language workshop: cooking class, salsa lessons, a local museum visit, a hike, or a market scavenger hunt to name a few. After leaving your formal language studies each day, you'll be expected to be at home with your family unless there is an organized group activity. On some evenings, your group might meet for a movie, a play, a soccer game or just to grab a cup of coffee. After group activities at night, the AT staff will accompany you home. Students are allowed to participate in activities with their host family that may happen outside of the home with permission from their AT staff. [Back to Top] |
What do we eat?
Throughout the trip, we will be eating traditional Caribbean fare, consisting mainly of rice, beans, some meat, vegetables and fresh fruits. [Back to Top] |
How will we get around the country?
We will use several modes of transportation while traveling around Guadeloupe, including buses, hiking, walking, taxis, kayaks and a yacht. [Back to Top] |
How do I get high school or college credit for this program?
In the fall after program, Academic Treks will provide you with a transcript, as well as a letter detailing the course curriculum for your high school administrator. Most schools accept the credit after reviewing this course packet. Each academic institution has its own requirements, however, so we can't guarantee your school will accept the credit. We recommend asking for approval from your school administrator prior to program. You can also earn college credit for this course through Lesley University for an additional fee. To learn more about the school credit options, call us at 888-833-1908. [Back to Top] |
Is there a French prerequisite for Immersion French West Indies?
Students participating in Immersion French West Indies should have completed at least one year of high school French. [Back to Top] |
What community service will we do on this program?
Service work can vary on this program, depending on the current needs of the community we are living in. In Sainte Anne, we may work with a local youth organization or an environmental conservation group. We may also perform a few hours of work on a project in the National Park. [Back to Top] |
Can I call home from this program?
It is relatively easy to email and to make calls home from Guadeloupe. Please read your Travel Packet for the most up to date communication information regarding recommended calling cards. [Back to Top] |
What is the weather like?
The Caribbean weather in the summer is usually warm and beautiful! Big storms during our program dates are rare, although brief afternoon showers are common. In the unlikely event of a bigger storm, we will know about it days in advance and take the necessary precautions. [Back to Top] |
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