Talloires: The Perfect French Home Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was lighter than at Tufts, but I still had homework almost every night. The professors are all from Tufts, and most of them have been teaching the same courses in Talloires (and at Tufts) for several years. The quality of the academics was great, and I learned a lot more from my classes than I realized at the time. The only bad part was the condensed time period, but that comes with any summer class. The Priory that we had classes in was great, because it allowed the students to interact and help each other out with coursework, or just hang out.

On-site administration of your program

Gabby, Adam, and the program staff were WONDERFUL. So, so nice and helpful. They really went out of their way to organize trips and events for the students. They were always available and always willing to help out in any way.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was very welcoming and happy to have me. They've been hosting students for years, so they knew what to expect and how to live well with an American student. I had my own room in my host family's apartment (the second floor of a large house), which was situated in Annecy, just outside the Vieille Ville (the pretty, touristy part of Annecy). I could walk back to my house safely after going out at night, and I only had a 10 minute walk to the bus stop and the Annecy Gare (train station). My host family provided everything I needed; I only brought my own toiletries from home.

I went into the program a vegetarian and came out a meat-eater. EVERYTHING in France is made with ham, so be prepared. Vegetarianism isn't a known concept in France, and my host mother didn't understand when I told her I didn't eat meat. It was okay though, because I don't think I could have truly appreciated French food without eating meat, ham specifically. Plus, the meat in France is much fresher than in the U.S. and not processed. The local specialties, like tartiflette and Reblochon and Tomme cheese, were unbelievable, and you must try them if you go. French food is great. A little heavy at times (all that bread and cheese) but unprocessed and healthy.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I took a trip to Paris with friends, which was amazing. The program had day and overnight hikes in the Alps (one of my favorite parts of the trip), a pilgrimage to Saint Germain, and a trip to Chamonix/Mont Blanc region. I went to Chambery to see Jacques Rousseau's house and saw an opera in Geneva as class field trips.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a minor injury halfway through the program, and the Talloires directors were really helpful when I told them what happened. I felt very, very safe in Talloires and also in Annecy. Common sense is always recommended, but if you don't walk a far distance alone at night and keep your money sticking out of your pocket, then you'll be fine.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I only spoke French with my host family, but a lot of my day was spent with other American students, and we mostly spoke English to one another. Many residents of Talloires and Annecy, especially waiters and other service occupations, spoke enough English to help when my French failed me. The locals appreciate when foreigners try to speak French though. Still, don't be offended if they chuckle at your mistakes, they take their language very seriously.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Americans