French Exchange Program 2014 - 2015 by G.E.T Educational Tours

Introducing....

the French experience of a lifetime

Each year following the end-of-year exams many excited Australian students travel to France to stay with a host family and attend a Lycée (senior high school). As participants in G·E·T Educational Tours unique “Living Lessons” French Exchange Program they’re not just immersed in French culture and language, they enjoy the French experience of a lifetime. Perfect for a student preparing for Year 12 and further tertiary education, our French Exchange Program provides 16-18 year old students the opportunity to enhance their language skills, experience the independence of international travel in a safe environment and prepare for the future with confidence and maturity. Applications for the 2014 - 2015 “Living Lessons” French Exchange Program is now open (closing May 12 2014) for departures in November and December 2013.

“LiVING LESSONS” FrENCH EXCHANGE PROGRAM 2014-15

“My final weeks flew and by this stage I could have decent conversations with people - being immersed in the culture really is the best way to learn the language “

“I’m having loads of fun here.... How does the application process work?

1. Student/parent/teacher to complete the detailed application. This is very important as it is sent over to France and shown to potential host families. 2. Students will be interviewed. 3. Students informed whether they have been successful so far. 4. Successful applicants invoiced for deposit of $1000. This is fully refundable until a host family has been sourced. 5. Successful applications sent to our partner company in France for assessment. 6. France will inform me whether applicants are successful or if further information is needed. Then they will begin the process of sourcing a suitable host family. 7. When host family details are sent through from France, these are then passed on to students, who are then able to contact the host family and get to know them. 8. Students then invoiced for airfare component. 9. Final invoice payable 45 days before departure. 10. Pre-departure meeting (Depending on number of participants).

“IT was an amazing experience to be in the most romantic city in the world, and it was fantastic to see it from a French Perspective”. This was the enthusiastic reaction of Hornsby High School Year 10 student, Melissa Black (pictured front page centre sitting left), following a week in Paris with her host family. She said her participation in the program had significantly helped her fluency in French and appreciation of other cultures.

“Institut St Dominique is a wonderful place, with friendly helpful staff members and welcoming students. The family Legrand de Ginji were amazing and I have formed close bonds with them that made my experience perfect!” Madaline Hartwig, St Michael’s College

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“I made some fabulous friends, many of whom were exchange students like me. It is an enormous feeling to know that friends can be made almost anywhere - being over the other side of the world has a huge impact on your values and on the way you see the world.” By the time she completed her homestay and high school experience, Melissa could converse in French and felt comfortable communicating with the local people. “My final weeks flew and by this stage I could have decent conversations with people – being immersed in the culture really is the best way to learn the language,” she said.

WANTED: Motivated, Enthusiastic, Adventurous students of French to participate in a fantastic residential program in France

frequently asked questions... How old do I need to be? You need to be 16-18 years of age on the date of departure from Australia. Do I need to have studied French? You need to have studied French for at least 2 years and be prepared to ‘have a go’. Can I choose where I would like to go? No. Families are chosen according to matching interests as far as possible. Your host family will not be living in Paris. Will I have contact with my host family before I leave? Yes, you will be given detailed information about your host family beforehand and be able to contact them and get to know them. What happens when I arrive in Paris? You will be met by our French representative and taken to the train. Once you arrive at your final destination, you will be met by your host family and your local counsellor. Will I attend school? Yes, you will attend a lycee (senior high school). Will my family have to host a French student in return? No, this is not a reciprocal exchange program. What if I have a problem while I am in France? You will be assigned a local counsellor who will assist you if you are having a problem.

Will I need a visa? If your program is 3 months or less a visa is not required. For longer programs, a visa is required. G.E.T. Educational Tours will help you with advice about the process and provide necessary documents. The cost of a visa is not included in the program fee. To obtain a visa, applicants must attend a French Consulate in person for an appointment. Can I use frequent flyer points to travel to and from France? Yes, under certain conditions.  You will need to arrive in Paris on the same flight as the other students travelling from Australia. Do I have to return to Australia immediately the program is finished? No.  Your parents may wish to meet you and travel elsewhere in France or Europe. We can arrange your return flight according to your wishes.

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Can I travel to other parts of France or Europe while I am on exchange?  You will not be allowed to travel on your own while taking part in the program.  You will be able to travel with your host family for weekends/short holidays if they have planned some activities for you and your parents in Australia are happy with this.

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EXPRESSION OF INTEREST - French Exchange Program

Yes – I will be at least 16 years old at date of departure from Australia and I am interested in finding out more about the ‘Living Lessons’ French Exchange Program. NAME:

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ADDRESS: ........................................................................................................................................................... ..........................................................................................................................................................

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CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: ............................................................... DATE OF BIRTH: ............................................................................... E-MAIL: .......................................................................................................................................................... SCHOOL: .......................................................................................................................................................... PARENT’S SIGNATURE: ......................................................................................................................................... PARENT NAME (in block letters): ........................................................................................................................... I am most interested in (please circle your choice); 6 week program (depart mid Dec 2014– return late Jan 2015) from $4,798 per student* 2 month program (depart late Nov 2014 – return late Jan 2015) from $6,659 per student* 3 month program (depart late Oct 2014 – return late Jan 2015) from $7,045 per student* 6 month program (depart late Dec 2014 – return late June 2015) from $8,425 per student* 10 month program (depart mid Sept 2014 – return mid June 2015) from $10,400 per student* 11 month program (depart early Jan 2015 – return mid Nov 2015) from $11,008 per student* *Prices subject to currency variation, air fare seasonality and other changes. Airline taxes and levies are additional. Dates are approximate at this stage.

Please return your expression of interest to;

G·E·T Educational Tours P.O. Box 145 SOUTH MELBOURNE Vic 3205 EMAIL: janine@getours.com.au

Applications Deadline: May 12 2014

G•E•T Educational Tours proudly supports The Smith Family "Learning for Life" program