Orientation begins in Tours where students start their cultural immersion while taking intensive language courses at the Institut de Touraine. Tours is the capital of Touraine, near the Loire Valley. Only 55 minutes from Paris by high speed train, Tours has a rich historic and architectural heritage. This lively city has a beautiful city center with a popular pedestrian area.
Students have the opportunity to study French where famous historian Michelet said, "Our language is spoken with the most beautiful and purest accent of all." The Institut de Touraine has been providing French classes for a century and currently welcomes students from 80 nationalities. More information is found on their website at www.institutdetouraine.fr.
During this initial stage of the orientation, students live with host families (two students per family; two meals per day). In the morning there are classes at the Institut and in the afternoon there are program meetings, group excursions to local sites and free time for exploring and getting to know the director and other Central College Abroad students.
Following the month in Tours, the director and students take the train to Paris together. Upon arrival, students move into their respective residence. The orientation program then continues in Paris. Orientation begins in September for all fall semester students and in January for spring semester. Full year students do not repeat the orientation in Tours. Intensive language coursework taken during the orientation program in Tours carries three summer or January term credits.
Cultural activities and excursions
An important aspect of the program is the inclusion of cultural activities and excursions shared by the group and designed to develop a fuller understanding and appreciation of the breadth of French and Parisian culture. Within Paris, events may include plays, concerts, dance performances as well as museum and special exhibition visits. All activities and excursions are an integral part the program. Tickets and entrance fees for these activities are covered by the program fee.
The excursions vary from year to year, but have included trips to the Chateaux of the Loire Valley, Normandy and/or the Champagne region. Central College reserves the right to alter destinations and itineraries.
