Tours is ideally situated in the heart of the Loire Valley surrounded by breath-taking chateaux, royal gardens and renowned vineyards, and remains one of the most famous cultural, artistic and gastronomic centers in France. The early history of Tours dates back to the Gallo-Roman times (1st Century AD) and traces of the first French renaissance are still visible today. The city's history, combined with an energetic restoration, policy have left Tours with a remarkably rich heritage. In the old city, the Place Plumereau is famous for its 15th and 16th century timber-framed houses overlooking a big open square where you will find several outdoor cafés and restaurants. For trips outside Tours, regional buses offer daily excursions to all the tourist attractions of the area, and the TGV trains will take you into Paris in about one hour.

The program is open to students from around the world and includes 20 hours of instruction per week. The faculty is made up native French professors experienced in teaching French as a Second Language. Class size varies from 12-18 students. All classes are taught in French.

Groups are set up by levels (Beginner to Advanced), determined by proficiency tests given the first day of each session. Each level has a choice of optional afternoon elective courses that meet for 1½ - 2 hours per week. Classes are held every morning Monday-Friday from 8:45am-12:15pm at an accredited language institute affiliated with the Université de Tours located near the Old Town just a few blocks from the city center in one of the city's oldest historic mansions. The institute is equipped with a multimedia resource library, an audio/video laboratory, a computer center, an auditorium, snack and vending machines, and an internet access center.

Course certificates are awarded upon successful completion of each program and must be requested directly from the admissions office in Tours. Official transcripts are processed by the host institution through the FAE office. Students must submit a Credit Transfer Request form to the FAE office in Virginia to receive a transcript. One transcript is provided at no cost to each student. A fee of $20 is charged for each additional transcript. Regular cultural activities and excursions are organized by the institute and are open to all students. A weekly schedule of activities is available from the institute at final registration in France. Additional services are also available from the Office du Tourisme in town.

Note: No classes are held on the following national holidays: July 14th and August 15th. FAE also offers 4 and 8-week Summer Study Abroad Programs in Aix-en-Provence, Bordeaux, Montpellier, Nice, and Paris.

Housing is arranged by FAE and the host institution in your choice of a private room with shared bath in a student dormitory, a private room with shared bath in the home of a local resident (with daily breakfast & dinner meal plan), or in a furnished efficiency apartment. Bed linens and bath towels are provided with all housing options. Please indicate your first and second choice of housing on your application.

There are two student cafeterias in town serving lunch and dinner: La Cité Internationale (Auberge de Jeunesse) and La Cité Universitaire de Sanitas. Discount student meal tickets may be purchased with a valid student ID at the CLOUS student center located in Tours next to La Cité-U de Sanitas at 3 blvd de Lattre-de-Tassigny and may be used at either student cafeteria. Breakfast is not served at any of the dining halls. You also have a wide selection of inexpensive restaurants and cafés around town that may be more convenient.

* Additional charge for 8-week program in June & July. Security deposit required for student residence & efficiency apartments.

Note: Prices are subject to change and may vary with fluctuating exchange rates.

A weekly schedule of activities and excursions is arranged by the institute. These activities require an extra fee. Students sign up for the activities of their choice once in France. Ask for a complete list of options at final registration. In addition to the excursions organized by the institute, the Office du Tourisme offers a wide selection of guided tours and events. Activities range from a walking tour of the old city, a tour of St Gatien's Cathedral, or a visit to the Musée des Beaux Arts - to bus tours to one of the famous Loire Valley Chateaux or vineyards. Visits to the homes of some of France's best known writers and poets can also be arranged. Regularly scheduled departures from the Gare Routière provide easy access to all of the many wonders that have made this region so popular. Plus, the high-speed TGV trains will take you to or from Paris in about an hour. Wherever your passion lies, you will find just the right place in and around Tours to make your Summer Study Abroad Program an experience you will want to repeat!