Our teacher training programs are designed for French teachers seeking refresher courses or additional certification in their field. Programs are offered for four-week sessions in Tours during the months of July and August. All our programs include daily classes, accommodations, course materials, taxes and fees. As an added highlight to your Teacher Training Program, we also offer hotel accommodations for an optional 2-day, 2-night visit of Paris either before or after your program. Course certificates are awarded at the end of each program. The sections below provide further details on our Summer Teacher Training Programs for French Teachers.

Ideally situated in the heart of the Loire Valley surrounded by breath-taking chateaux, royal gardens and renowned vineyards, Tours 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.

Each institute Each institute operates out of its own facility, fully equipped with a resource library, audio/video eqipment, computer center, and internet access. The faculty is made up native French professors experienced in teaching French as a Second Language. All classes are taught in French. Optional afternoon activities and excursions are regularly scheduled by the schools, which students sign up for once in France.

The objectives for the Teacher Training Program are to refresh and improve your knowledge of the French language along with the social and cultural changes of contemporary French society. You will learn and discuss classroom techniques including use of advertisements, comics, songs, media (press, cinema, radio, television, computers, internet), video recordings, games, role-playing, etc. All classes are taught in French. Your instructors will cover methods of teaching literature, grammar, conversation and other functional skills. You will learn how to adapt your lesson plans and teaching methods to specific themes.

Two identical 4-week sessions of 84-92 hours each are offered in July and August. Each course includes advanced linguistics, analysis of French teaching methods and aspects of contemporary France. Classes meet Monday-Friday from 8:45am to 12:15pm, followed by elective workshops each afternoon. The program is divided into four subject areas: methodology, practical classroom skills, language, and culture. You will have the opportunity to review and refresh you own functional skills and knowledge of contemporary French society.

4-week sessions starting July 7 and August 4.

Note: No classes will be held on the following national holidays: July 14 and August 15.

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Available housing includes your choice of furnished rooms in private homes of local residents (with daily breakfast or daily breakfast and dinner meal plans), hotels with continental breakfast, or in fully furnished apartments. Accommodations may be arranged for more than one person. Linens and bath towels are provided with all options. Please indicate your housing preference on your Registration Form and specify if it is for more than one person.

All prices below include classes, accommodations, course materials, taxes and fees. The total cost of each program is based on the choice of accommodation. A security deposit (imprint of a manor credit card) is required for all apartment rentals. Prices are listed in US dollars.

Note: Each participant is responsible for supplying his/her own medical/trip insurance while in France. Expenses may vary with fluctuating exchange rates.

A weekly schedule of activities and excursions is arranged by the institutes. Activities require an extra fee. Program participants 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 institutes, the Office de Tourisme in each city offers a wide selection of guided tours and events. Activities range from a walking tour of the city or a guided visit to a museum, to a bus tour to one of the famous sights or monuments in the surrounding region. Regularly scheduled departures from the local bus stations (Gare Routière) provide easy access to all of the many wonders that have made each region so popular. Wherever your passion lies, you will find just the right place in the city to make your Teacher Training Program an experience you will want to repeat!