Orientation
The Skidmore in Paris: Advanced Studies program begins during the pre-departure orientation held on the Skidmore College campus during the semester prior to studying abroad. Upon arrival in France, you will begin a one-week orientation. The orientation at the beginning of the fall term begins in Paris. After 2 days in Paris, the group will travel outside of Paris to Normandy and Brittany for a 2 night orientation excursion. The group will return to Paris at the end of the week, and students will meet their host-families. The 2 night orientation excursion during the spring semester is usually to the Loire Valley. The orientation programs focus on French language, culture and history through a series of lectures and guided tours. 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Excursions & Activities
Excursions and cultural activities are considered an integral part of the Skidmore program that complements students’ coursework. You can look forward to guided tours of museums and historical landmarks such as Notre Dame, Monmartre, and Versailles, as well as frequent excursions to places of interest outside of Paris such as Normandy, Chartres, Fontainebleau, and the Loire Valley.
 In the past there have been trips to Brittany and Normandy (a two-day trip including le Mont-Saint-Michel, Bayeux and the Normandy D-Day beaches), the Cathedral and the medieval city of Chartres, the Château of Fontainebleau, the South of France (a three-day trip in Provence including Avignon, Arles, Nîmes, Les Baux, Saint-Rémy, and Glanum), and the Loire Valley Châteaux (a two-day trip including Amboise, Chambord, Chenonceau, Blois, and Beauregard). |
Newsletters
Below are newsletters created by the onsite staff with details and student comments about orientation, program excursions, host families and internships.
