FARA International Soccer Study Abroad Programs - Alternatives to Youth Soccer Camps , Youth Boarding Soccer Camps, Youth Soccer Academies, Youth Soccer Camps, and Youth Soccer Team Tours Abroad.

It is hard to generalize about France. As Charles de Gaulle once remarked: 'how could one describe a country which has 260 kinds of cheese?' It is undeniable that France is a land of great contrasts, offering a myriad of enticing destinations and diverse landscapes including farmlands, forests, and mountains, as well as magnificent cuisines, climates and peoples, with an exceptional cultural heritage. As you live with the French, you will experience for yourself the rich French culture and what shapes their national psyche.

Students who choose an academic year or a semester program in France will live with a host family, attend a local high school, and compete with a competitive soccer club.

School is another place besides the soccer pitch for you to meet people and make friends during your stay in France. During our program in France, players will attend a local French high school called a Lycée. Placement within the school is managed by one of our partner foreign exchange institutions. Curriculum varies according to each players' grade level, language ability, and past course work. Typical subjects included in course work are French literature, history, geography, mathematics, science, English, physical education, and a foreign language. Students are enrolled in either the Séconde (10th grade), Première (11th grade) or Terminale (final year), depending on their age, school background and knowledge of French. Academic Year, Fall Semester and Spring Semester programs have a prerequisite of two years of high school French language study, or the demonstrated equivalent as classes will be conducted in French. There is no better way to rapidly improve your French language skills than living in the country itself!

Champions of the 1998 World Cup and runners up of the 2006 World Cup, France has consistently been a dominating force on the world football stage in the past decade. Their success can be contributed in large part to their long history of professionalism in France and a strong player pool from an increasingly diverse country.

While French club football enjoys less financial prowess than its English, Italian, and German counterparts, France remains a prime destination for footballers around the globe to make their mark in the European footballing community. Clubs such as Paris St. Germain, AS Monaco, and Olympique Marseille have all proven to be strong contenders at the European level.

French football has a reputation to be superior to the styles of many nations due to their ability to successfully combine efficiency with creativity. French coaches typically stress the importance of this powerful combination and orchestrate their training sessions to development players' abilities in both realms.

FARA players are placed within a competitive local French football club fit to their level. Players are placed within an environment that will challenge the player and allow tremendous opportunity for development, while keeping in mind their physical strength and technical foundation.

The French love to socialize with friends and family. Meals are a very big part of French culture and are a great time to spend developing relationships and sharing your experiences. French cuisine is considered to be one of the world's most refined and elegant styles of cooking, and is renowned for both its classical haute cuisine and provincial styles. They are very proud of their cuisine and have a deep sense of appreciation for dining. It is common for them to practice certain table manners such as not helping yourself before having been invited to do so, not leaving the table before the end of the meal, and helping to clear the table and wash the dishes.

Although your life will be very busy with soccer practice and games, the French enjoy other activities including cycling, fishing, tennis, hiking, skiing, and sailing. Popular national events include the annual Tour de France cycling race and the French Open tennis tournament. Besides sports, the French enjoy visiting museams, attending plays and concerts, and simply socializing in the local café.

Players are placed with carefully selected host families throughout the many beautiful provinces of France. Local representatives are available to assist each player in adjusting to life in France. FARA provides ongoing support and advisement in soccer matters from our main office.

Currently competing at a competitive level of soccer
2 years of high school French language study or the equivalent
16-18 years old (Maximum age is 18.5 at start of program)
2.5 GPA or higher (4.0 scale)
Flexible and mature personality; desire to be challenged, ability to remain open-minded and tolerant of cultural differences.

LENGTH

DATES*

COST

DEADLINE

Academic Year Aug - June $14,750 March 31, 2008

Fall Semester Aug - Jan $13,250 March 31, 2008

Spring Semester Jan - June $13,550 Aug 1, 2008

*All dates are approximations and vary from year to year

NOTE: The FARA IFX program to France has limited capacity, so students are encouraged to apply well in advance of the application deadlines.

In order to apply for a French visa, students may be required to apply in person at one of the ten French consulates in the United States. Depending on where you live, this may require travel. In order to find the French consulate that covers your region in the United States, go to http://www.ambafrance-us.org/intheus/consulates.asp. It is also important to note that the visa application process can take up to 6 weeks to complete.

Round-trip airfare from a major international airport near your home (in the continental U.S.) including domestic and international flights
Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Homestay accommodation including meals with your host family
Placement in a local high school
Placement with a local competitive soccer club
Management of international soccer transfer
Procurement of French player pass
Weekly soccer training
Participation in all soccer club tournaments, league matches, training camps, training sessions, etc.
Soccer league fees, travel expenses, & club gear (shoes not included).
Ongoing support of soccer program aspect
Assistance with student visa application process
Student health and accident insurance
24-hour emergency assistance
Pre-departure orientations
Supervision, guidance, and support during the application process and throughout the program
FARA T-Shirt
Student Handbook

Passport and visa application fees as applicable
Personal expenses (e.g., toiletries, clothing, internet, calling card, activities)
School expenses (e.g., uniform/lunches, if required, supplies, bus pass)
Any other item not specifie