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France & Holland

A Taste of Europe

June 27 — July 13
July 5 — July 21
$8,390 + airfare

France & Holland

A Taste of Europe

June 27 — July 13
July 5 — July 21
$8,390 + airfare

Travel to France and Holland on this adventurous student travel program for middle school students. Experience the sky-scraping Alps and the dazzle of Paris, the bucolic Dutch countryside, and the charming canals of Amsterdam. This summer, go abroad to hike, bike, and explore the most beautiful landscapes and cities of northwestern Europe, and savor its rich heritage.

• Ride a téléphérique high above Alpine peaks and glaciers
• Bike through Holland’s picturesque countryside
• Listen to jazz on the Île Saint-Louis in the heart of Paris
• Discover van Gogh’s favorite haunts in Amsterdam
“I conquered many fears, and that gave me the highest sense of accomplishment. I believe that I came out of the program a more well-rounded person.”
—Oliver B., Grace Church School, New York, NY

Itinerary

This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.

Departure — Travel Day

Meet your fellow middle school student travelers and one of your leaders in New York, and fly together to Geneva, Switzerland. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Chamonix — 4 days

Journey to Chamonix, an Alpine town known for its endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Hike through wildflower fields with panoramic views of snowcapped peaks, try canyoning through glacial streams with professional guides, or raft in the valley with the spectacular backdrop of the Alps.

Paris — 4 days

Travel by train to Paris and soak up Parisian life, from its music and cafés to museums and monuments. Explore the neighborhoods of the Left Bank, Île de la Cité, and Montmartre, and visit renowned sites such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre. Taste escargots at grand Art Deco brasseries once frequented by Picasso and Sartre, and cruise down the Seine River to see the city illuminated at night.

Biking in Holland — 4 days

Head out on a four-day bicycle trip along rural bike paths, through sand dunes, and past windmills and Dutch farms. Along the way, stop to swim in the North Sea, take paddle boarding or sailing lessons, and visit the towns of Noordwijk, Haarlem, Egmond, and Heemskerk.

Amsterdam — 3 days

Relax after your bike trip and explore Amsterdam’s busy canals and cobblestone streets. Visit Anne Frank’s house and admire paintings by Rembrandt and van Gogh at the Rijksmuseum.

Return — Travel Day

Fly with your group and a leader from Amsterdam to New York, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Itinerary

This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.

Departure — Travel Day

Meet your fellow middle school student travelers and one of your leaders in New York, and fly together to Geneva, Switzerland. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Chamonix — 4 days

Journey to Chamonix, an Alpine town known for its endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Hike through wildflower fields with panoramic views of snowcapped peaks, try canyoning through glacial streams with professional guides, or raft in the valley with the spectacular backdrop of the Alps.

Paris — 4 days

Travel by train to Paris and soak up Parisian life, from its music and cafés to museums and monuments. Explore the neighborhoods of the Left Bank, Île de la Cité, and Montmartre, and visit renowned sites such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre. Taste escargots at grand Art Deco brasseries once frequented by Picasso and Sartre, and cruise down the Seine River to see the city illuminated at night.

Biking in Holland — 4 days

Head out on a four-day bicycle trip along rural bike paths, through sand dunes, and past windmills and Dutch farms. Along the way, stop to swim in the North Sea, take paddle boarding or sailing lessons, and visit the towns of Noordwijk, Haarlem, Egmond, and Heemskerk.

Amsterdam — 3 days

Relax after your bike trip and explore Amsterdam’s busy canals and cobblestone streets. Visit Anne Frank’s house and admire paintings by Rembrandt and van Gogh at the Rijksmuseum.

Return — Travel Day

Fly with your group and a leader from Amsterdam to New York, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Featured

Leaders

Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program. 

CropSSTCRB Josh Osias_1
Josh (Josias) Osias
View Bio
CropMSXICE Vanessa Vazquez 3
Vanessa Vazquez
View Bio
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Featured

Leaders

Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program. 

CropSSTCRB Josh Osias_1
Josh (Josias) Osias
View Bio
CropMSXICE Vanessa Vazquez 3
Vanessa Vazquez
View Bio
Loading...
About the Destination

From France’s snowcapped Alpine peaks and glittering capital to Holland’s rugged coasts and charming ports bordering the North Sea, this area of northwestern Europe spans spectacular natural wonders and deeply rooted cultures. France and Holland are richly sophisticated countries that have enchanted the hearts and imaginations of writers, cyclists, artists, mountaineers, gourmands, history buffs, and bon vivants worldwide.

Language

French is the only official language of France, although there are over 40 regional dialects, including Breton, Provençal, Picard, Gascon, Limousin, and Alsatian. Dutch is the official language of Holland.

Climate

Summers in France and Holland are pleasantly warm, and daytime high temperatures are usually around 80°F. It is cooler in the Alps, where afternoon temperatures seldom exceed 70°F, and nights dip to 50°F.

Cuisine

Europe is a cornucopia of diverse culinary styles and regional specialties—reflections of the history, climate, customs, and geography of each place. Savor fondue in the Alps, fresh baguettes and croissants in Paris, and sample the famous cheeses and pastries of Holland, as well as Amsterdam’s increasingly international fare.

About the Destination

From France’s snowcapped Alpine peaks and glittering capital to Holland’s rugged coasts and charming ports bordering the North Sea, this area of northwestern Europe spans spectacular natural wonders and deeply rooted cultures. France and Holland are richly sophisticated countries that have enchanted the hearts and imaginations of writers, cyclists, artists, mountaineers, gourmands, history buffs, and bon vivants worldwide.

Language

French is the only official language of France, although there are over 40 regional dialects, including Breton, Provençal, Picard, Gascon, Limousin, and Alsatian. Dutch is the official language of Holland.

Climate

Summers in France and Holland are pleasantly warm, and daytime high temperatures are usually around 80°F. It is cooler in the Alps, where afternoon temperatures seldom exceed 70°F, and nights dip to 50°F.

Cuisine

Europe is a cornucopia of diverse culinary styles and regional specialties—reflections of the history, climate, customs, and geography of each place. Savor fondue in the Alps, fresh baguettes and croissants in Paris, and sample the famous cheeses and pastries of Holland, as well as Amsterdam’s increasingly international fare.

What to Expect

Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:

Independent Project

Pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of local culture of particular interest to you—make cheese with a local French farmer, learn a traditional Dutch song, or interview people from both countries about their views on the future of Europe.

Physical Activity

This is a physically active summer program. You can expect to participate in activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, and walking. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities and spending time outside.

Accommodations

Our residences in France and Holland are varied, ranging from comfortable, old world-style hotels to a simple, dormitory-style student hostel. Residences are run by wonderful families or individuals who help set the tone for our experience and introduce us to local people. Rooms are a mix of doubles, triples, and quads with ensuite bathrooms. Leaders reside in the same accommodations as students throughout the program.

Meals

We begin each day with a traditional French or Dutch breakfast at our residence. For lunches and dinners, we find small restaurants or hit the markets to purchase food for a picnic.

Altitude

This program visits a high-altitude destination. On hikes in Chamonix, we climb up above 9,000 feet/2,743 meters.

What to Expect

Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:

Independent Project

Pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of local culture of particular interest to you—make cheese with a local French farmer, learn a traditional Dutch song, or interview people from both countries about their views on the future of Europe.

Physical Activity

This is a physically active summer program. You can expect to participate in activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, and walking. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities and spending time outside.

Accommodations

Our residences in France and Holland are varied, ranging from comfortable, old world-style hotels to a simple, dormitory-style student hostel. Residences are run by wonderful families or individuals who help set the tone for our experience and introduce us to local people. Rooms are a mix of doubles, triples, and quads with ensuite bathrooms. Leaders reside in the same accommodations as students throughout the program.

Meals

We begin each day with a traditional French or Dutch breakfast at our residence. For lunches and dinners, we find small restaurants or hit the markets to purchase food for a picnic.

Altitude

This program visits a high-altitude destination. On hikes in Chamonix, we climb up above 9,000 feet/2,743 meters.

A Day in the Life: Argentière

Due to the traveling nature of this student program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in Chamonix.
8:00am
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodations
9:00am
Ride one of the longest cable-car ascents in the world to the Aiguille du Midi
12:00pm
Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by panoramic views of alpine peaks and glaciers
1:00pm
Explore the surrounding hiking trails before taking the cable car back to to Chamonix
4:00pm
Stop at a local café to rest and enjoy some ice cream, then check out the Alpine Museum
7:00pm
Enjoy dinner at a family-owned restaurant in town
8:00pm
Group meeting to discuss the day and upcoming schedule

A Day in the Life:
Argentière

Due to the traveling nature of this student program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in Chamonix.
8:00am
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodations
9:00am
Ride one of the longest cable-car ascents in the world to the Aiguille du Midi
12:00pm
Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by panoramic views of alpine peaks and glaciers
1:00pm
Explore the surrounding hiking trails before taking the cable car back to to Chamonix
4:00pm
Stop at a local café to rest and enjoy some ice cream, then check out the Alpine Museum
7:00pm
Enjoy dinner at a family-owned restaurant in town
8:00pm
Group meeting to discuss the day and upcoming schedule
“I personally gained the biggest sense of accomplishment from the biking trip. I really felt like it was challenging not only physically but even more so mentally. I gained independence and confidence in ways that will help me with future challenges.”
—Byars L., St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, Austin, TX
avery-stern

Program Directed by

Avery Stern

If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!

avery-stern

Program Directed by

Avery Stern

If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!

Enroll in two programs & save $1,000!

$800 tuition discount + no application fee