Language & Hiking France

3 or 4 weeks

open to grades 7-12

Overland’s Language & Hiking France allows students to explore France in a small, supportive, wholesome and fun-loving Overland group. We’ll learn the language while experiencing French life and culture in quaint Alpine villages and the bustling cities of Paris and Annecy.

Language & Hiking France: Three Weeks (for grades 7-9)

Based in Chamonix in the French Alps, every weekday we’ll attend small, private classes with native-speaking teachers at a language school. After school, we’ll enjoy daily hikes in the spectacular Alps. Off the trail, Overland’s leaders and teachers will organize activities to engage each student in the French language and culture. On our two weekends we’ll camp in nearby Alpine villages and hike to some of the best viewpoints in the Mont Blanc valley. At the end of the trip, we’ll travel to Paris to discover the parks, neighborhoods and museums of France’s greatest city. Over the course of three weeks, our daily lessons, hikes, activities and weekend camping trips will strengthen our language skills while showing us the beauty and variety of France.

Language & Hiking France: Four Weeks (for grades 9-12)

Based in the town of Chamonix in the beautiful Mont Blanc Valley, every weekday we’ll attend small, private classes with native-speaking teachers in a language school. After school, we’ll hike along the many trails in the French Alps. During the weekends, we’ll camp in local Alpine villages and along the shores of Lake Annecy as well as spend full-days hiking to some of the best viewpoints that these incredible mountains have to offer. Activities will be organized by Overland’s leaders and the group’s French teachers to give students the opportunity to employ their language skills in real-world conversations. At trip end, we'll head to Paris to explore its many landmarks, museums and unique neighborhoods. Over the course of four weeks, our daily lessons, hikes, activities and weekend camping trips will strengthen our language skills while showing us the beauty and variety of France.

“The balance between academic learning and experience was beautifully struck.” Nina Cheney, Atlanta, Georgia

Highlights

Develop language skills through daily native-speaker instruction
Hike and camp in the Alps of the Mont Blanc Valley
Explore the vibrant city of Paris
Visit the shores of Lake Annecy
Experience the sights, sounds & tastes of French culture

Grade

Language & Hiking France: Three Weeks

For students completing grades 7-9 in June 2013

Language & Hiking France: Four Weeks

For students completing grades 9-12 in June 2013
Multiple groups organized by grade

Call us (413-458-9672) to check on current availability

Challenge Level

4 (1-10, 1 is easiest)

Start and End Location

Starts in Geneva, Switzerland
Ends in Paris, France

Dates

Language & Hiking France: Three Weeks

Sunday, June 23 to Friday, July 12
Sunday, July 14 to Friday, August 2

Language & Hiking France: Four Weeks

Saturday, June 29 to Friday, July 26

Fees

3-week program: $5995

4-week program: $6995

What the trip fee includes:

All meals, group gear, accommodations, activities and transportation during the trip

What the trip fee doesn't include:

Personal gear and clothing (see packing list)
Airfare to and from the trip start and end (see flight and travel details)
Trip insurance (recommended; learn more about the benefits)

“The best month of my life!” Katherine Graves, Darien, Connecticut

Trip Details

PARENTS & STUDENTS PLEASE NOTE

Unlike most Overland programs, Language & Hiking France spends a good deal of time in cities. As with every Overland program, our high expectations and basic rules apply at all times. There are no late night activities and drinking alcohol is strictly forbidden.

LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION HOURS

Language & Hiking France: Three Weeks

50 hours of native-speaker classroom-based instruction
30 additional hours of structured language immersion

Language & Hiking France: Four Weeks

65 hours of native-speaker classroom-based instruction
40 additional hours of structured language immersion

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Overland offers two Language & Hiking France programs - each requires experience with French.

We prefer that students enrolling in Language & Hiking France programs have at least one year of French. There are several instances, however, in which we grant exceptions to this requirement. If your son or daughter has had comparable language practice in French outside of formal class instruction, or if they have a background in another foreign language, for example Latin or Spanish, that may be sufficient for this program. Since Overland groups are split into smaller language classes upon arrival, we can accommodate varying levels of language skills. The most important factors for success on this program are the student’s enthusiasm for learning the language and his or her dedication to practicing the language throughout the program. Please give our office a call to discuss your student’s suitability for our programs.

All of Overland's Language programs abroad require dedication to mastering a language and understanding a new culture. Although there is no language pledge, students will be expected to speak only French while in class and during structured language immersion outside of class. Students will be encouraged to speak French amongst themselves outside of the classroom as much as possible.

TRIP DIFFICULTY

Participants should be prepared for day hikes in the Alps on commonly-used trails. The groups will hike together and take breaks for rest, snack and water as necessary. The terrain in the Alps can be challenging at times –there are some long, steep, rocky sections and occasionally some hiking on snow. Groups will typically hike between 1 to 4 miles each day. Due to the terrain and time for breaks, this usually averages to between 2 and 4 hours per outing (slightly longer on weekends). Experience among participants will vary and no previous hiking or backpacking experience is required.

“I will definitely go on another Overland trip. Thanks for three great weeks!” Ben Kieff, Newton, Massachusetts

Itineraries shown below subject to change

4-week Itinerary (click here)

3-week Itinerary

Day 1: Trip Start

Our adventure will start at the Geneva International Airport in Switzerland. Once everyone has arrived, we will travel to Chamonix. Along the way, tunnels through mountains and bridges over icy-blue torrents will eventually bring us to the base of Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Europe at 15,748 feet. The Mont Blanc Valley is a spectacular sight to be seen with jagged mountain peaks still in the process of being carved by glaciers that flow down the sides of the valley towards the town. We will make our home for the next three weeks in a private chalet. Upon arrival, we will unpack our bags and then head outside to play some games and walk around Chamonix Village. We’ll cook dinner together before heading to bed.

Day 2: Language Placement and Chamonix

Our first full-day in the Chamonix Valley will start with us walking to our school and meeting our native-speaking French teachers. We’ll take a placement test to give the teachers an idea of everyone’s French levels. After school, we’ll get out on the trails for an afternoon hike. The first couple of days will consist of introductory hikes around the valley, which will give us time to play plenty of games and get to know one another better. We’ll return to our chalet after the hike to cook dinner.

Days 3-5: Chamonix

The next couple of days will be spent on strengthening both our language skills and hiking abilities. Our mornings will consist of French class with two teachers each working with our Overland group. Our time in the classroom is devoted to having an enjoyable learning experience and improving our level of comfort with French. Whether it is performing a short skit or heading into Chamonix’s main plaza to interview local residents of the valley, our teachers will base their lesson plans around interactive situations - meant to get us out of the classroom - which allows further development of our speaking and listening comprehension. Our afternoons will be spent exploring the many trails throughout the Mont Blanc Valley. Hikes such as Le Chapeau to the Mer de Glace overlook or Chalet La Floria are meant to challenge us physically while also offering the opportunity to reach fantastic viewpoints overlooking the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and valley below. To make the most of our time in this beautiful place, we will spend one full day during the week out on the trail with our French teachers.

Days 6-8: Argentiere

Our first weekend in France will take us to the nearby Alpine village of Argentiere where a local campground will offer us direct access to trailheads. Just like they did one day earlier in the week, our French teachers will join us on Friday as we travel to this village and incorporate the week’s lesson plan into the surrounding land. It’s hard to think of a better place than the middle of a pasture full of grazing cows to learn about the Alpine tradition of using cowbells to keep track of livestock in the mountains. We’ll set up our tents and then head out on the trail before returning for dinner. Two full days in this area offer us the opportunity to challenge ourselves with physically demanding hikes to even more rewarding viewpoints. Arriving at the Point de Vue next to the Argentiere Glacier after ascending over 3,000 vertical feet will be a highlight of our weekend. At the end of the two days, we’ll return to our chalet in Chamonix and settle down for the week ahead.

Days 9-12: Chamonix and Annecy

Similar to last week, we will continue our interactive classroom experiences and will get outside both on our own and with our teachers. We’ll go to the lakeside city of Annecy with our teachers. Dubbed, "the Venice of the Alps,” Annecy is a large city compared to our hometown of Chamonix. Our teachers will lead us on a guided scavenger hunt through a local market where our French skills will be put to the test as we discover facts about the local culture of the Haute-Savoie Region and France’s second largest lake, Lake Annecy. The hikes this week will be a little more challenging than last week’s walks but our legs will be stronger and we will be more comfortable in the mountains. The more difficult hikes offer us the opportunity to explore even more unique areas of the Mont Blanc Valley, such as the famed Lac Blanc. Our French will continue to improve as we play games together and even eat some meals together while attempting to speak entirely in French.

Days 13-15: Vallorcine

We’ll take a train to Vallorcine, on the Swiss border, at the northern end of the valley for our final weekend in the Alps. Once again, we’ll be joined by our French teachers so they can teach us interesting facts about the local train network or the cultural connections that occur with nearby Switzerland in this unique place. Trails from our campground lead to dinosaur fossil sites and small mountain peaks nearby with some of the best views of the Mont Blanc massif in the entire valley.

Days 16-17: Chamonix and the Aiguille du Midi

After the previous two weeks exploring the Alps, we’ll spend our last two days in Chamonix learning advanced French skills and becoming even more comfortable using our conversational French. Our French teachers will join us during our final activity in Chamonix as we ride the world’s highest cable car, the Aiguille du Midi, up to 12,605 feet. At the top, we’ll feel like we’re on top of the world as we watch mountaineers approach the summit of Mont Blanc. We’ll descend the cable car to the halfway point and hike the Grand Balcon Sud to Montenvers where we can enter an ice cave that has been drilled into the Mer de Glace. We’ll hike back down to the Chamonix Valley, return to our chalet and pack our bags.

Days 18-20: Paris

We’ll say goodbye to our home in the Alps and take a high-speed train from Geneva to “the City of Lights “ – Paris. We'll visit some of Europe’s most famous landmarks such as the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, or Arc de Triomphe. We’ll sample Parisian restaurant fare in our final two dinners together before everyone flies home.

Trip Difficulty

Accommodations

14 nights in a private chalet with showers and bathrooms
4 nights at frontcountry campgrounds with showers and bathrooms
2 nights in a Parisian hostel with shared showers and bathrooms

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4-week Itinerary

Day 1: Trip Start

Our adventure will start at the Geneva International Airport in Switzerland. Once everyone has arrived,we will travel to Chamonix. Along the way, tunnels through mountains and bridges over icy-blue torrents will eventually bring us to the base of Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Europe, at 15,748 feet. The Mont Blanc Valley is a spectacular sight to be seen with jagged mountain peaks still in the process of being carved by glaciers that flow down the sides of the valley towards the town. We will make our home for the next four weeks in a gîte – a typical French inn used by families and mountaineers on holidays. Upon arrival, we will unpack our bags and repack for a few nights of camping. We’ll head out to our campground in the nearby village of Les Bossons. We’ll pitch our tents and play some games so we can get to know one another before cooking dinner.

Day 2: Les Bossons

Our first full day in the Mont Blanc Valley will be spent on a day-hike from our campground to a rewarding viewpoint of the surrounding mountains. The walk will serve as an introduction to the types of hikes we will be doing over the next four weeks. We may hike up to the Chalet des Pyramides and have a picnic lunch looking out over the seracs and crevasses of the Bossons Glacier or past the Chalet de Cerro on the other side of the moraine and get up close to the glacier itself. We’ll descend back to our campground in the valley floor and cook a celebratory dinner after our first full day in France.

Day 3: Language Placement and Chamonix

We’ll break camp this morning and take the bus back to our gîte in Chamonix. We will continue to get situated in our new home and will have time to meet the gîte’s owner. After lunch, we will walk to our school and meet our native-speaking French teachers. We’ll take some basic placement tests to give the teachers an idea of everyone’s French level and play a few games in the process. After school, we’ll head to the grocery store and buy food for our first dinner in our French accommodations.

Days 4-6: Chamonix

The next couple of days will be spent on strengthening both our language skills and hiking abilities. Our mornings will consist of French class with two teachers working with our Overland group. Our time in the classroom is devoted to enjoying a fun learning experience while improving our level of comfort with French. Whether it is performing a short skit or heading into Chamonix’s main plaza to interview local residents of the valley, our teachers will base their lesson plans around interactive situations - meant to get us out of the classroom - which allows further development of our speaking and listening comprehension. Our afternoons will be spent exploring the many trails throughout the Mont Blanc Valley. Hikes like Le Chapeau to the Mer de Glace overlook or Chalet La Floria are meant to challenge us physically while also offering the opportunity to reach fantastic viewpoints overlooking the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and populated valley below. To make the most of our time in this beautiful place, we will spend one full day during the week out on the trail with our French teachers.

Days 7-9: Argentiere

Our first weekend in France will take us to the nearby Alpine village of Argentiere where a local campground will offer us direct access trailheads. Just like they did one day earlier in the week, our French teachers will join us on Friday as we travel to this village and campground and incorporate the week’s lesson plan to the surrounding land. It’s hard to think of a better place than the middle of a pasture full of grazing cows to learn about the Alpine tradition of using cowbells to keep track of livestock in the mountains. We’ll set up our tents and then head out on the trail before returning for dinner. Two full days in this area offer us the opportunity to challenge ourselves with physically demanding hikes to even more rewarding viewpoints. Arriving at the Point de Vue next to the Argentiere Glacier after ascending over 3,000 vertical feet will definitely be a highlight of our weekend here. At the end of our fantastic weekend, we’ll return to our gîte in Chamonix and settle down for the week ahead.

Days 10-13: Chamonix

Similar to last week, we will continue our interactive classroom experiences and get outside both on our own and with our teachers. The hikes this week will be a little more challenging than last week’s walks but our legs will be stronger and we’ll be getting more comfortable in the mountains. The more difficult hikes will offer us the opportunity to reach even more unique areas of the Mont Blanc Valley, such as the famed Lac Blanc. Our French will continue to improve as we interact with vacationing French families and some of the world’s most famed mountaineers while cooking dinner together in the shared kitchen and dining area of our gîte.

Days 14-16: Annecy

On Friday, our French teachers will once again accompany us to a campground, but this time, we’ll be traveling a little over an hour away to the lakeside city of Annecy. Dubbed, "the Venice of the Alps,” Annecy is a large city compared to our hometown of Chamonix. Our teachers will lead us on a guided scavenger hunt through a local market where our French skills will be put to the test as we discover fun facts about the local culture of the Haute-Savoie Region and France’s second largest lake, Lake Annecy. After our teachers head back to Chamonix, we’ll set up our tents in a campground with amazing views of the lake and surrounding mountains. We’ll spend the next two days swimming in the lake and hiking over the Roc de Chère from Menthon-St. Bernard to Talloires after taking a water taxi across the lake. After continued exploration of Annecy, we’ll return to Chamonix on Sunday.

Days 17-20: Chamonix

Our last full week in Chamonix is spent utilizing our French as much as possible. Whether it is a trip with our teachers during school to the local St. Bernard Breeding Farm or visiting the Parapenter’s Field where local extreme sports athletes land after soaring on the thermals above the valley, we will make sure that we are experiencing everything that Chamonix has to offer. Our daily hikes will continue to get more challenging as we conquer more difficult walks like Lac Vert or Croix de Fer.

Days 21-23: Vallorcine

We’ll take a train to Vallorcine, on the Swiss border, at the northern end of the valley for our final weekend in the Alps. Once again, we’ll be joined by our French teachers so they can teach us interesting things about the local train network or the cultural connections that occur with nearby Switzerland in this unique place. Trails from our campground lead to dinosaur fossil sites and small mountain peaks nearby with some of the best views of the Mont Blanc massif in the entire valley.

Days 24-25: Chamonix and the Aiguille du Midi

After the previous three weeks exploring the Alps, we’ll spend our last two days in Chamonix learning advanced French skills and becoming even more comfortable using our conversational French. Our French teachers will join us during our final activity in Chamonix as we ride the world’s highest cable car, the Aiguille du Midi, up to 12,605 feet. At the top, we’ll feel like we’re on top of the world and might even see some of our mountaineering friends that we’ll have made at our gîte approaching the summit of Mont Blanc. We’ll descend the cable car to the halfway point and hike the Grand Balcon Sud to Montenvers where we can enter an ice cave that has been drilled into the Mer de Glace. We’ll hike back down to the Chamonix Valley and return to our gîte and pack our bags.

Days 26-28: Paris

We’ll say goodbye to our home in the Alps and take a high-speed train from Geneva to “the City of Lights “– Paris. We'll visit some of Europe’s most famous landmarks such as the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, or Arc de Triomphe. We’ll sample Parisian restaurant fare in our final two dinners together before everyone flies home from the trip of a lifetime.

Trip Difficulty

Accommodations

17 nights in a French gîte with shared showers and bathrooms
8 nights at frontcountry campgrounds with showers and bathrooms
2 nights in a Parisian hostel with shared showers and bathrooms

“We chose Overland because of the small group experience; the fun, bright, engaging, experienced leaders; and the independence and confidence the trips foster.” Joyce Johnson, Princeton, New Jersey

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Preparing for Your Trip

Overland's Language programs offer an unbeatable combination of native-speaker instuction, activities, excursions and travel. The key to preparing for these programs is to keep it simple; this information is designed to help you do just that. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Before Your Trip

Language learning and cultural understanding require dedication, patience and hard work.
Begin your preparations for a great summer now by organizing your luggage, clothing and gear.
As the summer nears, stay active and fit through sports and exercise. You will be walking and hiking several miles most days on your Language and Hiking France program. The more you prepare, the more you will enjoy your program.
Once your program starts, commit yourself wholeheartedly to your group and all of its activities.

Preparing For The Hiking

Your trip will be significantly more enjoyable if you have an intermediate level of fitness and well-broken-in boots.We cannot overemphasize the importance of well-broken-in boots. There have been students who have had to leave their trips because of blisters from boots that were not well broken in. The training table below is designed to help you properly break in your boots and develop a solid fitness base.

Pre-Trip Training

Four weeks before your trip: Wear your boots for 15-30 minutes a day to walk around your house or neighborhood so your boots will begin to conform to your feet.

Three weeks before your trip: Take two 30-minute hikes or walks in your boots.

Two weeks before your trip: Take three 60-minute hikes or walks in your boots.

One week before your trip: Take four 1-hour hikes or walks in your boots.

TRIP DIFFICULTY

Packing for Your Program

On Language programs we travel light —we cannot emphasize this enough.
Please stick to the following guidelines when packing for your program; your group will have access to laundry on a weekly basis.
Be sure to tag all items with your name, address and phone number.
Keep in mind that it is summer when we are visiting France and temperatures during the day time are in the 70s, though can drop to the low 40s at night.
Please do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool (e.g., Swiss Army Knife, Leatherman).
Bring only what you need and pack everything in your backpack or daypack.
If you are in the 4-week section, you should wear/bring your hiking boots on the plane as well as your sleeping bag and sleeping pad in case your checked luggage fails to arrive on time.

Clothing

Fleece Jacket or Pullover & Long Synthetic (No Cotton) Pants
The fleece should be medium to heavy weight and reasonably compact. Please don't bring jeans or sweatpants. Temperatures can get cold at high elevations in the Alps while hiking as well as at nighttime in the Mont Blanc Valley while camping on weekends.

Synthetic Long Underwear Tops & Bottom
Two or three tops and one bottom

Winter Hat & Gloves/Mittens
Hat and gloves/mittens should be insulated, warm, and waterproof, not knit and porous.

Insulated vest
An insulated fleece, Thinsulate or down vest

Waterproof Rain Jacket and Rain Pants
Your rain gear must be waterproof (not just water resistant). Gore-Tex is one of the better-known waterproof, breathable fabric brands, but there are many to choose from. Ponchos are not acceptable.

Hiking Shorts
Two or three pairs of synthetic (not cotton) shorts. Athletic shorts or hiking shorts work well.

T-Shirts
Three synthetic t-shirts and two cotton t-shirts

Underwear
Five pairs

Socks
Five pairs of thick wool or synthetic socks made for hiking. Sock liners are optional.

One Set of Nice Clothes
These will be used for eating out at casual restaurants as well as exploring Paris. For boys, a button down shirt and khaki pants or shorts. For girls, a comfortable dress or skirt and top. There is no need to bring an extra pair of shoes for this outfit.

Sport Sandals
Flip-flops or Crocs are a great option

Sneakers or Tennis Shoes
A comfortable and lightweight alternative to your hiking boots. To be used on short day hikes and in camp when your hiking boots are not necessary.

Pajamas
Optional

Bathing Suit
Optional

Hiking & Camping Equipment

Hiking Boots
Waterproof hiking boots that are low to high cut, depending on your desired ankle support (recommended price range $100 to $175). Choose a comfortable boot and make sure to break it in before the start of your trip.

Backpack
4,000-5,000 cubic inches (65-80 liters). Before you purchase a backpack, find your backpack size by measuring your torso length and your hips. We recommend getting fitted at a store where you can try on a number of different packs. You will not be hiking with this backpack but will travel short distances with all of your gear (e.g., walking 15 minutes from a train station to a campground).

Waterproof Pack Cover
If your backpack does not come with a cover, choose one that fits your pack well.

Day Pack
Your day pack can be used as a carry-on for your flight and will be necessary for day hikes. This can be a very basic backpack, maybe even just your school backpack. You should be able to carry it over both shoulders (i.e., NOT a satchel) and it should be big enough to hold your lunch, 2 water bottles, snacks and some extra warm layers and rain jacket.

Sleeping Bag and Stuff Sack
We recommend a lightweight, compact sleeping bag (synthetic or down) that is rated to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Your sleeping bag should compress into a stuff sack which can then be cinched down to 12-20” in length.

Sleeping Pad
A full or ¾ length mattress pad that is inflatable or made of closed-cell foam. It should be compact enough to either fit in your pack or be strapped to the outside.

Bowl, Mug & Utensils
For meals while camping you will need a 6-8” bowl with a lid. The bowl can be a rigid Tupperware-like material or collapsible. A spoon is all you need but you can bring a spork or a set of lightweight silverware if you’d like. We also recommend a plastic insulated mug to be used for hot drinks.

Water Bottle
One 1-liter Nalgene (or similar) water bottle. Overland will provide you with a second water bottle on arrival. A Camelbak or similar water bladder is acceptable if it fits into your day pack.

Headlamp & Extra Batteries
A small flashlight is okay but headlamps are great because your hands are freed up for other tasks.

Telescoping Hiking Poles
Optional--hiking poles are recommended for stability while hiking, reducing strain on the knees and providing balance while crossing streams, snow or on rough terrain.

Gaiters
Optional

Miscellaneous Gear

Valid Passport
Bring three photocopies and leave one at home

Student ID
Current school identification (if you have one)

French-English Dictionary
Small travel size

Towel
Medium size cotton towel or synthetic camping towel

Plastic Bags
Five large 1-gallon ziplock bags and two large trash bags. The ziplock bags are used to organize and waterproof your gear and small items. The trash bags are used to line your pack and to wrap your sleeping bag and pad.

Toiletries
All items should be travel size. If necessary, you will be able to restock in France.

Moleskin or Molefoam
One full package for blister protection

Sunglasses & Hat with Visor

Sunscreen (SPF 15+) & Chapstick (with SPF protection)
Please bring ample amounts of sunscreen

Insect Repellent
Please bring ample amounts of bug spray

Notebook, Pencils and Pens
For French classes

Personal Journal or Book
Optional

Digital Camera & Extra Batteries
Optional, but great for documenting the trip. Make sure you bring a large enough memory card (1 to 4 GB).

Spending Money
€40/week in cash or with a debit or ATM card. Please see FAQs for more information.

Cell Phones, Electronics and Personal Property

Please note the following important policies:

Our programs offer the opportunity to strengthen independence and self-reliance. To maximize these benefits, we do not permit phone calls to or from our students (except in the case of emergency).

If it is important for your son or daughter to be able to call you while en route to Overland, we recommend that you purchase an inexpensive prepaid cell phone. Please do not send an expensive smart phone like an iPhone or BlackBerry. On arrival we will collect all phones but we have found that safeguarding these phones is problematic given that our programs move from place to place. Despite our best efforts over $25,000 in phones have been lost, damaged or stolen in the last two years alone. We regret that due to the expense involved in replacing these items, we take absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for phones, electronics or personal property brought by students and we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen phones, electronics or personal property.

Communications

To maximize independence and self-reliance, we do not permit phone calls, emails or text messages to or from our students (except in the case of an emergency).
Your child will call home with our phones and assistance on arrival and departure if he/she flies to his/her program.
In the case of an emergency, we will make sure you are in touch with your child as soon as possible.

Cell Phones

Cell phone use is prohibited on all Overland programs.
Any phone brought by a student will be collected by us on arrival and returned at departure.
If you decide to bring a phone, do not bring an expensive smartphone (e.g., iPhone or BlackBerry); instead bring an inexpensive prepaid cell phone.

Personal Electronics

We do not permit personal electronics (e.g., iPods, Kindles or iPads) except for digital cameras.
We do not permit emergency response or GPS tracking electronics.
Any electronics brought by a student will be collected by us on arrival and mailed home or returned at departure.

Personal Property

Overland is not responsible for any student’s personal property—including but not limited to: phones, electronics, cameras, equipment, bicycles and clothing. Please schedule all expensive items on your homeowners insurance policy to ensure that your child/ward’s personal property and equipment is covered against loss, damage or theft.

No Reimbursements for Lost, Damaged or Stolen Phone, Electronics and Personal Property

Despite taking precautions, some phones, electronics and personal property brought by students (and collected by us) have been lost, damaged or stolen. We regret that due to the expense involved in replacing these items, we take absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for phones, electronics or personal property brought by students and we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen phones, electronics or personal property.
Please leave all valuable items - for example, jewelry or an important keepsake - at home while traveling with Overland.

Questions or concerns? Please call us. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated.

FAQs

Is my student too advanced/elementary for this program?

Language references from your student’s French teacher are collected in the spring and reviewed by the language school ahead of time. In addition, students will take a brief placement exam upon arrival and be placed in a class of six students catered to their language level.

Is this a language immersion program?

No. Students do not sign a language pledge. Students speak only French during the time they are in class and for 1 to 2 hours every afternoon with their leaders. Outside of these times, speaking French is encouraged but not required. They will still be constantly exposed to conversational French on a daily basis when grocery shopping, asking for directions, etc.

What will classes be like?

Classes will focus on developing confidence, comfort and fluidity in oral communication. In the past, students have sung songs, acted out skits and given short presentations. Teachers will accompany the group on full-day activities outside of class at least twice per week. There may be some short written homework assignments.

What will the hikes be like?

The hikes are structured to ensure the group’s success while still offering a physical challenge for every student. Every hike can be accessed from the Mont Blanc Valley floor. The first one to two hours are typically steep climbs out of the valley until tree line is reached and, with it, panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Once above tree line, the hiking gets easier as it mostly consists of traverses alongside glaciers and rivers and typically passes by mountain refuges. The hikes will get gradually more difficult over the course of the trip. There will be full days of hiking on the weekends and one day during the week. Other hikes will be half-days (three to five hours) and will occur either before or after going to French classes.

How do the 3-week and 4-week programs differ?

The 4-week program visits four different Alpine villages and cities on the weekends while the 3-week program visits two. Although both groups go to Annecy, the 4-week program spends significantly more time there. The 3-week groups stay in private chalets while the 4-week groups stay in French gîtes with travelling French families and European mountaineers.

What is the supervision like?

Overland provides the best supervision of any foreign study program and thoughtful trip planning to keep students working and engaged throughout their time in France. Afternoon and evening activities are designed for the entire group including the leaders. Drinking alcohol, smoking and drug use are strictly forbidden.

How does money changing work? Should I just bring Euros instead of dollars?

Our recommendation is to either send your child with Euros that you have picked up from your local bank in the United States or with a debit card and pin number (that he or she has memorized and that has been approved by your bank to work internationally) to withdraw Euros from an ATM when he or she arrives to Europe. We strongly advise against changing money in a foreign country. Not only do you have to wait in long lines, but you also receive less than ideal exchange rates and companies tend to charge a significant amount of commission.

Who are the leaders?

Overland language leaders are college students and recent graduates who have leadership experience, excellent language skills, experience living abroad and a passion for France. Beyond the well-being of their students, they are responsible for passing along a love of the language and French culture.

Can my child receive school credit for this language program?

This depends entirely on the student’s individual school. Overland alumni have certainly been successful in obtaining credit for Overland language programs in the past. Parents should inquire at their own school regarding what materials/documentation they need for credit approval and then call Overland to see how we can help. Generally, Overland can contribute to this process by having the Logistics Coordinator fill out/sign a form at the end of the summer to verify the class hours that the student completed. Overland can also request curriculum information from our language schools to provide the parent for requesting credit.

Expectations, Cell Phones & Electronics
Travel Information
Mail Stops
Helpful Reminders

Prepare & Pack

Preparing for Your Trip

Before Your Trip

Language learning and cultural understanding require dedication, patience and hard work.
Begin your preparations for a great summer now by organizing your luggage, clothing and gear.
As the summer nears, stay active and fit through sports and exercise. You will be walking and hiking several miles most days on your Language and Hiking France program. The more you prepare, the more you will enjoy your program.
Once your program starts, commit yourself wholeheartedly to your group and all of its activities.

Preparing For The Hiking

Pre-Trip Training

Four weeks before your trip: Wear your boots for 15-30 minutes a day to walk around your house or neighborhood so your boots will begin to conform to your feet.

Three weeks before your trip: Take two 30-minute hikes or walks in your boots.

Two weeks before your trip: Take three 60-minute hikes or walks in your boots.

One week before your trip: Take four 1-hour hikes or walks in your boots.

TRIP DIFFICULTY

Packing for Your Program

On Language programs we travel light —we cannot emphasize this enough.
Please stick to the following guidelines when packing for your program; your group will have access to laundry on a weekly basis.
Be sure to tag all items with your name, address and phone number.
Keep in mind that it is summer when we are visiting France and temperatures during the day time are in the 70s, though can drop to the low 40s at night.
Please do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool (e.g., Swiss Army Knife, Leatherman).
Bring only what you need and pack everything in your backpack or daypack.
If you are in the 4-week section, you should wear/bring your hiking boots on the plane as well as your sleeping bag and sleeping pad in case your checked luggage fails to arrive on time.

Clothing

Fleece Jacket or Pullover & Long Synthetic (No Cotton) Pants
The fleece should be medium to heavy weight and reasonably compact. Please don't bring jeans or sweatpants. Temperatures can get cold at high elevations in the Alps while hiking as well as at nighttime in the Mont Blanc Valley while camping on weekends.

Synthetic Long Underwear Tops & Bottom
Two or three tops and one bottom

Winter Hat & Gloves/Mittens
Hat and gloves/mittens should be insulated, warm, and waterproof, not knit and porous.

Insulated vest
An insulated fleece, Thinsulate or down vest

Waterproof Rain Jacket and Rain Pants
Your rain gear must be waterproof (not just water resistant). Gore-Tex is one of the better-known waterproof, breathable fabric brands, but there are many to choose from. Ponchos are not acceptable.

Hiking Shorts
Two or three pairs of synthetic (not cotton) shorts. Athletic shorts or hiking shorts work well.

T-Shirts
Three synthetic t-shirts and two cotton t-shirts

Underwear
Five pairs

Socks
Five pairs of thick wool or synthetic socks made for hiking. Sock liners are optional.

One Set of Nice Clothes
These will be used for eating out at casual restaurants as well as exploring Paris. For boys, a button down shirt and khaki pants or shorts. For girls, a comfortable dress or skirt and top. There is no need to bring an extra pair of shoes for this outfit.

Sport Sandals
Flip-flops or Crocs are a great option

Sneakers or Tennis Shoes
A comfortable and lightweight alternative to your hiking boots. To be used on short day hikes and in camp when your hiking boots are not necessary.

Pajamas
Optional

Bathing Suit
Optional

Hiking & Camping Equipment

Hiking Boots
Waterproof hiking boots that are low to high cut, depending on your desired ankle support (recommended price range $100 to $175). Choose a comfortable boot and make sure to break it in before the start of your trip.

Backpack
4,000-5,000 cubic inches (65-80 liters). Before you purchase a backpack, find your backpack size by measuring your torso length and your hips. We recommend getting fitted at a store where you can try on a number of different packs. You will not be hiking with this backpack but will travel short distances with all of your gear (e.g., walking 15 minutes from a train station to a campground).

Waterproof Pack Cover
If your backpack does not come with a cover, choose one that fits your pack well.

Day Pack
Your day pack can be used as a carry-on for your flight and will be necessary for day hikes. This can be a very basic backpack, maybe even just your school backpack. You should be able to carry it over both shoulders (i.e., NOT a satchel) and it should be big enough to hold your lunch, 2 water bottles, snacks and some extra warm layers and rain jacket.

Sleeping Bag and Stuff Sack
We recommend a lightweight, compact sleeping bag (synthetic or down) that is rated to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Your sleeping bag should compress into a stuff sack which can then be cinched down to 12-20” in length.

Sleeping Pad
A full or ¾ length mattress pad that is inflatable or made of closed-cell foam. It should be compact enough to either fit in your pack or be strapped to the outside.

Bowl, Mug & Utensils
For meals while camping you will need a 6-8” bowl with a lid. The bowl can be a rigid Tupperware-like material or collapsible. A spoon is all you need but you can bring a spork or a set of lightweight silverware if you’d like. We also recommend a plastic insulated mug to be used for hot drinks.

Water Bottle
One 1-liter Nalgene (or similar) water bottle. Overland will provide you with a second water bottle on arrival. A Camelbak or similar water bladder is acceptable if it fits into your day pack.

Headlamp & Extra Batteries
A small flashlight is okay but headlamps are great because your hands are freed up for other tasks.

Telescoping Hiking Poles
Optional--hiking poles are recommended for stability while hiking, reducing strain on the knees and providing balance while crossing streams, snow or on rough terrain.

Gaiters
Optional

Miscellaneous Gear

Valid Passport
Bring three photocopies and leave one at home

Student ID
Current school identification (if you have one)

French-English Dictionary
Small travel size

Towel
Medium size cotton towel or synthetic camping towel

Plastic Bags
Five large 1-gallon ziplock bags and two large trash bags. The ziplock bags are used to organize and waterproof your gear and small items. The trash bags are used to line your pack and to wrap your sleeping bag and pad.

Toiletries
All items should be travel size. If necessary, you will be able to restock in France.

Moleskin or Molefoam
One full package for blister protection

Sunglasses & Hat with Visor

Sunscreen (SPF 15+) & Chapstick (with SPF protection)
Please bring ample amounts of sunscreen

Insect Repellent
Please bring ample amounts of bug spray

Notebook, Pencils and Pens
For French classes

Personal Journal or Book
Optional

Digital Camera & Extra Batteries
Optional, but great for documenting the trip. Make sure you bring a large enough memory card (1 to 4 GB).

Spending Money
€40/week in cash or with a debit or ATM card. Please see FAQs for more information.

Cell Phones, Electronics and Personal Property

Please note the following important policies:

Our programs offer the opportunity to strengthen independence and self-reliance. To maximize these benefits, we do not permit phone calls to or from our students (except in the case of emergency).

Communications

To maximize independence and self-reliance, we do not permit phone calls, emails or text messages to or from our students (except in the case of an emergency).
Your child will call home with our phones and assistance on arrival and departure if he/she flies to his/her program.
In the case of an emergency, we will make sure you are in touch with your child as soon as possible.

Cell Phones

Cell phone use is prohibited on all Overland programs.
Any phone brought by a student will be collected by us on arrival and returned at departure.
If you decide to bring a phone, do not bring an expensive smartphone (e.g., iPhone or BlackBerry); instead bring an inexpensive prepaid cell phone.

Personal Electronics

We do not permit personal electronics (e.g., iPods, Kindles or iPads) except for digital cameras.
We do not permit emergency response or GPS tracking electronics.
Any electronics brought by a student will be collected by us on arrival and mailed home or returned at departure.

Personal Property

Overland is not responsible for any student’s personal property—including but not limited to: phones, electronics, cameras, equipment, bicycles and clothing. Please schedule all expensive items on your homeowners insurance policy to ensure that your child/ward’s personal property and equipment is covered against loss, damage or theft.

No Reimbursements for Lost, Damaged or Stolen Phone, Electronics and Personal Property

Despite taking precautions, some phones, electronics and personal property brought by students (and collected by us) have been lost, damaged or stolen. We regret that due to the expense involved in replacing these items, we take absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for phones, electronics or personal property brought by students and we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen phones, electronics or personal property.
Please leave all valuable items - for example, jewelry or an important keepsake - at home while traveling with Overland.

Questions or concerns? Please call us. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated.

Travel Information

Families are responsible for making travel arrangements to Geneva, Switzerland and from Paris, France. Overland’s leaders will be on hand at the airport to provide supervision and assistance at trip start and end.

If your child is flying:

Flight Arrival Window:
3-week: Geneva Intl Airport (GVA) between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Sunday*
4-week: Geneva Intl Airport (GVA) between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Saturday*

*Please note: To arrive in Geneva on Saturday or Sunday morning, flights must depart from the U.S. on Friday or Saturday night, respectively. If possible, please choose a flight that does not connect in Europe (e.g., fly non-stop from a U.S. gateway).

Flight Departure Window:
3-week: Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG) between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on Friday
4-week: Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG) between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on Friday

If you're picking up and/or dropping off your child:

Trip Start Drop Off:
3-week: Geneva Intl Airport (GVA) International Arrivals Area at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday
4-week: Geneva Intl Airport (GVA) International Arrivals Area at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday

Trip End Pick Up:
3-week: Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG) Check-In Area at 10:00 a.m. on Friday
4-week: Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG) Check-In Area at 10:00 a.m. on Friday

For alternative travel plans or questions, please call us at 413-458-9672.

Flight & Travel Information

Mail Stops

More detailed information about sending mail to your student will be posted on the Overland Portal in May.

Helpful Reminders

Help Your Child Prepare Adequately

Once your child is enrolled you will be directed to the Overland Portal. Please take the time to read through all of the pre-trip information and prepare appropriately. All programs—not just our outdoor trips—require thoughtful preparation and good fitness. It is important to stay active and fit through sports and exercise. In addition, hikers need broken in boots and bikers need to practice safe riding.

Summer Photos

We will upload photos of every group during the summer. Details will be provided in the spring. We’ll also upload all the leaders’ photos from the summer by mid-August (which you can download for free).

We're Here for You

Once our programs start the Overland office is open seven days a week from 8am to 11pm. After 11pm, for all routine calls, please leave a voicemail, and we will call you back as soon as we return to the office. In an emergency, follow the instructions on the answering machine to contact our answering service, and we will return your call promptly.

Expectations, Cell Phones & Electronics

EXPECTATIONS & RULES

Overland programs are wholesome, structured experiences with high expectations of each student’s behavior. Our students are expected to be enthusiastic, positive, helpful and supportive of each other and of their leaders; they are expected to have chosen an appropriate trip for their interests and abilities; they are expected to have prepared adequately so that they can keep up physically and participate in all of the group’s activities; they understand that smoking, using any tobacco product, drinking alcohol or using any drugs (other than prescribed medications) is strictly prohibited. We reserve the right to dismiss any student for any reason whatsoever-- including but not limited to: rule breaking, a poor attitude, misbehaving, an inability to fully participate or to keep up physically. Students who are dismissed receive no refund and all costs associated with the dismissal are the sole responsibility of the parents/guardians.

PHONE CALLS, CELL PHONES AND ELECTRONICS

To maximize independence and self-reliance, we do not permit phone calls, emails or text messages to or from our students; the exceptions to this are: (1) your child will call home on arrival and departure with our phones and assistance and (2) in the case of an emergency. If your child brings a phone for use while en route to his/her Overland program, please do not bring an expensive smart phone; instead bring an inexpensive prepaid cell phone or calling card. Please do not bring personal electronics (e.g., iPods, Kindles, iPads, GPS or similar devices) except for digital cameras. Any cell phones or electronics (except cameras) brought by a student will be collected on arrival and mailed home or returned at departure.

Todd Volkman

Hometown: Pittsfield, Massachusetts
School: Amherst College
Leadership: Language & Hiking France
More about Todd »

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