Overland's Language Immersion 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.

Preparing for the Demands of Language Immersion

Language learning and cultural understanding require dedication, patience and hard work. Begin your preparations for a great summer now by organizing your luggage. As the summer nears, stay active and fit through sports and exercise. The more you prepare, the more you will enjoy your program. Then once your program starts, commit yourself wholeheartedly to your group and all of its activities.

Luggage

On language immersion programs we travel light —we cannot emphasize this enough.  Please bring just one duffel bag and one small day pack for weekend excursions and day hikes. The dimensions of the duffel bag should not exceed 24"L x 13"W x 11"H.   We recommend checking out duffel bags from EMS, REI and L.L. Bean as guidelines for size.  The day pack should be a regular school backpack with two shoulder straps, large enough to fit a rain coat, water and snacks.  It must be worn on both shoulders (satchels and one strap bags will not be appropriate for day hikes and weekend excursions). Use your day pack to carry essentials on the plane (but do not use this bag as additional luggage space).  Be sure to tag all items with your name, address and phone number. 

Packing for Your Program

Please stick to the following guidelines when packing for your program; your group will have access to laundry on a weekly basis. In many of the places we visit, it is culturally inappropriate for girls to wear short skirts, short shorts or spaghetti-strap tank tops; this clothing can bring unwanted and possibly unpleasant attention. Please pack accordingly.

*Keep in mind that it is summer when we are visiting France, though temperatures can drop to low fifties at night.

Clothing

• Light hiking shoes and tennis shoes. 2 pairs of comfortable shoes to wear around all day.  One should be trekking-style shoes suitable for day hikes.
• Sandals or Flip Flops. Casual sandals for the beach or dinners out
• Waterproof Raincoat.
• Fleece Pullover or Sweatshirt. One only.
• Comfortable Shorts, Skirts or Pants. Four; one pair of shorts and one pair of pants must be suitable for day hikes, one should be suitable for a casual restaurant.
• Shirts. Five short-sleeve shirts or tank tops. One of the short-sleeve shirts should be synthetic. One long-sleeve shirt.
• One (and only one) casual/nice outfit. We will dine at a typical French restaurant once a week. Boys—one pair of khaki pants and one casual, nice shirt; Girls—one skirt or dress.
• Underwear. Seven pairs.
• Socks. Five pairs.
• Pajamas. One pair.
• Bathing Suit.

Gear & Miscellaneous

• Valid Passport. Also bring a photocopy of the inside front cover of your passport and leave another at home.
• Student ID. Current school identification (if you have one).
• French-English Dictionary. Small travel size.
• Toiletries. All travel size.
• Beach Towel. Medium size.
• Water Bottle. Any kind, to stay hydrated out in the sun.
• Hat. Optional, with visor (e.g., baseball hat).
• Sunglasses, Sunscreen (SPF 30+) & Chapstick (with SPF protection).
  
• Camera/Batteries/Memory Card
Optional. Interested in seeing your photographs or videos on Overland's website next year? Bring a camera with lots of pixels (10 or more) and lots of memory (4GB or more). Buying a new camera? One of our favorites is the Canon PowerShot SD960 IS digital camera.
• Spiral Notebook & Pen. For class and immersion activities.
• Journal. Optional.
• Spending Money. $50/week is a suggested amount for souvenirs, gifts and necessities (like more sunscreen if you run out, or stamps and envelopes to mail letters).

Note: Please do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool (e.g., Swiss Army Knife, Leatherman).

We do not permit personal electronics on our programs (for example, cellphones and iPods). We do, however, allow students who fly to their program to carry a cell phone while traveling; on arrival, Overland's leaders will collect all cell phones and personal electronics for the duration of the program and return them for flights home. Perhaps, a better option would be to bring a pre-paid phone card so that the leaders do not have to carry cell phones for the duration of the program.