By Claire Regenstreif
Staff Writer
Au revoir America; bonjour Talloires, France.
Junior Olivia Everhard will embark on an academic journey with the Tufts University French program in Southeastern France from June 30 to July 26 in Talloires, France. Each student lives in a house with a host family and attends a school that teaches French and international politics.
“I think a very memorable part of this experience will be living with a French family,” Everhard said. “I hope to develop a very strong relationship with my host family and, hopefully, learn about the French culture in a way that I wouldn’t be able to without living in a French home.”
The application process required an official transcript, two letters of recommendation and multiple essay responses. The program is extremely selective because students around the world can apply.
“I’m extremely happy I got accepted to go on this program because I’ve always wanted to further my education in something I’m passionate about, like French and international relations,” Everhard said.
Everhard learned of the program through senior Sarah Kennedy, who attended the program last year. Everhard has already traveled to France multiple times and knows she wants to study or work in France in the future.
“The Tufts program is a perfect fit for Olivia because it offers an emphasis on foreign affairs, politics, French culture and the French language,” mother Sara Everhard said. “Olivia loves French and wants to study both French and politics in college. This program encompasses both passions.”
A typical day in the program includes classes in both French and international relations. The program enourages students to explore the French Alps and hike after classes. Students also take weekend trips to places outside Talloires, including sites such as medieval castles.
“My previous trips to France have been with my family, so I was not forced to speak French the entire time,” Olivia Everhard said. “However, with this trip, I am going to be completely and directly immersed into French culture by living with a host family, and I could not be more excited to experience the country from this new perspective.”
Everhard intends on being fluent in French before or during college. She wants to pursue a career in International Relations in the future, which requires knowledge of the language.
“This program will greatly affect my knowledge on diplomacy and international relations, which will benefit my future decision to study international relations in college,” Olivia Everhard said. “International relations can act as a filter into several more focused professions.”
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