The focal point of the Honors Program is intensive study conducted entirely in the foreign language. Instruction in the foreign language, along with the Language Commitment and the host family experience, pave the way for linguistic immersion in the Honors Program.

• Honors Program participants participate in four to five hours of daily courses and activities that are designed exclusively for them by highly qualified instructors.

• There are five formal courses taught on each Honors Program site:  Grammar, Culture, Conversation, Literature and Phonetics.  The courses carry compositions, projects, and daily assignments.  The objectives for all classes on-site include improving the four basic language skills:  listening, speaking, reading and writing.  Each class has between 8-13 students, allowing students to maximize participation while at the same time instructors can give more individualized attention to each group of students.

• In addition to five formal courses, afternoon activities are designed to enhance the students’ progress in the foreign language and to promote unity among the group of students and instructors.  Each Program site offers choir or theater three times a week, while sports activities are offered once a week.  At the end of the Program, the students present a farewell show for their host families that incorporates their choir and theater pieces.    

• Students receive feedback from their instructors intermittently throughout the Program, and are evaluated formally by instructors in each of their classes, as well as other aspects of the Honors Program experience, at the end of the Program.  The student will receive a copy of the formal evaluation after the Program is completed, in early fall.  The student’s school receives a copy of the evaluation for their records as well.    

It becomes clear from this description that the Honors Program is not a summer ‘off’ nor is it a summer vacation abroad.  It is an academic experience, an experience that will require significant work and effort outside of the four to five hours of daily courses and activities.  If you are up to this academic challenge,take our 'self-inventory' to see if the other aspects of the Honors Program are compatible with your personality and goals.