Family Stay Experience®
Real-World Settings
Swiss Culture

Language and Culture on a Paris to Switzerland Student Program

This 14-day French immersion program takes students from the shores of Lake Geneva to the streets of Paris, combining cultural exploration with opportunities to use French beyond the classroom. Along the way, students experience Switzerland and Swiss traditions, regional food and historic landmarks before joining a French host family for an authentic experience of daily life.

The Family Stay Experience® gives students the chance to put their French skills into practice in France and Switzerland while living with a local family. Conversations around the dinner table and everyday interactions turn classroom learning into real-world communication and cultural exchange.

The journey continues in Paris, where students explore historic neighborhoods, famous landmarks and the Seine. From the medieval streets of Lausanne and Montreux to the artistic heart of Montmartre, students experience the many sides of French-speaking Europe.

Why Choose This Experience

Practice French through everyday conversations during the Family Stay Experience®
Explore Swiss culture through Lausanne, Montreux and the villages of the Lake Geneva region
Discover regional traditions through a cheese-making visit, chocolate tasting and raclette lunch
Experience Paris through historic neighborhoods, museums and iconic landmarks
Connect classroom language learning with daily life, travel and cultural exchange
Enjoy full support from dedicated Xperitas staff and in-country experts

Click the Tabs for More Information!

Program Details

Price

  • $3,799 per student PLUS cost of international flights*
  • Ask about pricing to add a travel coordinator to your program.
  • For every six students the cost of one leader is included in the price.
  • For every enrolled student on your program, there is a $50 leader stipend to help leaders offset expenses while abroad.
  • Students can save $200 with Our Early Bird Discount!

*Travelers do not need to arrange their own air. Air travel is included in the program, but the cost will be added once the group air contract is confirmed. Price is valid for 2027.

Duration

14 days

Included

  • Round-trip airfare from city listed (plus airline fuel surcharges at time of booking)
  • In-country transportation (air, motorcoach, van, as applicable)
  • All overnight accommodations
  • Insurance for accidents or illness and trip cancellation coverage due to medical reasons only
  • International phone allowance ($10/day for one leader)
  • Xperitas Family Stay with all meals included
  • Local Family Stay Coordinator on call during the family stay
  • 24/7 Xperitas emergency support
  • Meals as indicated on the itinerary
  • Entrance fee allowance of $75 per student
  • Public transit allowance of $30 per student
  • Tipping allowance of $10 per student

Not Included

  • Airfare variances due to contract changes or group size
  • Costs from late or missed flights
  • Variance in air cost due to changes in group contract after booking or if the group size prevents using the booked air contract
  • Passport, visa, or documentation fees
  • Transportation to/from departure city
  • Meals not listed on the itinerary
  • Spending money and gifts
  • Advanced seat assignment fees
  • Small-group supplement (fewer than 24 participants)
  • Tips for guide(s) and/or bus driver(s)

Activities

Activities Included

  • Lausanne cultural exploration
  • Musée Olympique or Cathédrale de Lausanne
  • Montreux and Lake Geneva excursion
  • Gruyère village and cheese factory visit
  • Raclette lunch
  • Broc chocolate factory visit
  • Château de Chillon
  • Food Museum in Vevey
  • Lake Geneva boat ride
  • Bateaux Mouches Seine River cruise
  • Musée du Louvre
  • Paris walking and neighborhood exploration

Add-on Travel Coordinator

The role of the Travel Coordinator is as follows:

  • Provides explanation, historical information, and commentary
  • Supports the group getting to and from activities and sites
  • Manages logistics (transportation, schedule, tickets)
  • Serves as the primary on-the-ground support and problem-solver

What You’ll See & Do

Day 1 | Departure
The adventure begins! Pack your bags and set off on an exciting journey to Geneva, Switzerland.
Meals Included: None

Day 2 | Lausanne
Explore Lausanne, known for its hills, Lake Geneva views and rich cultural life. Visit the Musée Olympique or explore the historic Cathédrale de Lausanne.
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3 | Montreux
Travel to Montreux and enjoy views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. Visit the village of Gruyère, tour a cheese factory and enjoy a raclette lunch before visiting the Broc chocolate factory.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 | Montreux
Visit the historic Château de Chillon before exploring the Food Museum in Vevey. Finish the day with a relaxing boat ride on Lake Geneva.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 | En Route to Family Stay
Travel to your host community in France. Depending on the program, students may stay in Lyon, Vienne, Nantua or Mâcon. Meet your host family and begin your Family Stay Experience®.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Days 6–10 | Family Stay
Experience everyday life with your French host family while practicing your language skills and learning about local culture.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11 | Paris
Take the TGV to Paris and explore the Latin Quarter, Jardin du Luxembourg and Saint-Michel. Discover Île de la Cité and visit Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 | Paris
Discover the Louvre and its famous pyramid before exploring Montmartre. Visit the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur and the artistic Place du Tertre.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 13 | Paris
Enjoy a final day in Paris with a Bateaux Mouches Seine River cruise, taking in views of the city’s landmarks from the water. Celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14 | Return
Transfer to the airport and return to the U.S.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Important Details

Prices are based on a minimum group size of 24 students. If the minimum is not met and your group cannot be combined, a small-group supplement will apply. Final pricing is determined by confirmed dates, air arrangements, family stay communities, program components, group size, and number of leaders at final billing.

Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in fuel prices, exchange rates, and airfare costs beyond the control of Xperitas.

The order of itinerary items may change due to unforeseen circumstances prior to or during the program.

See What Teachers Say About Xperitas

Brandy M, France Program

French Parent

He would not have taken French for four years if this trip wasn’t planned. And now he is taking a fifth year of French. My son has always been a saver. But having to save and earn money to pay for the majority of this trip was a life-long lesson. He is hoping to visit France and other countries in the future.

Brandy M, France Program

French Parent

My son had a fantastic time. He wanted to go back before he was even home. The Family Stay Experience was great for him. Hiking, youth group, family birthday party, relaxing at the family home, hanging out with his host brother’s friends and checking out the city. He really enjoyed the complete package of this trip!

Cara M, France Program

French Student

For any students who are unsure about pursuing an immersion program, I can only recommend giving it a try. My trip to France with Xperitas brought a new dimension to a language and culture I hadn’t experienced firsthand. Exploring new places and cultures abroad has given me some of my best memories and best friends, and has certainly played a role in shaping my goals for the future.

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