Academic Treks: Immersion French West Indies Program Overview & Recommendation

About Us | Info for Program Directors

Expert Camp & Trip Recommendations
Call 617-264-0939

Choice Camps Recommendation of Academic Treks: Immersion French West Indies

Backed by sixteen years of experience in running educational programs for thousands of teenagers, Academic Treks combines the finest elements of experiential learning, traditional classroom learning, and service learning with wilderness adventure, international travel, and cultural exchange to create extraordinary college-accredited expeditions. Each course includes an important community service component, and the themes of teamwork, leadership, and personal growth are interwoven in each AT experience.

Academic Treks students are fully immersed in an educational experience in a real world setting, gaining a global perspective and hands-on understanding of the topics studied. They also get a head start on college by earning college and/or community service credit and by building a host of skills they will use both in school and beyond. For students looking for an educational and exciting summer experience, Academic Treks may be the perfect choice.

Trip Description

This Academic Trek combines the perfect blend of French language immersion, cultural exploration, action-packed adventure and community service to create an unforgettable summer experience. Guadeloupe is a slice of France nestled in the heart of the Caribbean’s French West Indies. The result is a unique fusion of French and Creole influences, with charming towns, delicious food and an easygoing pace of life. A French Overseas Department, Guadeloupe provides a great alternative location for language studies. You won’t hear English spoken here, so prepare for complete immersion in the French language on an amazing island adventure! Home stay in the picturesque seaside town of St. Anne. Hike rugged volcanic peaks and dense rainforests. Try your hand at surfing, sea kayaking and soaring through the forest on a zip-line. Shop in colorful markets and volunteer on a variety of service projects. Then sail to nearby Marie-Galante and/or Ile des Saintes to discover more of this quintessential French island paradise.

Staff Overview

Academic Treks leaders bring a wealth of experience to every program. They share a love for working with young people, as well as a passion for experiential learning and teaching. The average age of AT staff members is typically around 26.

The Academic Treks course design requires the use of several instructors for each program. Two AT staff members lead the trip, providing focus and continuity to the program. In-country outfitters are used to provide the local knowledge and expertise for expedition phases. These additional teachers and outfitters provide a perspective, depth of knowledge and access to resources that could not be obtained otherwise. Formal instruction is given by professional educators with experience teaching young adults through experiential and project-based learning.

Setting & Accommodations

Students sleep in a variety of accommodations on Immersion French West Indies, including rustic lodges, a home stay, a hostel and a yacht.

Safety Standards

Academic Treks Course Lead Instructors complete intensive staff training before the program, which includes a focus on risk management, in-country logistics, emergency protocols, leadership training, and teaching students how to integrate experiences learned on program into their everyday lives when they return home. At least one of the course leaders is a certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (WEMT) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with a minimum of 80 hours of emergency medical training.

Academic Treks: Immersion French West Indies Session Dates

Session Name	Dates	Ages	Tuition	Get Info
Trip One	6/22/10-7/12/10	15-17	$5,380
Trip Two	7/15/10-8/4/10	15-17	$5,380

Trip Overview

Program Overview

Theme: Language Immersion
This Trip has Multiple Themes:
- Study Abroad
- Community Service
Trip Gender: Co-ed
Group Size : 12
Camper-to-Counselor Ratio: 6:1
Religious Affiliation: None