Tufts Summit: High School Study Abroad

Experiential Learning 

Experiential learning is a core element of the Tufts Summit Program. Classes incorporate excursions to relevant local sites to create immersive learning experiences on a global stage. In-class IR simulations and class trips to international organizations in Geneva, Switzerland allow Tufts Summit students to experience international relations firsthand.  French classes are enhanced by excursions to cultural and historical sites and by living with a French host family.  

Global Community 

The Tufts Summit program sets students on a path to become thoughtful and informed global citizens. Group discussions about culture and global politics help students learn to see the world through an international lens.  Living with a host family and being immersed in another culture provides a real time perspective on being part of a global community.  

Lifelong Impact 

Our Summit students are passionate about immersing themselves in global affairs as well as French language and culture. Many of our Tufts Summit alumni have gone on to impactful careers with international organizations like USAID, the Peace Corps, and the U.S. Department of State. Regardless of career path, our alumni consistently share how their Tufts Summit experiences helped shape their lives and worldviews.  

While each day will offer you new and unique experiences, the program includes a regular daily schedule of classes and activities: 

Each weekday, you will 

• Walk or use public transport to come to the European Center in Talloires 

• Spend the morning in your two classes 

• Enjoy a lunch break with your fellow ‘Summit-ers’ 

• Spend the afternoon in an academic workshop, IR simulation, cultural activity or on a hike! 

• Return to your Host Family home for dinner and an evening “en famille!” 

Wednesdays are reserved for full day excursions to class-related sites. 

Weekends are for resting, spending time with your host family, exploring Talloires and Annecy, and connecting with your Summit friends and classmates. 

Accommodations

You will be placed with a carefully selected local host family, most often with another student. Every effort is made to try and match you with a host family who corresponds to your stated needs.  

Staffing: 24/7 Support

Tufts Summit courses are held at the Tufts European Center. Your group activities are led and accompanied by Tufts Summit staff and faculty. There is a 1:5 staff-to-student ratio, and the Tufts Summit staff is on call 24/7.  

In addition to your classes, the Tufts Summit Program includes group activities that let you take advantage of the rich and exciting area around Talloires! These activities might include: 

• A tour of the nearby Château de Menthon! This medieval castle looming over Lake Annecy is rumored to have inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty’s castle; 

• A group hike up the Roc de Chère, a nature reserve in Talloires that offers beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding mountains; 

• A class trip to the nearby city of Chambéry to explore the farmer’s market at the Marché des Halles, visit the Château des Ducs de Savoie, learn about La Fontaine des Éléphants, and enjoy the Musée Savoisien; 

• An excursion to the Bauges Mountains to explore rural life in the area around Talloires – including a visit to a local fromagerie to see how cheese is made; 

• A group activity around sustainability and climate change called the Fresque du Climate; 

• A walking tour of the historic center of Geneva, followed by a visit to the Museum of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent and the United Nations Palais des Nations; 

• A chance to learn how to play pétanque with French locals. 

Please note: These activities and excursions are based on previous programs and may be adjusted to accommodate local conditions and participant feedback.  

International Relations in a Changing World 

This course, taught in English, is designed to examine competing answers to the fundamental questions challenging analysts of international affairs, such as:  What should provide the basis of world order: power, or law?  Under what conditions is it legitimate to use military force in foreign policy?  Is there a global obligation to protect human rights in sovereign states?  More than a tête-à-tête about current events, this introductory college preparatory course will give students, regardless of academic background, the theoretical frameworks to think critically and speak intelligently about international issues, diplomacy and conflict resolution.  

La Langue et la Culture Française 

This interactive French language course helps students expand their vocabulary and develop new ways to express themselves and support their opinions. Emphasizing listening comprehension and speaking, as well as colloquial French usage, expressions, and pronunciation, our Tufts Summit French course aids students in achieving linguistic proficiency and enhances their cultural integration. Classes and small group discussions are conducted in French. French language instruction is enhanced by living with a local host family. Our French language instructors are native French speakers with extensive experience teaching at the secondary school level. 

“The Tufts Summit Program has been one of the best experiences of my life thus far, and I greatly appreciated the opportunity to learn more about international relations as well as constantly and consistently improve my French. It was certainly challenging, both from a standpoint of academics (writing a research paper, participating in debates) and social experiences (living with a host family, being a temporary member of a community in a different country) but so rewarding! It’s not something I’ll forget in a hurry.“

Elinor P., Tufts Summit Alumna ‘24