For many students, making long trips to other continents is something foreign – a completely new experience.

It may not be easy to travel alone to a country thousands of miles away, where little or no English is spoken.

But to experience a new country and culture and at the same time intensively learn a new language is exactly what the Abroad Program planned for this summer’s trip to southern France.

The program has set the dates for June 13 to July 11.

The small costal town of Antibes is where the students will reside, in the Côte d’Azur on the French Riviera.

“We chose Antibes over a big city like Paris mostly because it’s very difficult to find good host families for the students in Paris,” said the director of the program, Laura Gardinali. “Antibes somehow reminds me of Santa Barbara. It’s a pretty small town with great beaches”.

Gardinali has taught Italian and French at City College since 2004. She was born in Italy and has spent quite a bit of time in both southern France and Paris.

“I spent many summers in the area and I studied French there at a young age,” Gardinali said. “I know the area well and will be able to guide and help the students well.”

The trip is open to anyone who is interested in learning French. There is no prerequisite, so beginners are able to sign up and will then take a French 101 class during their stay.

The students will study about five hours of French per day at The Centre d’Antibes Language Institute. All courses except French 120 are transferable.

Students can expect to study the French language, and learn about French culture and traditions.

“It’s a great opportunity to widen your perspective and see something new, and it’s a safe way to experience a country far away from home,” Gardinali said.

The students will stay with host families with whom they will share breakfast and dinner.

“Most students on my previous trip said staying with a family was very valuable and gave them a good insight of the country’s culture,” Gardinali said.

For those who want to visit Paris there will also be an optional four-day trip to the capital and the students will go on daylong excursions to Nice and Eze in Provence as well as to Monaco.

Students also have the opportunity to stay in Europe longer and travel to other countries.

The cost for the trip is $4075 and does not include airfare, the optional Paris excursion, City College fees, textbooks, or insurance.

“I want students to arrange their flight by themselves. That will be an option. Also, keep in mind that the amount will depend on currency rates that might change,” Gardinali said.

According to Gardinali, if financial aid is needed, one option that students have is to apply for extra aid for the spring semester, and instead use it for the trip.

Informational meetings will be held March 13, at 1 p.m. and April 8, at 5 p.m. in the Humanities building – room 328.

For more information visit the Study Abroad website or stop by the Study Abroad office IE-1 at the International Education Center on East Campus.

The deadline for applications for the trip is April 13.