A Catholic Study Abroad Year in France for American Boys (Ages 15–18)

The Year in Europe Program at Chavagnes International College offers American boys aged 15–18 a full Catholic school year in France: serious academics, French language immersion, traditional liturgy, and a rich programme of cultural and pilgrimage travel across Europe. Although specifically conceived for Americans the program could also appeal to students from other countries too. It is especially suited to boys who will travel a long distance (for example from the USA or Australia) and who will be willing to remain in Europe during school holidays (except for the Christmas holiday).

Set in the historic Vendée region of western France, the program is rooted in the life of a traditional Catholic boarding school while opening outward through carefully structured travel and cultural experience. Boys live and study within a stable rhythm of academic work, sport, prayer, and shared responsibility — returning home for Christmas while most travel takes place during school holidays.

---

Academic Life

Each student follows an individual academic plan aligned with British and U.S. curricula. Depending on his stage, he may:

• prepare for GCSEs, A-levels, or U.S. high school coursework
• strengthen core academic skills
• pursue advanced subjects or independent study

Particular emphasis is placed on developing spoken and written French, with tiered instruction suited to beginners through intermediate learners.

The daily timetable combines classroom study with supervised preparation, sport, cultural outings, and a full programme of Catholic life including daily Mass, prayer, confession, and the liturgical year.

---

Cultural Formation & Travel

Travel is central to the Year in Europe — not as tourism, but as education. Most trips take place during school holidays (except Christmas), allowing boys to travel widely while maintaining academic continuity.

Throughout the year, students encounter Europe directly:

• its cities and countryside
• its churches, museums, and historic sites
• its artistic and intellectual traditions
• its languages and customs

These journeys are carefully structured, purposeful, and always supervised by experienced staff.

---

Community & Formation

Life at Chavagnes is intentionally traditional. Boys live in a structured boarding environment that encourages independence, responsibility, friendship, and resilience.

The program emphasises:

• discipline and self-reliance
• physical fitness and outdoor life
• cultural curiosity
• spiritual growth
• maturity and confidence

For many students, the year becomes a defining experience — broadening horizons while deepening roots.

---

Who the Program Is For

The Year in Europe is especially suited to:

• American boys seeking an international academic year
• students preparing for university study
• younger graduates (16–17) seeking a formative gap year
• boys who would benefit from structure, challenge, and cultural immersion

No prior French is required. All classes are in English.

---

Calendar (2026–2027)

Academic Year Highlights

• Arrival: 31 August 2026
• Welcome Week: Loire Valley, Angers, Saumur, Nantes, Atlantic coast
• Classes begin: 7 September 2026

Major Field Trips & Cultural Experiences

• London (September): museums, churches, Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe
• Rome & Sicily (October Half-Term): Vatican, Colosseum, Greek temples, countryside
• Baltic Winter Trip (February): Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania, skiing/snowboarding, opera and ballet in Riga
• Spain (Easter): Holy Week processions and walking part of the Camino de Santiago
• Paris & Chartres (May): Paris visits and participation in the Pentecost Chartres pilgrimage

• Final Exams: June 2027
• Graduation Celebration: 25 June 2027
• Departures: 26 June 2027

Email us today at yearineurope@chavagnes.org for full details

l