Travel to the South of France to experience an exchange program in boarding schools in the South of France.

You live at the school dorm during the week and are welcomed by a French homestay on weekends and during school breaks. You improve your French and make international friends while immersing yourself into the French culture and language.  

Study abroad France
Age from 14 to 18 years old
Language French
Dates September to June
Length Trimestre, Semester, Academic year
Fees from 5890 EUR
Overview

​Next possible start dates: January and August 2026. Apply now!​

Discover our High School program in the South of France

Your Exchange Program in a South of France boarding school with Nacel.
Exchange students live at the boarding quarters of the school from Monday to Friday and with a nice French host family during weekends and school holidays.

We place our exchange students in France in the following cities: 

  • Espalion
  • Rodez

In Espalion, not far from Rodez, and Masseube, students may opt for a full time permanent boarding in France.

​State-supported private schoolsare significantly subsidized, making them much more affordable than fully independent international private schools in France. These schools adhere to the national curriculum, and while many have a religious foundation (often Catholic), students are not required to participate in religious services.

What should I expect of my school year in France?

French secondary education is divided into two schools:

  •  the “collège” for the first four years directly following primary school (Grades 6-9)
  • the “lycée” for the next three years.

    Completion of secondary studies leads to the “baccalauréat”. The school’s director makes the decision regarding grade and placement level for international students, taking into account the school’s organization, the student’s transcripts and their French level. All students attend general classes such as French, History, Foreign Language (usually English, then German or Spanish), Sports, etc..

    Most private boarding schools in France only offer 5-day boarding option. Exchange students are hosted in host families for weekends and holidays. 

    Study abroad in a boarding school in the South of France!

    Rather looking for an exchange program in France in host families? Or a program in a different location? Look at our page dedicated to student exchange in France. 

    • Videos
    Accommodation

    During the exchange program in a boarding school in the South of France, exchange students live at the boarding quarters with their school friends during the week (Monday to Friday), with full board, and with a host family on weekends and during the school holidays, with full board.

    Fees

    South of France boarding schools

    * Price in EUR per participant.

    Not included Application fees (65 euros)

    School Year Abroad in France 2025/2026

    School trimestre :

    • late August 2025 to December 2025 (with orientation/ soft landing camp)
    • early February 2026 to May 2026 (no orientation)

    School semester :

    • late August 2025 to mid January 2026 (with orientation/ soft landing camp)
    • mid January 2026 to mid June 2025 (no orientation)

    School academic year:

    • late August 2025 to mid June 2026 (with orientation/ soft landing camp)
    • mid January 2025 to late December 2026 (no orientation and no accommodation during the summer break)

    💰 What's Included in the Price?

    • Administration fees
    • School registration and tuition fees (including school lunches)
    • Boarding school accommodation on weekdays and host family on weekends
    • French as a foreign language classes included (in Espalion only)
    • Support, assistance and 24/7 Hotline during the whole program

    🚫 What's Not Included?

    • Round-trip international airfare
    • Travel insurance (luggage loss, flight delay etc.)
    • Visa, passport and medical exam fees
    • Extra activities such as sports, excursions, etc. organized by the school or others, extra language courses
    • Domestic transfer on departure day
    • Personal expenses and spending money

    Mandatory fees to be added

    • Meet&Greet + Orientation: 500 EUR
    • Supervised transfer on arrival to school/host family: 530 EUR
    • Insurance: 450 EUR
    • School books: 120 EUR (Espalion only)
    • Transport: Term 150 EUR; Semester 200 EUR; Year 250 EUR

    "I leave France after 10 months here with Nacel. I would like to thank you for all what you have done for me this year, everything was fine and I think that I’ve learned a lot. Merci Nacel!"

    Aneyrin (all)

    I want to study medicine at a French university in the future and to be able to adapt and catch up with French culture, my parents and I are interested in Nacel's boarding schools in France. They recommended the Espalion boarding school because the faculty was highly qualified and interested in helping students have an excellent year. For this reason, we chose Espalion. Coming from a big city, I really liked the idea of studying in a much calmer, safer place with nature around. My year in Espalion has been very productive and I leave happy because I have achieved my goal: to study in France and get good grades. Have a nice day! 

    Ricardo G. (all)

    Studying in France was the best thing that ever happened to me! The food, the people, the architecture is great. Thank you very much Nacel for accepting me into your school exchange program. The boarding school is spectacular for those who want to concentrate well on their studies. At first, if you don't have very good French (like mine when I arrived) you'll feel that it's difficult to keep up with school, but it's normal because you've just arrived. The teachers are very attentive and listen to students who are interested in applying themselves to their studies. I recommend this program 100%. 

    Grace M. (all)

    I am Spanish and this year I went to study at the school Querbes de Rodez. It's a boarding school that I liked very much because it's very clean and modern. The teachers are very nice and are there if you have questions about the subjects or what you want to study in the future.

    I really liked the city because I felt very welcome and safe. With my friends we sometimes studied in the park on Wednesdays or had a cup of coffee. I've always liked studying in boarding schools and I'm grateful for the fact that I can go out and get some air during the week. My host family has been very supportive and I will always remember them very fondly.

    Marta R. (all)

    I want to share with you as well that Maxim is settled fine in French Lycee in Zurich. He is very focused on studies now, his French has really improved last year, it’s fantastic. His marks are good now. He is much more confident. 

    I am very grateful to Nacel for all support and care provided to my son. I am sure his success is a lot because of your help and guidance. Big thank you to all teachers and host families in France. Svetlana 


    Svetlana, mother of Maxim (all)

    Rodez is very nice! I loved my stay there! It’s very Frenchy!

    Savannah L. (all)

    Eligibility

    Exchange students must be interviewed in their home country before being accepted in this South of France boarding school.
    A minimum of two years of French study and good academic results are required to study in France.

    If you speak no or very little French, we advise you to consider a French international school in Paris area: Notre-Dame International High School. Inquire now: https://www.ndihs.com