2023 Regis Jesuit France Program
| Travel Dates: |
June 1, 2023 -
June 12, 2023
Dates are tentative
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| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$3,490 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Estimated Airfare: | $1,400 |
Important Reminders
Passport check
Insurance Reminder
Fundraiser
Review all materials
What to Expect
Please read through all of the information below. More details will be added as your departure draws closer.
Itinerary
We do everything possible to abide by itineraries as originally planned, but decades of experience teaches that we must be flexible in our planning. Changes to a trip’s schedule are uncommon, but Walking Tree reserves the right to make adjustments to programming in the best interest of the group.
| Day | Location | Description | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | USA - Paris | We will from Denver, Colorado to Paris, France, arriving the following day. | Airplane |
| 2 | Paris | Today the group will arrive to Paris and meet their program leader at the airport. Once we get settled into our hotel, we'll have some obligatory croissants and hold an orientation meeting to discuss the upcoming trip in detail. This evening, we'll explore our surroundsings on foot and have dinner as a group nearby before turning in for some much needed rest after our interanational travels. | Hotel in Paris |
| 3 | Paris | With so much to see in Paris, we'll spend most of the day visiting monuments and amazing sites. We'll start the day at The Orsay Museum followed by a quick trip to the beautiful Tuileries Gardens where we will enjoy a picnic lunch. Next we'll continue on to the Place de la Concorde and the Place Vendome, a square dominated by a decorated column dedicated to the famous Napoleonic battle of Austerlitz. We'll move on to the home of the current French President - the Palais de l'Élysée, where we'll take in the beautiful view from outside. The afternoon will be an excellent chance to do some (window) shopping at one of the most exclusive shopping districts in the world; Champs-Élysées. We'll finish up the day up at the Arc de Triomphe. We'll have dinner at a restaurant and then head to the Palais du Tokyo, Paris' exciting contemporary art museum (open until midnight!). From here we'll catch an evening boatride to see the beautiful sights of Paris by night, including a lit up Eiffel Tower, and conlcude this full day with a late dinner. | Hotel in Paris |
| 4 | Paris | Today, we will have a wonderful walking tour of Paris. We'll start on the Left Bank or Rive Gauche where we will see the Luxembourg Gardens, the Pantheon, and the famous Latin Quarter, followed by the Holy Chapel and Notre Dame Cathedral. We'll stop for a picnic lunch in the nearby park and explore the Ile de St. Louis, too. Then we will continue up to the Pompidou Center, where we will see an exhibition. After the museum we will walk over to the Les Halles area and explore Rue Montorgueil, the oldest market street in Paris, and the Church of St. Eustache. We will eat dinner at a restaurant in the neighborhood and then head back to our accommodations for some rest. | Hotel in Paris |
| 5 | Paris | In the morning we'll visit the Louvre and you will have your chance to see the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory and many other amazing works of art. After the Louvre we will walk to the gardens of the Palais Royal and eat our picnic lunches. From there, we will head on to our language exchange with a group of French students. We will likely visit them in their school or a local activity center for some language and cultural exchange activities. For the evening, we will stroll to the Place de Clichy and onwards to take pictures in front of the Moulin Rouge. We will have dinner in the area and then take the metro back to our accommodations. | Hotel in Paris |
| 6 | Versailles | Today we will take the RER just outside of Paris to see the palace of Versailles, one of the most opulent palaces in the world, with gardens equally as beautiful. We'll enjoy a nice picnic in the gardens and you'll also get the chance to visit the historic Hall of Mirrors - the treaty of Versailles was signed here, ending World War I. We'll take the RER back into Paris and get out at the Champs de Mars to see the Eiffel Tower up close. We'll then amble onward past Les Invalides then walk along the Seine before heading back towards our accommodations to eat dinner. | Hotel in Paris |
| 7 | Paris - Bayeux | Today we'll depart by train to Bayeux, changing the city life for a quiter small-town ambience. Upon arrival to our hotel, we'll check in and enjoy a relaxing afternoon strolling around this quaint town. We'll have a group reflection in the square in front of the town's cathedral and enjoy dinner at a local creperie nearby. | Hotel Reine Mathilde |
| 8 | Bayeux | After a typical French breakfast, we will pay a visit to the local museum and take a look at the famous Bayeux Tapestry from the 11th century, which depicts William the Conqueror’s conquest of England. In the early afternoon we will take a guided bike tour of the Normandy region- winding through small towns and the French countryside, ultimately bringing to Gold Beach. Our guide will explain the significance of this site, one of the five D-Day langding beaches, to learn about the events that led to the Allied victory in World War II. We'll have the opportunity to reflect on the important events that took place in this area even get an inside look at the German bunkers still present to this day. Dinner in town tonight after a full day. | Hotel Reine Mathilde |
| 9 | Mont St. Michel | Today we’ll hit the road by bus, traveling southwest toward Mont St. Michel. We’ll take a guided tour of this enchanting island monastery. We'll continue onward to St. Malo, stopping at a dairy farm or a marine farm this afternoon to learn about the importance of these industries in northwest France. We’ll arrive in the walled port city of St. Malo by the late afternoon/early evening and will have some free time to check out the inner city and explore the oceanfront. | Hostel in St. Malo |
| 10 | St. Malo - Loire Valley | We'll have an early start today to maximize time today in the Loire Valley. We'll travel by bus for a few hours, stopping at the Village Troglodytique, a strange 13th-century town built into stone. Just a few more kilometers, and we'll stop in Saumur for lunch. Then we will drive a bit further along the Loire River to Chênehutte-Trèves-Cunault, and to a place called La Cave aux Moines. There, we'll learn about how mushrooms and snails are raised (and perhaps taste some). We will get back on the bus and head further east, towards Chateaux territory, stopping at Amboise to see the castle there. Finally we'll drive to our accommodations, check in, and have a late dinner. | Hostel near Amboise |
| 11 | Amboise - Paris | After this morning's breakfast, we'll check out, head back on the bus and tour some more of chateau country (by bus and also by bike if time allows). We'll see the beautiful castle of Chambord. After a picnic lunch, we will get back on the bus and return to Paris where we'll check in to our final hotel. This evening, we'll have a festive final dinner where we will cap off the program with some traditional French cuisine: Frog legs, Escargot and Steak Frites. We'll head back to our accommodations early enough so that we can pack and rest up for the journey home. | Hotel in Paris |
| 12 | Paris - USA | Today we head to the airport and fly back to the USA. Bon voyage! | Your own bed, eventually! |
Accommodations
In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing group accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, locally operated, clean and safe. We inspect each partner hotel to ensure they meet these standards.
FIAP Jean Monnet
More than just a hotel, this international youth accommodation also functions as a conference center, a cultural venue, and a space to meet up with friends from all over the world. A truly unique experience for students in Paris. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.
Domaine La Suisse Normande (Farmhouse)
Enjoy the quieter side of the French countryside in a renovated Farmhouse outside of Caen. The beautiful grounds as well as the friendly and attentive hosts make this an unforgettable stay for student groups.
Hotel Reine Mathilde
Hotel Reine Mathilde is located at the heart of city centre. Breakfast and Wifi are provided. Students will be split between gender in either double, triple or quadruple rooms.
Group Flight
Once your flight schedule has been confirmed, the itinerary will appear here.
Walking Tree will secure a seat on the group flight for each participant unless otherwise instructed.
Travelers are responsible for checked baggage fees. Please visit the airline’s baggage webpage to learn if you should expect to pay anything.
We will provide a group manifest – complete with reservation codes and ticket numbers – to the Group Organizer/s before departure, and travelers will need to check in at the airport in order to receive their boarding pass and have documents verified. We recommend arriving no later than three hours prior to the scheduled departure, but contact your Group Organizer for specific details on exactly where and when to meet on the day of departure.
FLIGHT INTERRUPTION, DELAY OR CANCELLATION
Air travel can be unpredictable. Regardless of proper planning, there may still be instances when a flight is delayed or cancelled due to staffing shortages, weather, mechanical problems, etc. Please note that in such an event, Walking Tree Travel (WTT) is not financially responsible for unanticipated costs incurred by travelers en route. Our programs officially begin and end in the destination country, and because our staff doesn’t fly with the group, Group Organizers (the traveling faculty member/s) become the front-line advocate for the group in the event of a delay. In most cases of cancellations or delays, the airline will be the one who re-books travel or possibly arranges a hotel and food the night. Our primary role will be to keep families updated and provide support to the Group Organizer to reach a quick and effective resolution.
Host Community and Project Details
Packing List
What follows is a sample packing list but you know yourself better than we do so please adjust accordingly. We recommend you bring a larger piece of luggage like a roller, duffel bag, or backpack, as well as a smaller backpack that you can bring on daily outings, weekend excursions and shorter activities.
“Less is more” is a packing tip we encourage for all our travelers. The list below should cover everything you would need, but know yourself and what you are comfortable traveling with. We suggest bringing only as much as you would be able to carry on your own.
Finally, we recommend consulting a weather forecast for your destination.
Most importantly, be sure to remember your PASSPORT!
CLOTHES (quantities depend on your trip length) :
- Underwear
- Socks (a mixture of good active socks and casual socks)
- T-shirts (some quick dry)
- Long sleeve shirts
- Sweaters or sweatshirts
- Underwear
- Shorts
- Rain jacket
- Travel/athletic shorts that are breathable and light
- Comfortable, everyday pants
- Nice shirt/top to be worn to more formal dinners (girls might want a skirt or something a little nicer for such occasions)
- Durable athletic/walking shoes
- Sandals (optional)
- Hat
TOILETRIES: BRING THE BASIC TOILETRIES YOU NEED PLUS:
- Sunscreen (you will use a lot)
- Mosquito repellent
- Band Aids and Neosporin
- Hand Sanitizer
- Medication in properly marked original container
MISCELLANEOUS:
- Sunglasses
- Journal and pen
- Book
- Camera (digital, disposable, waterproof)
- Power Converter
- Alarm Clock and watch
- Debit card/US Dollars (we recommend about $50-$150, depending on amount of desired souvenirs, extra items etc.)
- Durable water bottle
- 1 quick-dry towel
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Batteries
- Deck of cards or other portable games
- Host family gift
- STUDENT ID
- French/English Dictionary
Support Team
At a minimum, one experienced Program Leader will travel on every trip. In addition to this full time leadership presence, Walking Tree has additional staff in all destinations and 24/7 support from our headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Below you’ll find the the team members involved in the preparation, planning and execution of your program.
Sarah Hofmann
France Country Director
Carnegie Mellon University – B.A. Francophone Studies and Anthropology
Columbia University – M.A. Cultural Studies
Born in Tokyo, Sarah was raised in an Ecuadorian-American family in Singapore, Paris and the D.C. suburbs. Basically, she had no choice: she was going to be an implicated world citizen whether she liked it or not. After finishing a self-defined undergraduate major in Francophone literature, Anthropology and Painting – with a semester-long stint in Bamako, Mali squeezed in – she continued to study, travel and work in the francophone world. Since completing her undergraduate studies she has lived in the French antilles, worked in Haiti, completed a Masters in Paris, braved the mean streets of NYC, and taught French in Dakar, Senegal. She has now landed in Bordeaux in the south of France where she has learned that biking along the Garonne River can, in fact, give a person a whole other take on life.
Emory University – B.A. Sociology and minor in Latin American History
Luke’s path to student travel began in Mexico, during a year abroad in Mexico and Central America. This formative time led him to join an international volunteer program which, after graduating from college, sent him to the small village of San Gerardo de Rivas in south-central Costa Rica. Welcomed by the loveliest of host families, his experience in this tiny town is directly connected to the beginnings of Walking Tree five years later. His love for travel still burns bright, and today he’s lucky to have a wife and daughter who are equally passionate about exploring the world. Settled in Denver, he adores his family and colleagues, skies whenever possible, and is a devoted fan of all Colorado sports teams.
Group Roster
Below is a list of the travelers enrolled on the program.
Blog and Communication
During travel we work hard to keep families updated as frequently as possible with blog posts and photos, giving you peace of mind that your traveler is safe and thriving on their program. Students regularly contribute to these posts, providing families back home a great way to vicariously track the progress of the trip. You will be notified when the first update is posted, after which we recommend checking in regularly via the black “Program Blog” button at the top of this webpage.
Assuming your school allows the use of cell phones, most destinations are wired enough to allow participants access WiFi at different moments in the program, allowing them to communicate directly with home. Ask your Walking Tree representative about the degree of connectivity on your program.
GLC Curriculum
Walking Tree has developed a curriculum of activities meant to help travelers get the most out of their trip before departure, during travel and after they return home. These simple and engaging activities are meant to spark discussion, frame experiences, and prepare participants to travel ethically and effectively both on this trip and on future adventures.For more information about student learning objectives and the format of the curriculum, click on the ‘learn more’ button below.
To view and complete the Pre-Program Activities, visit our online portal at the button below.
Standards of Behavior
In order to run a safe and successful program, it is vital that travelers are prepared to be on their best behavior and bring enthusiasm and interest to each and every day. A communal atmosphere of trust and mutual respect is the foundational. As such, all individuals participating on a Walking Tree program are required to take responsibility for their actions and adhere to a high standard of personal conduct.
IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL
- Possessing, consuming or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Associating with participants while they are in possession of alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Behaving in a way that consistently damages the group dynamic or jeopardizes personal or group safety. This includes consistently displaying a negative attitude, intimidating or excluding other participants, sneaking out, disobeying group leaders, and any other behavior that is not conducive to an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.
GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL OR IN-COUNTRY CONSEQUENCE
- Getting a piercing or tattoo.
- Stealing, or deliberately damaging or defacing any personal property, buildings or materials.
- Threatening physical or emotional harm, or brandishing a weapon.
- Possessing, consuming, or distributing tobacco or nicotine, including vape pens.
- Riding mopeds, motorcycles, or any other type of unauthorized vehicle.
- Being out of designated area or accommodations after curfew.
- Breaking group rules.
These standards of behavior are essential for the successful completion of your program. Please take the time to review these as a family and make sure everyone understands and agrees to them.
Health and Safety
We strongly recommend visiting the CDC France website to get the most updated information on health and vaccination considerations in your destination country. In addition, we encourage you to consult your personal family physician so you can be as informed as possible when making important decisions about vaccinations and other necessary health-related preparations before traveling.
Our in-country staff meticulously prepare for all programs. Walking Tree receives regular updates from the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to proactively stay ahead of any potential security concerns. Our in-country staff also verify the safety records of our partner organizations, vendors, and transportation providers, thoroughly vet homestay families through in-depth interviews and visits, and stay informed about important current events in the region.
Program Leaders are seasoned travelers who are CPR and First Aid certified, undergo thorough training in crisis management, and participate in comprehensive leadership training. We do our best to prepare for any eventuality and have detailed emergency protocols for our leaders, in-country staff, and U.S.-based staff.
We collect medical disclosures from all participants to ensure we can meet every student’s needs during the program. Please inform us immediately of any additional health issues not listed during your initial registration process. Leaders and in-country staff are prepared to respond promptly to any mental, physical, or emotional health concerns and follow comprehensive emergency protocols.
Insurance
While we work hard to ensure the safest experience possible for our travelers on program, experience teaches that travel can be unpredictable. For this reason, we recommend that all travelers consider a travel insurance policy with a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) provision. Detailed explanations of plan options can be found via the link below.
To provide travelers and families with a quality option, Walking Tree has partnered with Travel Insured International, one of the most respected providers in the industry. Begin by getting a quote here.
IMPORTANT NOTE: in order to secure coverage that includes CFAR, you must purchase the plan within 14-21 days of your first payment to Walking Tree. Be careful when you read the tenets of the policy to ensure you understand the required timeframe for purchase. You must also insure 100% of your trip cost, so program tuition + flight. Please reach out to us with questions.