New Zealand-Switzerland Exchange Scheme Details
The annual New Zealand Switzerland exchange allows for our students of French to experience life with a French speaking Swiss family for a period of eight weeks and at a relatively low cost. We see it as an incentive for our senior language students to continue with their studies and develop intercultural competencies, and we recommend it to you as a valuable and worthwhile experience.
Who is the Organiser ?
In Switzerland, the ARPEL exchange organisation, based in Geneva.
In New Zealand, Agnes Peyron, French Teacher at Tauranga Girls’ Collegeis the New Zealand/Switzerland Exchange Coordinator.
Who Can Go ?
Students of French who will begin Year 12 in the year of the exchange. (and also exceptional Year 11 students).
Where Will Our Students Go ?
To the cantons of Geneva, Valais, Fribourg, Neuchatel and Vaud (French speaking Switzerland)
What Will They Do There ?
They will stay with a French speaking Swiss host family.
They will be required to regularly attend a high school in Switzerland.
We also offer a 3-4 days excursion to Paris at the end of the stay.
What Will It Cost ?
An administration charge of $60 to be submitted with the application form.
The air fare, based on a group booking, is approximately $4500 return, including insurance.The amount is payable in 3 instalments during the year. (May-July-September).
The Paris trip is around $390 - payable end of September.
Spending money (a minimum of $1500 as a rough guide).
More details will be forwarded to you later.
When And For How Long ?
Eight weeks from early Decemberto the end of January. Note this is the European winter.
How Will The Exchange Students Be Supervised?
The participants will fly as a group to Geneva, accompanied by a New Zealand teacher.
Whilst in Switzerland, supervision is mainly the responsibility of the Swiss host family, but teacher(s) accompanying the group and the exchange organisers in Geneva can be contacted in any eventuality.
What Is Expected Of The New Zealand Host Family?
The exchange is from family to family.
It is expected that the New Zealand family will host the Swiss partner for 8 weeks between late July and September.
The host family is expected to provide for their Swiss guest as they would for their own child. The same is expected of the Swiss host families.
Should a New Zealand family wish to participate in the scheme by hosting a Swiss student without sending their own son or daughter to Switzerland, this may be possible. Please indicate clearly on the application form if you wish to do this.
How To Apply
If you are interested please fill in the application forms from your French teacher. They must be received by 4 March 2016 and are to be sent to Agnes Peyron (please see address below).
Do You Have Any Other Questions ?
If so please contact Agnes Peyron.
Agnes Peyron
Tauranga Girls’ College
930 Cameron Road
Tauranga 3112
Email:
Phone: 07 5788 114 ext.763 Cellphone: 0210 597153
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