Gap-Year Program Details, Services and Fees
 

 

Institut Tocqueville

 
We are a private secondary and higher education institution located in the 16th district of Paris.  Our primary mission since our founding in [DATE] has been to prepare high school students and recent high school graduates for rigorous studies in selective French and international universities and private colleges.

With a core faculty of professors who teach in the top schools in Paris, we offer an elite learning experience.  Our professors include lecturers in the French Grandes Ecoles, such as Sciences Po, and in selective universities, such as the Sorbonne.  Our professors have years of experience teaching their respective subjects.  They are also selected for their ability to work with students in small groups and to offer individualized teaching that engages and motivates students.

Our advisors also have years of experience working with students to help students create a path of study that matches their talents, interests and future plans.  Pre-university orientation and career planning services are what sets our program apart from standard programs.


Program Dates

 
Full Year: September 17, 2018 through May 24, 2019
Early start option begins on September 11, 2018
Spring Semester Only: January 28, 2019 through May 24, 2019
Early start option begins on January 22, 2019
 

Course Offerings


All students take French language courses in the mornings.  You will have 15 hours of French language and culture courses per week.  For students with an advanced level of French, we offer specialized courses such as French for Business that allow you to develop a richer vocabulary and practice.

In the afternoons, you will have your university-level courses.  You will have a total of 10-12 hours of academic courses per week.  For these courses, you can choose between four areas of concentration: Art & Architecture; Business & Communication; Science & Pre-Engineering; and Political Science & International Relations. Each concentration is designed with foundational, college-level courses to allow you to explore an area of study and to prepare you for future studies.
 
Indicative courses in each area include:
Arts & Architecture
History of Art
History of Architecture
History of Fashion
Field visits to museums, exhibitions, and design projects
Political Science & International Relations
Introduction to Political Science 
Introduction to International Relations
Introduction to Political Philosophy
International Institutions
Business & Communication
Principles of Business
Business Communications
Managing Across Cultures
Business, Society & Ethics
Science & Pre-Engineering
Calculus 
Physics
Engineering Science
Computer Science

 

Pre-Program Services

 
Before the program begins, we will work with you to ensure that are adequately prepared for your year abroad so that you can focus on enjoying the full experience.

Student Visa Science & Pre-Engineering

Calculus 

Physics

Engineering Science

Computer Science


To assist you with obtaining a student visa, we will provide you with a Certificate of Enrollment, which you can use to apply for a visa.  You will receive your Certificate of Enrollment upon registration and payment.  It is your responsibility to obtain the student visa which you can apply for at the French Consulate nearest to you.  More information about applying for a French student visa can be found here

Housing Selection

You will have the option between living in a tastefully-appointed student residence, in a furnished, serviced apartment with another student, or with a host family.  We arrange housing so that your daily commute to Institut Tocqueville is less than 30 minutes.
If you prefer to stay on your own, we can provide support in finding a suitable room or apartment.

Social Networking

Once you have registered for the program, you will have access to the Facebook group for incoming students from all of our programs

 

Student Services during Program


Early Start Option

For students who are looking for an introduction to the French language prior to the start of the program, or for those who are simply in need of a refresher, we have created an “early start option. This option allows you to brush up on your French language skills prior to the official program start so that you can start the program with confidence.

Course Selection Advising

For those of you who are undecided about which courses to take, we offer course selection advising to help you choose the right area of concentration and courses so that you can maximize your educational experience. 

Academic Advising

Throughout the program you will have access to academic advisers who will help you to review your course of study and future university plans.  Our advisors are also available to support you with any academic challenges you may face. 

Pre-professional Advising

You may start to think about your future professional career while engaged in the program, and to support you during this time we offer pre-professional advising. Our dedicated advisors will support you on your journey as you begin to think about what career you might want to pursue.

Student Insurance

You will receive medical and life insurance as part of your registration to cover for medical emergencies, including 24-hour support and medical evacuation and repatriation. 

Student Card
As a student in our program, you will receive a student card that provides access to dining facilities around the city.  These student dining facilities offer inexpensive meals with a great amount of variety.  The card also provides discounts for museum entries so that you can discover the city’s rich cultural offerings even on a student budget. 

Sports Options

If you are athletic and looking for sports opportunities, we can help arrange access to the modern sports facility Emile Anthoin, located in shadow of the Eiffel Tower, or to the five-hole Golf du Bois de Bologne, the closest golf facility to the city center. 

Excursions

Another exciting aspect of the program is the opportunity to explore Paris and other areas of France. You will have the opportunity to participate in weekend excursions to the beautiful sights that the French countryside and other French cities have to offer.